On March 8th, the Children’s Medical Research Foundation (CMRF) hosted its highly anticipated Best of Ireland Gala Dinner at the New York Athletic Club, which some of our staff from our NYC office attended. Co-hosted with The Ireland Funds, this annual event pays tribute to outstanding individuals who have made a significant contribution in the fields of sport, business, philanthropy, and the arts. After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, CMRF was delighted to welcome back its friends and supporters for a celebratory evening honouring four remarkable individuals.

The 2023 gala honoured Domhnall Slattery, Chairman of Vertical Aerospace; Brian O’Driscoll, former Irish Professional Rugby Union Player; Amy Huberman, Irish Actress and Writer; and Eamonn Coghlan, former Senator, World Athletics Champion, and one of the Founders of CMRF.

The evening kicked off with Paul McNally, Director of Research and Innovation at Children’s Health Ireland, who travelled from Ireland to give a brief overview of his research on early Cystic Fibrosis lung disease. McNally discussed the question of why some children have more severe lung disease and how we can detect it in these children earlier to modify their treatment.

Throughout the evening, CMRF shared the poignant stories of Alice and Ruby, two children who have been impacted by severe medical conditions. Alice was diagnosed with Hypermobility Syndrome, which causes severe pain and mobility issues, while Ruby was diagnosed with Pineoblastoma Tumour, a form of cancer found in young children. These stories highlighted the impact of CMRF’s work on the lives of children and their families.

The evening’s emcee and auctioneer, Pat Tully, moderated a traditional Q&A with the honourees, who were introduced by David Evans, Chairman of CMRF Inc., and Paul Keary, CEO and Co-Founder of Teneo, a key sponsor of the Best of Ireland Gala.

The event raised over $430,000, which will support CMRF’s programs dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and their families affected by childhood disease. The proceeds will fund innovative clinical research, provide incredible clinical healthcare, and pioneer projects and initiatives that will disrupt the status quo in medical research and care for children.

Big congratulations to the Children’s Medical Research Foundation who made this event very special and to all attendees and sponsors who made this event possible. Your support will make a difference in the lives of children and their families.

Read more about the event and check out all the photos on the CMRF website.