Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation were delighted to be the beneficiary charity for the The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Ball which took place at The K Club, Straffan on Friday, 27th of June – on the eve of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh Racecourse – and raised an amazing €120,000 for The Foundation
The black tie ball began with a pre-dinner drinks reception, served in the elegant surroundings of Straffan House, the original house which now forms the hotel at The K Club. The assembled guests then walked through the manicured gardens, led by the sounds of percussion ensemble ‘Extreme Rhythm’, to the Smurfit Clubhouse where a sumptuous four course dinner was served.
Guests came from all over the globe and included people from the worlds of business, entertainment and sport. In attendance were Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free and his wife Breeda, President of Dubai Duty Free George Horan and his wife Carmel, Vice President of Marketing Sinead El Sibai and her husband Jihad, Vice President of Operations, Sean Staunton and CEO of Jack & Jill, Jonathan Irwin and Senator Mary Ann O’Brien. Also in attendance was TV personality Eddie Hobbs, politician Lucinda Creighton and RTÉ’s Tracey Piggott, who was MC on the night.
An auction was then held in order to raise much needed funds for the charity and auction items included a VIP racing package with Dubai Duty Free to Ascot, a trip to Dubai and stay in the five star Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, a Waterford crystal egg designed by world renowned designer John Rocha, there was also a silent auction. Guests then danced the night away to the sounds of ‘the Bentley Boys” the live band on the night.
(courtesy to Kildare TV)
“We were delighted with the success of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Ball this year and appreciate the support of the guests in the room on the night, many of whom gave generously. The Jack & Jill Foundation is a worthy cause that benefits very sick young children and their parents. Jonathan Irwin spoke very movingly on the night of his and his wife’s own experiences with their son Jack and I am delighted that Dubai Duty Free has been able to get behind this fund raising event through our own Foundation.” – Com McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free
“Our sincere thanks to Colm McLoughlin and Dubai Duty Free for choosing our charity as the recipient of this wonderful donation. To put this amazing donation into context it will allow us to provide 7,500 hours of home nursing care for our very fragile babies throughout Ireland- a truly wonderful gift!” – Jonathan Irwin, CEO of Jack & Jill.