The Chicago Young Leaders kicked off the St. Patrick’s Day season with panache on Saturday, March 10, 2018 for the 8th Annual Green Gala. Nearly two hundred guests generously raised over $35,000 net proceeds for The Ireland Funds, a new record for the Green Gala.
In the middle of the event, guests were surprised by talented Irish musicians and dancer for an inspiring performance. Pat Tully, the Vice President of Development, welcomed guests and offered an overview of the work of The Ireland Funds. Chicago Young Leader Chair, Abbey Canning, and Vice Chair, James Keeley, encouraged guests to become involved in the Chicago chapter.
The live auction, masterfully hosted by Pat, included a trip to Ireland thanks to sponsors United Airlines, Sheen Falls Lodge and Ireland’s Blue Book.
New to the gala this year was mobile bidding for the silent auction. Suzanne Denihan, along with the rest of the Steering Committee, secured enticing prizes for guests to outbid each other to win. After viewing the latest Ireland Funds video, guests donated via their mobile phones in a live donation appeal, raising over $4,000 in a matter of minutes. Donors for the appeal and auction were rewarded with green sunglasses.
MillerCoors and Breakthru Beverage Group donated beverages for the evening with guests enjoying a specialty gin and tonic bar.
Signature Entertainment kept the dance floor packed until the after party began next door at Timothy O’Toole’s.
The Young Leaders celebrated together while supporting the vital work of The Ireland Funds.
Photo Credits: Datu Ramel Photography
Chicago Young Leaders Steering Committee: Meghan Archibald, Tristia Barrett, Sarah Brennan, Abbey Canning, Kelly Cannon, Suzanne Denihan, Stefanie Duff, Annie Duffy, Kristen Field, Dan Gibbons, Michael Gibbons, James Keeley, Meghan Lee, Bridget Monahan, Michael Mulligan, Katie Nallon, Colleen Nolan, Dan O’Keefe, Nick Parrish, Patrick Ryan, David Shine, Laura McNellis Sullivan, Colleen Tully, Kathleen Woodruff, Patrick Zahren
And special thanks to the talented Patrick Tully for emceeing the night.
Thank you to sponsors: The O’Halleran Family, CIBC, GCM Grosvenor, National Home Rentals, The Big Dog Fund, Breakthru Beverage, Patrick and Betsy Canning, Chez, Fifth Third Bank, First National Assets, Keaney Construction, Ireland’s Blue Book, Mayo Steel Erectors, MillerCoors, Mooney Family Foundation, Premier Catering and Events, Pine Valley One Real Estate, Rock Capital Partners, Signature Bank, Totem Lumber, and United.
