Major Donor Campaign

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Irish Cultural Center of Western New England Formally Launches Its First Major Donor Campaign in Eighteen Years; Seeking $477,000 for Capital Improvements

The Irish Cultural Center, located on Morgan Road in West Springfield, is publicly launching a capital improvements campaign, seeking funds to further its mission of preserving and promoting the culture and traditions of the Irish in Western New England. ICC President Sean Cahillane explained the intent of the campaign, saying, “We wish to establish a quality facility, a monument to the Irish for the next 100 years. We are moving into the next leg of our undertaking – we intend to build out the next phases of our facility.” Phase One was completed in March, including office space, the fitting out and opening of the Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub, and outdoor improvements.

The ICC’s goal is to now complete projects in Phase Two, including an outdoor patio, library and museum, and additional exterior renovations. The campaign also seeks funds for educational and cultural programing. Over the last several months during the silent pre-launch phase, funds and donations have already been received to help complete the fireplace, landscaping, tile flooring, carpet, furniture and fixtures, totaling $117,000 or 25% of the overall $477,000 capital needs. The balance to be raised in this Phase Two of the project is now $360,000.

Edward Sullivan, former Mayor of West Springfield, gives full support to the campaign, saying, “The population of Irish descent in this region is significant in numbers, professional accomplishments, and financial resources. This undertaking by the ICC seeks to bring the entire Irish community together with the aim of asking for active participation in advancing and promoting Ireland’s ancient culture.”

The Irish Cultural Center is a multi-faceted charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, offering a range of activities. The vision for the Morgan Road site entails promoting all things Irish – cultivating a museum and library for the ICC’s many artifacts, and promoting educational endeavors, scholarly lectures and musical offerings, in addition to the Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub, in operation as part of Phase One.

Leading the campaign effort are ICC President Sean Cahillane and the ICC Development Team, which includes Attorney Frank Fitzgerald of Hampden, James Garvey of East Longmeadow, former Mayor Edward Sullivan of West Springfield, City Councilor George Kelly of West Springfield, Mike McCormick of West Springfield, Attorney Martin Dunn of Holyoke, Sister Mary Caritas of the Sisters of Providence, and ICC Board Members Mary Ellen Lowney of Chicopee, Brian Corridan of Springfield, James Leydon, Jr. of Springfield, and Sheryl Young Quinn of Holyoke.

The Board Members of the Irish Cultural Center are looking for additional help with our first-ever capital campaign; we want to make this drive a success. If you are interested in spending some of your time, talent and treasure assisting our effort, please call Sean Cahillane at 413-348-5849, or email the ICC at irishcenterwne@gmail.com.