connect 2017 • 82 AROUND THE WORLD WASHINGTON D.C. March, 2017 The Ireland Funds hosted its 25th Annual National Gala dinner in the historic surrounds of the National Building Museum for over 700 supporters including 35 members of Congress and Irish-American leaders in business, government and media from both sides of the aisle. Guests of honor included Vice President Mike Pence, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny who received The Ireland Funds Bird and Bell Award, Senator George Mitchell and H.E. Anne Anderson – Ireland’s Ambas- sador to the United States. An Taoiseach Enda Kenny addressed those gathered and reflected on what he called the “staggering generosity” of The Ireland Funds’ donors and the impact their philanthropy had on the island of Ireland. “Over the years you have been magnificent friends to Ireland and we appreci- ate that at home greatly,” said Kenny. “We should remember Dan Rooney and Tony O’Reilly in this regard, for their vision in setting up the Ireland Funds. The projects you undertook, the terrific opportunities you gave to individuals and communities have changed lives and life across our country. Donors, be proud of your association with the Ireland Funds and to the worthy causes they support.” Vice President Pence spoke at length about his deep pride in his Irish heritage and its influence on him as an Irish-American. After his speech, he was presented with a framed family tree tracing his Irish roots and a copy of the Tubbercurry National School enrollment book noting his grandfather’s attendance. Ambassador Anne Anderson was recognized for her many years of service in her numerous diplomatic posts around the world representing Ireland. She reflected on the conclusion of her time as Ireland’s Ambassador to the US saying it, “was the greatest privilege of her life to serve as Ambassador to the USA.” Ambassador Anderson spoke of her pride in the resil- ience and spirit of Ireland and cited its passage of the marriage equalityreferendumasahighlight.ShethankedTheIrelandFunds for the contributions it had made to the island. Last to take the podium was Senator George Mitchell who represented the past 25 years of bipartisan leaders in government, business lead- ers and notable cultural figures who had been honored at The Ireland Funds’ National Gala in Washington DC. He spoke of the contributions of Americans from all backgrounds stating, “Genius knows no boundaries, no race and no religion.” All spoke on the importance of immigration support and the contri- butions that immigrants have made to the success of America. This annual event is a key opportunity for The Ireland Funds to celebrate Irish-American relations in the presence of key decision makers providing a unique platform to advance the Irish agenda in America. Other noted guests included Minor- ity Leader of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi (D); Congressmen Peter King (R) and Richie Neal (D) who jointly Chair the Friends of Ireland on Capitol Hill, Senator Rand Paul (R) and Joseph Kennedy Jr. (D). The night was a true celebration of the 25 years of The Ireland Funds’ National Gala and the deep and abiding ties between Ireland and the US. Washington DC National Gala 1 4 2 6 5 3 1 An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Sen. George Mitchell, Vice President Mike Pence 2 An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Vice President Mike Pence, John Fitzpatrick 3 Sen. Chris Dodd, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny 4 Sen. George Mitchell 5 Amb. Anne Anderson 6 An Taoiseach Enda Kenny; Kieran McLoughlin, John Fitzpatrick 7 Kieran McLoughlin, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, John Fitzpatrick 8 Dennis & Pam Lucey, Bernie McKay 9 Carol & Tom Wheeler, Joe Hassett 10 Erik Huey, Susan Davis, Reilly O’Connor 11 Guests Photos: Caitlin Myler, Erika Layne, Marty Katz