connect 2017 • 72 AROUND THE WORLD NEW YORK May, 2017 The Ireland Funds hosted its 42nd Annual New York Dinner Gala at Pier 60 of Chelsea Piers. The event raised a total of $2.65 million for the support of hundreds of Irish charities and causes. The Gala is the largest of the 150+ events held globally by The Ireland Funds. Over the course of the dinner’s 42-year history, it has raised over $55 million. Honoree on the evening was Jim O’Donnell, Global Head of Investor Sales and Relationship Management at Citi. Jim was recognized for his business acumen and philanthropic commit- ment. Consul General Barbara Jones was also recognized for her great work and advocacy on behalf of the Irish community in New York during her tenure. 1,000 guests from the spheres of business, the arts and politics attended the Gala which was chaired by Dan Keegan, Co-Head of Global Equities at Citi. In addition to supporting causes in Ireland,a gift of $1 million to the Irish Arts Center in New York City was also announced to assist in establishing its new home. This will triple its capacity and serve more than 120,000 patrons a year with a state-of-the-art contemporary performance space for theater, dance, music, installations and special events. The Ireland Funds and its guests rec- ognized the recent passing of Amb. Dan Rooney who co-founded The Ireland Funds with fellow Pittsburgh businessman Tony O’Reilly in 1976. Those gath- ered reflected on his profound generosity and impact on countless people across Ireland which now lives on through the work of The Ireland Funds. New York 42nd Annual Dinner Gala 1 3 2 4