On Friday, December 14th, 2007, a record 160 guests gathered at 320 Park, the spectacular panoramic event space at Mutual of America for Concern Worldwide U.S.’s Seventh Annual Winter Ball. The fun-filled black-tie event began with cocktails, followed by dinner, and, finally, dancing until midnight.
Guests stopped to have their photos taken with Santa Claus before heading into the ballroom to enjoy cocktails and the gorgeous view from Mutual's 35th floor.
Winter Ball committee member John Murphy graciously stepped in to the Master of Ceremonies role usually held by Dinner Committee chairman Ruairi Curtin. The Winter Ball would not be possible without the efforts of its dedicated Committee members, whose efforts this year set records not only for attendance, but also funds raised. Mr. Murphy thanked the attendees for their support, and recognized Thomas J. Moran, Chairman of Concern Worldwide, and President, Chairman, and CEO of the event’s principal sponsor Mutual of America, as well as co-sponsors Linklaters LLP and Michael Collins Whiskey.
Concern Worldwide's Honorary President and Founder Father Aengus Finucane kicked off the evening with a stirring invocation that was captured by a television crew from Ireland’s TG4 network as part of a documentary on Concern’s 40-year history and his seminal role in its founding and global expansion.
After dinner, Concern Worldwide Chief Executive Tom Arnold addressed the mostly under-40 capacity crowd, emphasizing he importance of young leadership as Concern enters its milestone 40th year. He remarked, “This is a wonderful event, and we thank you all for the generosity you have shown by joining us tonight. But we want to engage with you on more than just one evening each year. So we invite you to engage with us in our vital work year-round.”
On that compelling note, he introduced a powerful 6-minute video by Concern’s volunteer producer/director/editor Jimmy Garland, featuring segments on Concern’s work in Bangladesh, Tanzania and Democratic republic of Congo, a diary of Concern Worldwide U.S. Executive Director Siobhan Walsh’s experiences in war-torn Chad, as well as praise for Concern by U2’s Bono. Concern would be unable to provide and sustain these life-saving programs without the crucial support of our donors.
The formal dinner program ended with a hotly anticipated raffle – prizes included: an iPod nano with Bose QC headphones; two tickets to New York City bar Bua's New Year's Eve Party; gift certificates for dinner and cocktails at Rosie O’Grady’s and Johnny Foxes Taphouse; a piece from the Shanore jewelry collection; a gift certificate to Alice Hair Care; and a basket of holiday cheer.
At the conclusion of the raffle, Mr. Murphy thanked the attendees once again, and officially opened the dancefloor, which would be packed for the next 2 hours, backdrop provided by the Manhattan skyline. Although the festivities at 320 Park ended at midnight, the festivities were not over, as more than half of the guests made the short trip to the official Winter Ball after-party at Eamonn’s.
Funds raised by the Winter Ball help support Concern's education programs in 14 of the world's poorest countries. Improving universal access to education, especially for girls, is a key priority for Concern, and essential to breaking the cycle of poverty worldwide. Currently, Concerns education programs are making a difference in the lives of more than 1 million people.
We extend a sincere thank-you to all those who attended the 2007 Winter Ball, and we hope to see you at the 2008 edition! Please stay tuned to www.concernusa.org for further details, and book early – next year’s Fortieth Anniversary festivities promise to be the biggest and best yet!