Updated October 21
Of course we all wanted to be there. Here is proof that we missed a fantastic evening. Wah! wink
Irish Arts Center in New York threw one heck of a party last Friday night at Cipriani 42nd Street, a star-studded, jam-packed gala dinner which raised a record $1.5 million for the new IAC which will break ground next spring…
The highlight of the evening – and there were many – was without question Steve Martin, the beloved comedian/musician/actor/writer who was one of three award recipients. What a coup to get him, and what a treat it was to listen to him speak and play his banjo…
It was one joke after another from Martin, who had the audience in stitches. “It’s so nice to see Liam Neeson, who told me if I didn’t show up tonight he would track me down and kill me. And my dear friend Gabriel Byrne, who’s not only an amazing actor but also my Tinder photo,” he said.
“By the way, for those of you not in show business, ‘my dear friend’ is a Hollywood term meaning we worked together once over 20 years ago and haven’t spoken since.”
Tinder photo!? LOL! Steve Martin and Gabriel were in the film A Simple Twist of Fate, in case you were trying to remember!
More pics:
I am reasonably certain that these two pics are from the interview Gabriel provided just before the Gala began. There may be more in the future, too!
Finally:
The IAC has raised $57.5 million of the $62 million needed for its new home. More nights like last Friday and they’ll easily surpass that goal.
Yay!!!
Updated October 14
The Gala was a roaring success, as it always is, and apparently a good time was had by all. Honoree Steve Martin played the banjo, Senator George Mitchell, the patriot and statesman who helped broker the Good Friday agreement, was the guest speaker, and co-chairs Gabriel Byrne and Liam Neeson were on hand to lend their special brand of love and support for the Irish Arts Center.
More photos are likely to be available soon at the IAC Facebook Page. In the meantime, here are a few to tide you over:
Stay tuned for more pics as they become available. And please remember to support the Irish Arts Center, one of Gabriel’s most cherished causes. heart
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August 2
The Irish Arts Center is thriving!
The new building is nearing completion, they have a lovely new website, and the annual Gala is just around the corner. Things are booming for the IAC, that is certain!
IAC Building
Almost Home: The Capital Campaign for the New Irish Arts Center is the website devoted to the IAC’s new building project. Gabriel’s video outlining the goals of the project is available on this page. Much progress has been made over the past few years and the building is going to be an outstanding center for Irish arts and learning. One of the most important new features for those of us who do not live in New York City is the planned “digital platform”:
The New Irish Arts Center will be equipped with technology to project Irish Arts Center performances and education programs on the digital platform through podcasts, online classes, event streaming and other emerging forms of interactive learning.
Visit the campaign website to learn more about this inspiring project, such a brilliant example of a community coming together to achieve greatness.
The new IAC building at night
New Website
The Irish Arts Center’s new website is more functional, very modern, and shiny! Lots of BIG pictures, plenty of information about upcoming events, and all you would expect of a great web re-design. You can join the IAC, sign up for the newsletter, and learn all about the organization and its activities. Very nicely done, IAC!
Spirit of Ireland Gala
Finally (and the reason you clicked on this article in the first place, am I right?), the annual Spirit of Ireland Gala is scheduled for Friday, October 13 (an unlucky date, but this is sure to be a lucky event!) and will honor the beloved multihyphenate Steve Martin, poet and author Paul Muldoon, and Sharon Patrick, one of the powers behind the Martha Stewart brand. Honorary co-chairs Gabriel Byrne and Liam Neeson will be on hand to oversee the festivities and there will be pictures to be shared after the event.
More information is at the website, including ticket purchases for those of you fortunate enough to be able to attend!
I made a floral background for the official invitation because that’s what I do… wink
Great project!
Angelle