News
The Young Irish Fellowship Names 2008-2009 Beneficiaries—April 27, 2008
Continuing one relationship and welcoming another, the Young Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago (YIFC) has named two local organizations as beneficiaries for 2008-09.
As it approaches its first fundraiser of the year on May 3, the YIFC announced it will again support the Park Ridge-based Autism Action and newcomer, the Beverly-based Maeve McNicholas Memorial Foundation to advocate the fight against pediatric brain tumors.
“Maeve’s foundation has an incredible history; hopefully our group can help promote their work and tell Maeve’s story to young people throughout Chicago,� said Marty Joyce, YIFC vice president for charities.
The Maeve McNicholas Foundation was founded by Matt and Denise McNicholas in 2005 in honor of their daughter Maeve, who was 26 months old when she died in July 2004 as a result of a brain tumor that was diagnosed less than 36 hours before. Matt and Denise and family and friends that comprise the Foundation said they were honored and excited to become recipients of the YIFC support.
“Our foundation’s goals are simple; provide support to those institutions that work tirelessly in treating children with brain tumors and who also conduct research in hopes of finding a cure. And of equal importance is ensuring that our daughter Maeve’s name and memory are never ever forgotten,� Matt McNicholas said. “The Young Irish Fellowship’s concern and support will go a long way in helping us achieve our goals, and for that we are truly grateful.�
Autism Action (AACTION) is a humanitarian organization dedicated to helping build environments nationally and internationally, in which people with autism are identified, accepted, and supported. Its vision is to make a three to five year commitment to countries with little to no resources for individuals with autism. AACTION’s volunteer network of autism professionals provides training and education to doctors, diagnosticians, parents and educators struggling with autism. Christopher Flint, president of AACTION, said they are excited to be working with YIFC for a second year.
“YIFC’s commitment to raising awareness and funds for Chicago charities is admirable and unique. AACTION is most thankful for the awareness that YIFC has brought to the city of Chicago about the issue of global autism. With the help of YIFC we have been able to get our message out to a great number of people,� Flint said.
Because of YIFC funding, AACTION was able to travel to India in January to provide needed training for teachers and parents, Flint said.
“AACTION has been amazed with the generosity of YIFC and also with the amount of fun it has been working with them. The YIFC events are entertaining and exciting. The people involved with YIFC are true heroes—they give their time, energy, and expertise to help make the world a better place. AACTION is happy and honored to be a YIFC charity!� The YIFC will kick off the new fundraising year with the Cinco de Derby Pub Crawl on Saturday, May 3 in Lincoln Park. All YIFC proceeds raised from now until next March’s Forever Green will be directed toward the two organizations. For more information or to purchase tickets to the pubcrawl, visit www.youngirish.com.
Young Irish Donates $20,000 to Charities—Chicago, IL—July 28, 2007 |
 Snow City Arts |
Snow City Arts Foundation brings art programming to Chicago children's hospitals. Workshops featuring creative writing, music, painting, photography, and filmmaking are available seven days a week for hospitalized children—regardless of their length of stay. Founded in 1998, Snow City Arts has served more than 5,500 children in Chicago and currently brings its programs to more than 2,000 hospitalized children annually. Bridget McLaughlin, 2007-08 President, and Nora Walsh, 2006-07 Vice President of Charitable, present $10,000 to Paul Sznewajs from Snow City Arts Foundation. |
 Special Olympics Chicago |
Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. In Chicago alone, Special Olympics serves over 4,700 athletes in 19 sports. Special Olympics gives athletes continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Nora Walsh and Bridget McLaughlin present $10,000 to David Breen, Kathy McLaughlin and Dan Conley from Special Olympics Chicago. |
2007 YIFC Awards Ceremony—Chicago, IL—July 26, 2007
Each year, the Young Irish presents 3 special awards to those who continue to help the Club's mission—The Arthur Dunne Award, the Businessman of the Year, and the Chairman Award.
The "Arthur Dunne Award" acknowledges outstanding contributions to YIFC and the Irish community. Judge Arthur Dunne was a member of the Irish Fellowship Club (IFC) and was elected the liaison between the IFC and the newly-created YIFC in 1980. He was instrumental in getting YIFC started and his contribution to the YIFC is honored by this annual award.
The Businessman of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond the typical YIFC sponsor. This recipient assists the Club in following its mission: to explore the Irish culture, network with other young professionals in Chicago and most importantly, support YIFC charities to achieve its fundraising goals either through sponsorship, financial donations or product donation.
The Chairman Award is presented to a former member of the Young Irish Fellowship Club Board of Directors who has served in the role of President and subsequently, Chairman of the Board. The award acknowledges the dedication, service and support the individual has shown to the Club.
 |
 |
 |
||
Bridget McLaughlin, YIFC 2007-08 President and Michelle Brett, 2007-08 Treasurer, present the Arthur Dunne Award to Rose Doherty. Rose has provided tremendous support and aid to the Young Irish Fellowship Club in the form of accounting and auditing services. Her assistance will ensure the financial stability of the Club for years to come. |
Liam Boyle, 2007-08 Director and Bridget McLaughlin, present the Businessman of the Year award to David F. Cahill. Mr. Cahill has been very involved in local, national and international charities since 1965 and plays an important role in promoting Irish heritage in the Chicago and the Midwest. Over the past 10 years, his generosity has allowed the YIFC to support numerous charities. |
Meghan Lee, 2007-08 Chairman of the Board and Bridget McLaughlin, present the Chairman Award to George Cahill, 2005-06 President and 2006-07 Chairman. George has been a steady leader, providing an extraordinary love, knowledge and support of the Irish history and culture to the Board of Directors. |
YIFC Selects 2006-2007
Benefactors—May 31, 2007
The Young Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago is proud to announce the two
benefactors for the 2007/8 event year: Cystick Fibrosis Foundation and
Autism Action. Both charities serve unique and underserved
populations in Chicago and around the world.
AACTION is a humanitarian organization dedicated to helping build environments nationally and internationally in which people with autism are identified, accepted, and supported. Our vision is to make a 3-5 year commitment to countries with little to no resources for individuals with autism. Our volunteer network of autism professionals will provide training and education to doctors, diagnosticians, parents, and educators struggling with autism.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been the driving force behind th pursuit of a cure. Thanks to the dedication and financial backing of their supporters, patients, familes, friends, clinicians, researchers, volunteers, individual donors, corporations and staff, they are making a difference.
YIFC proceeds raised from now until next March's Forever Green will be directed to Cystic Fibrosis and Autism Action. We hope you all come out to our events to help raise money for these two great Chicago charities!
 |
 |
 |
Young Irish Volunteers with Forever Green Beneficiary, Snow City Arts Young Irish club members spent some time on their Saturday to visit local childrens' hospital and work side-by-side with artists to bring basic arts programming to seriously ill children. |
Last month, a small group of Young Irish club members spent some time on their Saturday to visit local childrens' hospital and work side-by-side with artists to bring basic arts programming to seriously ill children. This "I Heart Art Day" was made possible by our partnership with 2006-2007 Forever Green beneficiaries, Snow City Arts Foundation. Volunteers took photographs, colored, created cardboard crafts and made the days of these special kids a little brighter. Thanks to all who came out and to Snow City for coordinating the event.
"Spending the day working with Snow City made me that more excited to support them as a charity this year," said Nora Walsh, VP of Charitable. "Their work ties in well with our mission to address underserved populations in Chicago."
Stay tuned for another opportunity to work with this great charity and also to volunteer with our other Forever Green beneficiary, Special Olympics Chicago.
 |
 |
Young Irish Donates $20,000 to Charities—Chicago, IL—July 30, 2006 The Young Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago presented a donation of $10,000 to Concern Worldwide and $10,000 to the Off the Street Club at a party held at O'Briens in Old Town. |
That has been around for over 30 years. In that time, the organization has raised awareness for and donated funds to charities all over Chicagoland. While the club tends to promote the Irish culture, people of every ethnic origin are welcome to join and attend events. Donated funds were raised throughout the year, but primarily came from one of Chicago's largest St. Patrick's Day parties, Forever Green, hosted by the Young Irish every March.
Concern Worldwide is an international humanitarian organization committed to the relief, assistance and advancement of the poorest people in the least developed countries of the world. Founded in Ireland in 1968, Concern Worldwide works in 31 countries throughout Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, providing emergency relief and long-term assistance in the areas of education, health, livelihoods (including agricultural training and microfinance) and HIV/AIDS. The proceeds received from the 2006 Forever Green will help fund hunger relief projects in Sub-Saharan Africa.
"We are utterly amazed at what YIFC was able to accomplish with Forever Green and at how much that amount is going to do for our hunger relief projects," said Kristin Pomykala, Concern Worldwide Development Officer.
The Off the Street Club is Chicago's oldest boys and girls club and serves more than 3,000 youth on Chicago's West side. The YIFC donation will be used to help pay for a new school bus, which will be used to shuttle youth downtown for tutoring and field trips, transport kids out to the Club's annual Camp Mattieu, and bring volunteers out to the club for after-school programs.
Leslie Engel, president of the Off the Street Club Junior Board was present
for the check cutting ceremony. "That one nonprofit awareness group
would dedicate the efforts of an entire year to bring this kind of money
to another nonprofit is, to me, the picture of generosity," said
Engel. "We at Off the Street Club are forever grateful that Forever
Green has been so wonderful for us—the luck of the Irish, indeed."
2006 YIFC Awards Ceremony—Chicago, IL—July 30, 2006 Each year, the Young Irish presents 3 special awards to those who continue to help the Club's mission. The "Arthur Dunne Award" acknowledges outstanding contributions to YIFC and the Irish community. Judge Arthur Dunne was a member of the Irish Fellowship Club (IFC) and was elected the liaison between the IFC and the newly-created YIFC in 1980. He was instrumental in getting YIFC started and his contribution to the YIFC is honored by this annual award. |
||
|
|
|
Meghan Lee, YIFC '06 President(L) presents the Arthur Dunne award to Jack Hartman, the 1992 past president of the YIFC. Jack is the current president of the Irish Fellowship Club, and continues to offer guidance to the YIFC. |
Meghan Lee presents the 2006 Businessman of the Year award to Michael Cullen (Cullen's Bar and Grill, Blue Bayou, Mercury Theater) for his support of YIFC and its Emerald Membership program. |
Meghan Lee (L) presents the 2004-5 Chairman's Award to Mary Jo Granahan (R) for her devotion to the club as Past-President and Chairman. |
YIFC Selects 2006-2007
Benefactors—May 26, 2006
The Young Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago is proud to announce the two
benefactors for the 2006/7 event year: the Snow City Arts Foundation and
Special Olympics Chicago. Both charities serve unique and underserved
populations in Chicago.
Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition in
a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual
disabilities. In Chicago alone, Special Olympics serves over 4,700 athletes
in 19 sports. Special Olympics gives athletes continuing opportunities
to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and
participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families,
other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
"We are so grateful for the YIFC's tremendous support and
advocacy on behalf of children and adults who participate with Special
Olympics Chicago," said Kathy McLaughlin, Manager of Development.
Snow City Arts Foundation brings art programming to Chicago children's
hospitals. Workshops featuring creative writing, music, painting, photography,
and filmmaking are available seven days a week for hospitalized children—regardless
of their length of stay.
Founded in 1998, Snow City Arts has served more than 5,500 children in
Chicago and currently brings its programs to more than 2,000 hospitalized
children annually.
"These two charities were selected from a large pool of great candidates
and we are thrilled with our decision," says Nora Walsh, Charitable
Vice President.
All YIFC proceeds raised from now until next March's Forever Green
will be directed to Snow City Arts and Special Olympics Chicago. We hope
you all come out to our events to help raise money for these two great
Chicago charities!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—Chicago, IL—January
9, 2006
FOREVER GREEN ROCKS NAVY PIER FOR 31st YEAR
Dublin's Hothouse Flowers to Headline Main Stage on
St. Patrick's Day
Circle your calendars in "green" for Chicago's
biggest and best St. Patrick's Day celebration: Forever Green. Come
and raise a pint with the Young Irish Fellowship Club (YIFC) for local
charities on Friday, March 17, 2006 from 5pm to 10pm at the Grand Ballroom
of Navy Pier. Tickets are $30 prior to the event and $40 at the door and
include unlimited drinks, dancing, and entertainment.
This unbelievable event kicks off with a bit of whirl and jig with entertainment from local Irish dancers accompanied by the Shannon Rovers, Chicago's own Irish Bagpipe Band. The Larkin and Moran Brothers guarantee to get the crowd on their feet before Dublin's own Hothouse Flowers raise the roof with hits from their internationally acclaimed albums, including songs from their latest release "Into Your Heart."
"We're thrilled to have Hothouse Flowers headline this year's
Forever Green celebration," said event chair Michelle Brett. "They
have a large following and their
music has a wide appeal." More than 2,000 people attended Forever
Green in 2005, raising more than $20,000 for Chicago area charities. Beneficiaries
of the 2006 event include Off the Street Club, Chicago's oldest
Boys and Girls Club, providing educational opportunities and supervised
after-school activities for 3,000 youths in the area Concern Worldwide,
which provides emergency relief and long-term assistance in 27 countries
throughout Africa, Asia, Central America and Eastern Europe.
"We're especially proud of this event because of the direct impact we have on Chicago and our community," stated Young Irish Fellowship Club President George Cahill. "Funds raised by Forever Green go directly to programs that change lives for the better."
Forever Green is sponsored by the Young Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago (YIFC), a 3,000 member non-profit philanthropic and volunteer organization. The YIFC welcomes members of all ethnic backgrounds to explore the Irish culture, meet new friends in the community, and help support and raise awareness for Chicagoland charities. For more information about YIFC or to purchase tickets for Forever Green 31, please call 773/348-5499 or visit www.youngirish.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Young Irish Fellowship Club Donates $20,000
to Local Charities—Chicago, IL—July 21, 2005
 |
 |
 |
The Young Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago (YIFC) presented donations of $5,000 to three Chicagoland charities: Misericordia Heart of Mercy, the MGR Foundation, and Chicago Gateway Green. Checks were distributed during a festive party held at O'Briens in Old Town. |
The donations were made possible by the YIFC's successful Forever
Green party held last March. This past year was the party's 30th
anniversary and proved to be a great time with bands including Elevation,
the Muck Brothers, the Clancey Brothers, Irish Dancers, and more.
According to the Club's President, George Cahill, charities were
selected based on their unique approach to aiding the community.
Misericordia, which has provided services for individuals with mental
disabilities since 1924, plans to use the donation to help finance
their new construction of an elderly hospice care center. (view Thank
You note here)
The MGR Foundation is a local Chicago nonprofit that works with inner-city
high school students and promotes volunteering within the community. Money
will be allocated directly to the nonprofit's programs, specifically
the THINK tutoring/mentoring program and the Care Team, which plans year-round
volunteer activities for people of all ages.
Chicago Gateway Green's mission is to enhance landscaping in the
Chicagoland area, with a focus on beautifying the ‘gateways'
leading into and out of the city. In focusing on the ‘gateways'
of the city, Gateway Green joined forces with the City and State to spearhead
the Expressway Partnership program, and invited the Young Irish Fellowship
Club to become a partner.
"We hope these donations allow these charities to continue to make
a difference in Chicago," said YIFC President Cahill.
2005 YIFC Awards Ceremony—Chicago, IL—July 21, 2005 The "Arthur Dunne Award" acknowledges outstanding contributions to YIFC and the Irish community. Judge Arthur Dunne was a member of the Irish Fellowship Club (IFC) and was elected the liaison between the IFC and the newly-created YIFC in 1980. He was instrumental in getting YIFC started and his contribution to the YIFC is honored by this annual award. |
||
 |
 |
 |
George Cahill, YIFC '05 President(R) presents the Arthur Dunne award to Chris Kozicki, the 1998-9 past president of the YIFC. Chris continues to offer solid advice to the club. |
George Cahill (middle), presents the 2005-6 Businessman of the Year award to Kevin Vaughan (L) and Eamonn Vaughan (R) for their support of YIFC and its Emerald Membership program. |
George Cahill (middle) and Noreen O'Connor (R), Forever Green '03 & '04 Chair present the 2003-4 Chairman's Award to Kara Teeple (L) for her devotion to the club as Past-President and Chairman. |
Young Irish Donates to Five Area
Charities
Due to a successful year filled with happy hours, a boat cruise, a New
Years Eve benefit, and, of course, Forever Green XXX, the Young Irish
Fellowship Club of Chicago donated over $10,000 to the following charities:
-Dignity Diner
-Old St. Patrick's Church
-Big Shoulders
-Catholic Charities
-Ronald McDonald House at Children's Memorial Hospital
By year end, the Club will also be able to donate an additional $20,000
to the following Forever Green beneficiaries:
-Marilyn G. Rabb (MGR) Foundation
-Misericordia
-Gateway Green
Thanks to all of our supporters and members who come out to our events
and make this charitable giving possible. Here's to more good times
supporting more great Chicagoland charities!
Forever Green XXX is set for March 11, 2005 at Navy Pier. Beneficiaries include MGR Foundation, Misericordia and Gateway Green.
Media
Press releases (Microsoft Word):
Forever Green General Information
Forever Green Charities
Guinness Brewmaster
Fact Sheet (PDF)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Young Irish Donates to Irish Special Olympics
 |
Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland—November 13, 2004—The Young Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago (YIFC) presented a check for $1,000 to the Killarney All Stars, a Special Olympics team from the Killarney region in County Kerry. The reception, held at the Killarney Plaza Hotel, was hosted by Mr. Michael O' Donoghue, owner of the hotel. Councillor Niall O'Callaghan of the Killarney Urban District Council organized the reception. Also present were Deputy Mayor of Killarney Thomas O'Doherty and Councillor Sheila Casey. |
While the YIFC typically donates to nonprofit organizations around Chicago,
YIFC wanted to reach out to an organization closer to "home"
and, after much debate, chose the deserving Special Olympics group as
a beneficiary. The Killarney All-Stars, Deputy Mayor O'Doherty, Councillors
O'Callaghan and Casey bore greetings to the visitors from Chicago. Chairman
Kara Teeple, Vice President of Charitable Noreen O'Connnor, and Vice President
of Cultural George Cahill spoke to the attendees about the YIFC and its
charitable goals, including a desire to promote charities in Ireland and
Chicago.
Mr. Paudie Healy, Chairman of the Killarney All-Stars, welcomed the members
of the YIFC and spoke of the importance of establishing and maintaining
links betwen Killarney and Chicago. Councillor O'Calaghan invited the
YIFC back to Killarney next October for the 250th Anniversary of Killarney's
founding.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Celebrate the New Year for Charity with the Young Irish
Chicago, IL—November 19, 2004—The Young Irish Fellowship Club
of Chicago (YIFC) is hosting its first ever New Year's Eve Celebration
at Galway Arms (2442 N. Clark) in Chicago. Tickets are $80 for the Club's
Emerald Members and $90 General Admission. All proceeds for the party,
appropriately named Celtic New Year '05, will go to two local charities:
the Dignity Diner and Ronald McDonald House.
While the YIFC is more well known for their annual Forever Green party
celebrating St. Patrick's Day, the club is excited to organize an additional
party to boost awareness of the organization, raise additional funds for
deserving local charities, and also, of course, have a good time. Ticket
price includes five hours of premium open bar, small plates of "Celtic
Fusion" cuisine, plus live entertainment and a DJ. Attire for the
party is semi-formal (black tie optional). Young Irish will also host
a raffle for additional funds donated to the chosen charities; prizes
include two round-trip tickets to Ireland and more.
One of the party's beneficiaries, the Dignity Diner, serves approximately
50 low-income or homeless individuals a week, providing warm shelter,
food, and most importantly, restaurant-style service to the patrons. All
meals, cooked and served by local volunteers, are vegetarian and healthy.
Kara Teeple, the Diner's Director is excited for the financial assistance.
The Diner is funded entirely through grants and private donations, and
the average cost to cook a meal each week is $100.
The Ronald McDonald House located near Children‚s Memorial Hospital
has also been chosen as a beneficiary for Celtic New Year ‚05. The
House, billed as Œa home away from home,‚ provides accommodation
and periodic meals for over 700 families that have seriously ill children
staying at the nearby hospital. The YIFC donation will be use to help
keep the House running and allow the House to offer accommodation at little
to no charge. "Families at the house are asked to pay $5 a night
to stay at the House, but no family is turned away if they cannot pay,"
states Jenny Frederick, Outreach Coordinator for Fundraising and In-Kind
Donations. The actual cost of housing a family is about $50 per night,
so outside financial contributions to the House are always appreciated.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Young Irish Hosts Boat Cruise to Celebrate Half-Way Mark to St. Patrick's
Day
Chicago, IL—September 10, 2004—To celebrate the half-way mark
until the St. Patrick's Day season and the 30th anniversary of their
annual party, Forever Green, the Young Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago
(YIFC) is hosting an evening boat cruise along Lake Michigan. Tickets
range from $50-$65 depending on date of purchase and can be purchased
online at the Club's Web site at www.youngirish.com. Ticket price
includes the 3-hour cruise, open bar, live entertainment, and appetizers.
All attendees are invited to a free post-cruise event at O'Brien's
in Old Town, featuring free Guinness! "We're excited for the
opportunity to gear up to St. Patrick's Day in August!" says
Mary Jo Granahan, YIFC President. All proceeds from this event go to local
charities supported by the Young Irish Fellowship Club.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Young Irish Donates $10,000 to Local Charities
Chicago, IL—July 29, 2004—The Young Irish Fellowship
Club of Chicago (YIFC) is presenting a donation of $5,000 to the Make-A-Wish
Foundation of Illinois and another $5,000 to the Cystic Fibrosis (CF)
Foundation at a party held at O'Briens (1528 North Wells Street) in Old
Town.
 |
 |
The YIFC is a nonprofit philanthropic and volunteer organization that has been around for over 25 years. In that time, the organization has raised awareness for and donated funds to charities all over Chicagoland. While the YIFC tends to promote the Irish culture, the club welcomes people of every ethnic origin. |
| Mary Jo Granahan-YIFC President (L) and Tara Seider-Forever Green Co-Chairman (R) present a $5,000 check to Susan Connor from Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois (center). | Kara Teeple-YIFC Past President (center) and Mary Jo Granahan-YIFC President (R) present a $5,000 check to Amy Lurvey (L) from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Illinois. |
The Make-A-Wish donation was used to send a young girl by the name of Aimee to a Disney themepark. Make-A-Wish is a national organization that grants wishes to children between the ages of 2 and 18 with life-threatening illnesses. Wishes' come true” thanks in part to donations from individuals, corporate sponsors, and other nonprofit organizations such as the Young Irish. The YIFC is making the donation through the Make-A-Wish chapter in Illinois, who in turn found the perfect recipient.
Described as playful and bubbly by her family, 5-year-old Aimee from Chicago
has been battling medical problems for most her life. At the age of two,
Aimee had a kidney transplant and now must take a daily battery of medications
to keep her healthy. Aimee wished to visit a Disney themepark so she could
meet the princesses. Outfitted with her own special tiara, Aimee and her
family took off for a week in Florida to track down the fairy tale royalty.
After the family returned home, Aimee's mom described the trip as "perfect"
and told Make-A-Wish that Amy's expectations for the wish were far exceeded.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation donation will be used to help fund research on finding a cure for Cystic Fibrosis (CF), a disease which affects many of Irish descent. Amy Lurvey, Associate Executive Director of the Greater Illinois Chapter of the CF Foundation will be at the check presentation on Thursday.
When the CF Foundation began in 1955, children with CF rarely lived to school age. Today, the median age of survival for a person with CF is in the early 30sstill less than half the lifetime of others in this country. Specialized CF care has greatly contributed to the increased length and quality of life for individuals with CF. Now, more than 40 percent of individuals with CF are18 years of age or older.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Young Irish Donates $5,000 to the Bucks for Burns Camp
Marionette Park, IL—June 17, 2004—The Young Irish Fellowship
Club of Chicago (YIFC) is presenting a donation of $5,000 to Bucks for
Burn Camp at their annual fundraising party held at 115 Bourbon Street.
This donation is to be used to help cover the expenses of this annual
summer getaway for young fire survivors.
The YIFC is a nonprofit philanthropic and volunteer organization that has been around for over 25 years. In that time, the organization has raised awareness for and donated funds to charities all over Chicagoland. Their annual St. Patrick's Day party, Forever Green, is the main fundraiser for the club and over 90 percent of the proceeds go directly towards the charities they serve. While the YIFC tends to promote the Irish culture, the club is open to all people of every ethnic origin.
The Bucks for Burns Camp is sponsored by the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance.
The camp event, which has been in existence for 13 years, provides a one-week
summer vacation for young burn survivors between the ages of 8 and 16.
The camp's mission is to help build participants' self esteem while teaching
them how to manage any physical and/or emotional scars they may have.
Thomas Taff, the Executive Director of the organization, is excited to have the Young Irish as a partner and donor. "All this money will go directly to help bring kids to the camp. The cost of sending one child to the camp is approximately $1,000, and this year, we are hoping to fund the camp for over 90 kids."
Forever Green 2004 Arthur Dunne Award Ceremony The "Arthur Dunne Award" acknowledges outstanding contributions to the Irish community. Judge Arthur Dunne was a member of the Irish Fellowship Club (IFC) who was elected the liaison between the IFC and the newly-created YIFC in 1980. He was instrumental in getting YIFC started and his contribution to the YIFC is honored by this annual award. |
|
 |
 |
| Erin Ryan-VP of Sponsorship (R) presents the Arthur Dunne award to Judge Maureen E. Connors, the first female president of the YIFC. | YIFC '04 President, Mary Jo Granahan (L), Past President Chris Kozicki (center), Past President Maureen E. Connors (R). |