May 2009

Dear Friends of the Irish Pastoral Centre:

What a delight it was to meet so many of you at our Annual Fundraising Banquet on Friday, May 8!  Almost four hundred people attended and thoroughly enjoyed the evening.  All of us here at the Irish Pastoral Centre enjoyed it with you and we wish to express heartfelt thanks for the generosity of those who attended and made the evening such a huge success.  Our good friend, John Joe Somers displayed his skills both as Master of Ceremonies and as auctioneer!  As a result the auction items were a big part of the financial success of the evening.

It was indeed a special evening for the awardees: Siobhan and Connell Gallagher and Denis Moynihan were all recognized for their tireless and charitable work for the Irish community over the past decades.  Each received a standing ovation from the crowd as they accepted awards on behalf of the Irish Pastoral Centre.

Former Senate President William M. Bulger entertained the crowd and spoke glowingly of the great work of the IPC and its contribution to the Irish community in Massachusetts. His witty remarks drew loud applause from the audience.

Entertainment included great Irish music by Devri and Irish step dancing by the Brady
Academy of Irish Dance. Both groups displayed magnificent talent the celebration went on to the early hours of Saturday morning.

Again, our heartfelt thanks to one and all including donors and volunteers.  To quote Orla, “It was a great event thoroughly enjoyed by all and it was wonderful to see the support for the IPC from the local communities.”  May God bless all of you!

Sincerely,

Sister Marguerite Kelly

Sr. Marguerite Kelly

Executive Director