If you were at Coney Island on September 19 & 20, you may have thought there was an early St. Patrick’s Day celebration going on. In fact, there was a celebration of all things Irish at Brooklyn’s 28th Annual Great Irish Fair. All proceeds from the fair were dedicated towards strengthening Catholic Education in Brooklyn and Queens through the Alive in Hope Foundation.
This year’s honorees included Kevin Burke and Rev. Msgr. Michael Hardiman. A complete list of honorees visit http://www.gifnyc.com/. Each recipient took the time to explain their involvement in Catholic schools and how they have benefitted from a Catholic education. “Catholic schools have been an integral part of New York for generations and have been instrumental in nurturing the minds and spirits of some of our city’s most renowned leaders,” said Event Chairman, Martin Cottingham. Also in attendance were elected city officials Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Senator Marty Golden.
Alive in Hope Foundation staff were on hand to share in the festivities. Ray C, went on record as the Foundation’s youngest free, raffle prize winner, and visited the Foundation office with his mother and younger brother, to claim his winnings!
(Ray C, our youngest raffle prize winner)
A special thanks to Martin Cottingham, the Irish American Building Society and the Great Irish Fair committee, who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the fair. The Foundation is grateful for the contributions they make to the schools, children and families we serve through this unique partnership.
(Martin Cottingham and Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Hardiman)
