PHOTO GALLERY: Network Ireland Kildare Branch hosts Annual Charity Luncheon at Osprey Hotel
Photographs by Michael Donnelly.
The Osprey Hotel, Naas was the venue for the Annual Charity Luncheon hosted by Network Ireland Kildare Branch in aid of Arthritis Ireland’s Youth & Family Services, kindly sponsored by Plan B Bathrooms, Naas. Over 140 business women and guests attended the event.
Network Ireland is Ireland’s leading women’s business network, set up over thirty years ago as a voluntary organisation supporting women in business, the professions and the arts. One of the aims of Network Ireland Kildare Branch is to promote the welfare of the community and each year they collaborate with a local charity to help raise much-needed funds. Over the years, the Network Ireland Kildare Branch has been very successful in raising funds for a variety of worthy causes, amounting to over €160,000 to date.
The Kildare Branch is one of the most vibrant and active, and President Stella Johnson commented: “Network Ireland Kildare Branch are delighted to be working with Arthritis Ireland as our Charity Partner for 2016. They provide such vital work in our local and wider community, and we are very proud to be supporting them through our Annual Charity Luncheon. Their positive, no limits attitude to managing the disease is exactly the ethos we try to instil in our own members.”
Arthritis is a condition that affects more than 1,200 children in Ireland, making it about as common as childhood diabetes. Arthritis Ireland provides much-needed services and educational programmes to help children and teenagers live well with arthritis. John Church, CEO Arthritis Ireland, said: “Arthritis is often seen as an “old person’s disease” with “a few aches and pains”. However, it is a serious chronic disease impacting on children and young people in Ireland; childhood arthritis needs to be given the respect and resources it deserves. We are delighted that Network Ireland Kildare Branch chose us as their charity partner this year. It has been a superb event, raising much-needed awareness and funds for our Youth and Family Programme.”
Network Ireland Kildare Branch’s Charity Luncheon is always a joyous occasion. Andrea Hayes, national television presenter and author, captivated the audience with her story of health, wellness and the daily management of her chronic invisible illness. Local parent Lorna Norton, whose son Mark was diagnosed when he was four years old, spoke of the invaluable service Arthritis Ireland Youth & Family programme provides for their family. The day was filled with entertainment and opportunity including a raffle and diamond raffle. All rounded off on a high with a performance from ANAM Girl’s Youth Choir from Kill.
For more information on Network Ireland Kildare Branch, please see http://www.networkireland.ie/kildare