Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I love the Irish. Bono, Oscar Wilde, Van Morrison, Dylan Thomas, Liam Neeson, C.S. Lewis, James Joyce, Shane McGowan, Pierce Brosnan...the list goes on and on, doesn’t it?
As a Southerner, long before I traveled to Ireland, I felt a kinship to the Irish. They were over-the-top and dramatic and drank too much and a little sad and very literary, just like Southerners....ok, like a lot of Southerners, not all. When I finally went to Ireland —I’ve only been to around Dublin, which is like saying you’ve been to the U.S. when you’ve only been to NYC —I loved it. I can’t wait to see more. The people were so warm and inviting. I’m ordinarily not a beer drinker, but show me a Smithwick’s and a few minutes later I’ll show you an empty glass.
I’m still on a tight deadline with miles to go before I sleep (“Oh... this article won’t take as long as I thought,” said no journalist... ever), so today's entry is very short.
I was all set to give today’s $10 to The Ireland Funds. The Ireland Funds operate chapters in 12 countries (including 12 chapters in U.S.). Its mission, since its 1976 founding, is to promote programs of peace and reconciliation in Ireland, as well as arts and culture development. In the last 40 years, it has raised more than $430 million for more than 1,200 organizations, according to its website. That’s a lot of Smithwick’s. Then when I went to put in my $10, the Ireland Funds would not accept a donation of less than $50. That's the first time that has happened to me. Many charities I've given to suggest a minimum donation of $25, but usually have a box for "other." So instead, today's $10 goes to the U.S.-Ireland Alliance, which is a non-partisan organization that promotes relationship ties between the U.S. and Ireland. They also recently gave an award to Colin Farrell, so that makes them OK with me.
Erin go Bragh.
March 17: The US-Ireland Alliance
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75 down, 290 to go
Hi Melinda,
ReplyDeleteThank you for considering The Ireland Funds for your gift. We have listened to your feedback and as a result, have added an "other" amount option to our donation page as per your suggestion. http://www.theirelandfunds.org/donate
We're always improving and understanding your experience was useful. Many thanks.
Brian Beck
Director of I.T.
The American Ireland Fund
Boston, MA 02110
Brian,
ReplyDeleteThank you! That's incredible! Thank you for listening. I'm going to write about your change. I know $10 won't change the world, but a lot of $10 gifts could. I'm so glad I can give to you now! You do great work!
Best,
Melinda
Not one Irish woman? Mary Robinson , Roma Downey , Maeve Binchy, Maureen O'Hara? Molly Malone ?!
ReplyDeletekjdpoet: You are absolutely right! ESPECIALLY Mary Robinson! Big, although unintended, oversight on my part! Thanks for reading.
ReplyDelete