The Anam Cara Gala Awards, held at the Irish Cultural Center, is an event to honor people who have given and done a lot to further knowledge of Irish not only in Arizona but preserving Irish-American history. This is also a fundraiser for the Irish Cultural Center and the McClelland Library. The 3 honorees were Delia & Kelly Stokes, Anna & Michael O'Hara, Patricia & Sean Prior. There was entertainment from the Phoenix Pipe Band, De Mairt Ceol, Irish and American anthem sung by Mallory Melton, McTeggart School of Irish Dance and the Academy Band. Catering from Sharko's. Our emcee was Corey McCloskey and the invocation from Fr. John Cunningham. The Arizona Colleen program (is a program to encourage young women to learn and take pride in their heritage and be involved within their community) had some contestants and the current title holder Mallory Melton on hand to work the check-in table, be greeters and mingle with guests.
Mary Moriarity, John Keating and Bridget Costello organized this wonderful evening. I was there to coordinate, orchestrate their vision and allow them to be a guest at their event!
