Resilience and Renewal: Five Years of Progress at the Irish Center
Five years ago, the Irish Center made an alarming announcement, revealing its impending closure by December 31st, 2018, due to financial troubles. Reflecting on this turbulent period, it feels like time has sprinted by. Those who stepped forward in the spring of 2019 to rescue and preserve Irish Center operations couldn’t have fathomed the remarkable transformation that would transpire during the intervening years. Today, the Center stands on a solid financial foundation made possible by the hard work of a combination of the Centers staff, board members and community volunteers.
Doors Wide Open — The doors to the Center are wide open to a wealth of Irish arts and cultural programming, offering local children opportunities to immerse themselves in music, dance, and STEM learning. Annual events like the dinners hosted by the Cork club, the United Irish societies, and St.Patrick’s season activities have all been retained. We have had the emergence of new partnerships, including collaborations with amateur boxing clubs, local and international artists to provide a space to exhibit their art. As our national profile has been raised we now attract theatre companies to perform at the Center.
In addition, we continue to host life event celebrations all the time. We now have a wildly successful Irish summer camp for kids, which attests to the Center’s vibrant resurgence. Yet perhaps the most eye opening part of our recent journey is the ambitious plan to rebuild the Center entirely. This project is progressing through the planning stages and we have every confidence in its realization as soon as the necessary funds are secured.
All of these achievements owe their existence to the unwavering support of the community, who have stood by our side and continuously encouraged us to persevere.
Thanksgiving Season —The season of Thanksgiving is a time to reflect upon the bountiful blessings in our lives and to express gratitude for the people and experiences that enrich our existence. It is also a season that emphasizes the importance of giving back and supporting the causes we hold dear. As we enter this time of reflection and thankfulness, we at the Irish Center are excited to launch our Annual Appeal fundraiser. We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support we have received from our community over the recent past.
This fundraiser provides an opportunity for us to not only express our gratitude but to also call upon our community once more, to stand with us in our mission of preserving and promoting Irish culture and the arts. Your support during this season of giving helps us continue to provide enriching programs, educational initiatives, and cultural events that celebrate the rich tapestry of Irish culture. We look forward to your continued support and are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead as we work together to keep the Irish arts thriving.
Gratitude as A Force of Good — Gratitude is a powerful force that has the ability to uplift, inspire, and foster a sense of unity within our community. We express our heartfelt thanks to all the individuals, organizations, and supporters who have contributed their time, resources, and unwavering commitment to our non-profit organization. As we recount on the incredible journey we’ve embarked on together, we also look forward to the exciting possibilities that the future holds, knowing that your continued support will be instrumental in our mission’s success.
The Power of Past Support — Over the years, the dedication and generosity of our supporters have played a pivotal role in the growth and impact of our non-profit. It is thanks to your selflessness and unwavering belief in our cause that we have been able to achieve significant milestones and touch the lives of those we serve. Your contributions have translated into real, tangible assets in our community.
Your past support has not only been a financial boon but has also demonstrated the strength of collective goodwill. It has shown us that, together, we can achieve remarkable feats and be a beacon of hope for those who rely on our services and facility. The impact of your support ripples far and wide, touching not only the lives of the individuals we serve but also inspiring others to join our cause and make a difference in our community.
Looking to the Future — As we express our gratitude for the past, we are equally excited about the future. Our journey is far from over, and we look forward to continuing our mission with unwavering determination and a renewed sense of purpose. It is our ardent hope that you will remain an integral part of this journey, standing by our side as we strive for greater achievements and further advancements in our cause. The challenges we face may evolve, but with your support, we are confident that our resilience and determination will remain unwavering.
In closing, we extend our deepest gratitude to all our past supporters. Your dedication has been the backbone of our organization’s success, and it is your belief in our mission that fuels our determination. As we embrace the future, we do so with open hearts, boundless enthusiasm, and a steadfast commitment to making the world a better place.
Future Philanthropy — We look forward to your continued support, as we believe that together, we can achieve extraordinary things. With your support, we are confident that we can make a positive and lasting impact and preserve the Center for generations to come.
Thank you for being the driving force behind our non-profit’s success, and for making a difference for the entire community. Your support is invaluable, and we eagerly anticipate the journey ahead with you by our side.
Piper Jones Band — Our highlight event for November is the touring Piper Jones band who perform at the Center on Sunday November 19th. Tickets online at IrishCenterSF.org
Annual GAA Dinner — Congratulations to Rose O’Connor and Redmond Lyons who are being inducted in the SFGAA Hall of Fame on November 18th.
Happy Thanksgiving — Happy Thanksgiving to all our members and supporters!
Liam Reidy, President
lreidy@irish-centersf.org