By Paddy McCarthy
I was invited to Self-Help Africa USA’s 14th Annual Change-Makers Ball last Friday which is always a very successful evening event held at Pier Sixty in Chelsea Piers.
It was an evening to celebrate enterprise and opportunity in Africa that I was unable to attend as I had a previous invitation to another event that I already committed too; I wish I could have made both but it was not possible.
My two colleagues Brad Balfour and Noelle Clancy representing The Irish Examiner USA did attend and said it was a wonderful evening.
I was at the FDNY Emerald Society’s 68th Anniversary Irishmen of the Year Dinner Dance that was held at Antun’s in Queens Village representing this newspaper.
The honorees for the evening were the first time that a set of brothers had the distinctive honor as the Men of the Year both Battalion Chief Brian Davan and Lieutenant Rich Davan for their long distinctive careers in the FDNY where it all started in early 1980. Wow what a great career these men had.
They are both first generation Irish American from Dublin and County Leitrim, Ireland from a family of six.
With over 600 attendances at both events that is absolutely fabulous as the Irish communities came out to support both of these events!
Now again last week you also had at fundraiser for the Emerald Isle Immigration Center who held their annual Fall Fundraiser at the American Irish Historical Society.
Attendees enjoyed a beautiful evening filled with great company and a vibrant atmosphere, mingling after a drink reception whilst enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres.
The event was not only an opportunity to raise funds for their important work but also to celebrate the spirit of the Irish community.
The venue provided a magnificent backdrop, enhancing the evening with its rich history and cultural significance.
With speeches from EIIC director Siobhan Dennehy and current chairman John Tully, their organization’s legacy and work – which has not only touched the lives of the Irish community but has extended well beyond to aid people from over 130 countries – was highlighted in front of their supporters and those who make this all possible.
They said: “We are grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of the fundraiser. Your support helps us continue our mission to assist immigrants and strengthen community ties. We look forward to seeing you all again next year!”
This was a busy Out&About week, no not complaining as I love what I do best and I try and go to as many as I can as well.
Martin Whelan, a great friend of The Irish Examiner USA sent me this and said that he’d had a busy and very humbling week: “I was recognized by St. John’s University with an Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award presented by Father Brian Shanley, President of St. John’s.
“SJU has almost 200K graduates and I think I am the first in my industry to receive this acknowledgment. Anyone who’s close to me knows how much I love SJU and treasure the friendships that were a result of my time there.
“The meaning of the award didn’t really hit home with me until the ceremony. The people I was honored alongside of made me prouder of SJU and extremely humbled to be chosen amongst them. Go Johnnies!
“Secondly, Maggie’s Place was given a Legacy Award from the NYC Hospitality Alliance. This is an organization of my peers. Only they know what it takes to succeed in our industry, so I am very appreciative that they chose to recognize Maggie’s Place.”
Well done Martin you deserve all the success and awards in the world as you have contributed quite a lot to the Irish community.
I hope to see you all again next week when I am Out&About again…