connect 2017 • 108 June, 2017 Melbourne put on a beautiful day for the first Friday Luncheon celebrating The Ireland Funds Australia’s 30th anniversary at Zinc at Federation Square. Over 210 guests attended what was the most successful Melbourne lunch ever. MC Catherine Murphy introduced the newly appointed Chairman Yvonne Le Bas, CFO of BT Financial Group. Yvonne welcomed guests including Board Members, supporters and major sponsors and provided an update on activities over the 12 months which saw The Ireland Funds Australia host 12 events. Yvonne spoke of the grants being made for 2017/2018, including continued support for Soar, Solas, Suas, the AIEF and new projects including Integrate My School, the Go Foundation andScience Gallery Melbourne.Oneofthehighlightsofthelunch was hearing from Tom Harkin and his experience with the Reach Foundation in Melbourne and particularly Soar in Ireland and the impact of the work of these organizations. Director Paul O’Brien introduced a video from Soar and asked guests to specifically pledge their support to Soar. The second highlight of the lunch was being entertained by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Grammy-nominated singer songwriter Ciaran Gribbin, who performed an arrangement especially written for the lunch. Christopher McKearney of Asset Value expertly conducted the live auction. A huge thank you to major sponsors, Emirates, Coolmore Stud and the Magnier Family, Sydney Yachts, The Republic Hotel, Eureka Level 89, and Australian Radio Network. The day was highlighted with a major gift from an anonymous donor. Catherine closed the day’s formalities by thanking everyone for their attendance and generosity. Pat McKernan performed for guests as they relaxed and enjoyed each other’s company. Melbourne 30th Anniversary Luncheon 1 4 8 7 2 5 6 3 1 Yvonne Le Bas, Louise Goodrem, Ros Odgers, Dianne Cuka 2 Amb. Breandán Ó Caollaí 3 Catherine Murphy, Tom Harkin 4 Dean Cleaver 5 Ciaran Gribbin and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra 6 Paul & Marie O’Brien, Annette Verhoeff 7 Rose Hiscock, Yvonne Le Bas, Ryan Jefferies, Shane Carmody, Teresa Keating 8 Trinity College Alumni AROUND THE WORLD AUSTRALIA