Ireland Funds' Young Leaders Commit to Raising Over $1 Million for the "Promising Ireland" Campaign at Their First Global Summit in New York

NEW YORK, Jan. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Worldwide Ireland Funds first global summit of Young Leaders announced today that the group will raise over $1 million for the Promising Ireland Campaign through its global network of young philanthropists. 100 members of the Young Leaders' group – professionals in their 20s and 30s – are participating in the inaugural event from Ireland, Canada and from U.S. chapters in Boston, Dallas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington D.C. and Chicago. The Promising Ireland campaign is the $100m fundraising initiative of The Ireland Funds that is helping charitable organizations in Ireland meet the challenge of an increased demand for their services at a time of major funding reductions.

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Contributors to the forum included the CEO of the New York Stock Exchange, Duncan Niederauer, CEO of UBS Americas, Bob McCann, New York City Council Speaker, Christine Quinn, and U.S. Congressman, Joe Crowley. President and CEO of The Worldwide Ireland Funds, Kieran McLoughlin said, "Today's announcement demonstrates amazing generosity from people in the early stages of their professional careers. Their commitment to the future of the diaspora and also to developing philanthropy in Ireland is tremendous."

About The Worldwide Ireland Funds: The Worldwide Ireland Funds are an international charitable network operating in 12 countries and have raised over $380 million for worthy causes in Ireland and around the world. The mission of The Ireland Funds is to be the largest worldwide network of people of Irish ancestry and friends of Ireland dedicated to raising funds to support programs of peace and reconciliation, arts and culture, education and community development throughout the island of Ireland. Founded in 1976, the Funds have assisted over 1,200 organizations.  The Worldwide Ireland Funds have launched the Promising Ireland Campaign to raise $100 million by the end of 2013 on behalf of Irish charities. Charities across the island of Ireland are experiencing an increased demand for their services at a time of a major reduction in resources. The Campaign's title – Promising Ireland – reflects The Worldwide Ireland Funds' pledge to these groups as well as a belief in Ireland's future. Over 200 outstanding organizations have already received support from the Promising Ireland Campaign.  For more information, please visit www.theirelandfunds.org

SOURCE The Worldwide Ireland Funds