The American Ireland Fund celebrated its 10thanniversary gala at the Ronald Reagan Building onMarch 13. Among the over 1,000 guests for thefestivities were Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern(who was honored with The Peace Award for hispersonal and political contribution to the achievementof peace in Ireland), Irish Ambassador SeanO’Huiginn, Nobel Laureates John Hume andDavid Trimble, Bob Bennett, and Sen. TedKennedy. Secretary of Health and Human ServicesTommy Thompson and Rep. Richard Neal werealso honored for their efforts at achieving peaceand prosperity in Ireland. The Fund’s mission is tosupport programs of peace, reconciliation, arts andculture, education, and community developmentin Ireland. Some of the proceeds from this year’sgala will comprise the $1 million gift the Fund haspledged to aid survivors of the September 11 terroristattacks.