Irish eyes will be smiling on two local charities at the 16th Annual Emerald Ball on March 3 at JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa, 3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd.
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern Arizona and the Pima Council on Aging are the 2012 beneficiaries of the signature fundraiser staged by the Emerald Isle Society of Tucson. The society is a nonprofit group dedicated to educating the community about Irish culture, tradition and history through Irish music, song, dance and poetry.
The nonpolitical, nonsectarian organization typically commits proceeds to small, under-funded charities in the community. Past recipients include the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southern Arizona, Project YES, the Ulster Project for Children and the Tucson Alliance for Autism.
This year, it chose recipients on opposite ends of the spectrum in size and scope of service, according to Emerald Isle Society President Christopher McGrory.
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"Through Pima Council on Aging we wanted to give something back to seniors and with Candlelighters we are giving back to the younger community, so we are supporting both bookends of the community," he said.
Emerald Ball Chairwoman Kathy Mundinger said it's gratifying to help a grass-roots organization such as Candlelighters.
Founded in 1985, the parent-run support network educates, advocates and provides support for families of children with cancer, bereaved families, survivors of childhood cancer and cancer-care professionals.
Its free services include monthly support events and an annual summer camp for children with cancer and their families; an annual Dream Night Prom and other activities for teens with cancer and their siblings; emergency financial help for families in medical crisis; and other education and support. It provided services to 350 families last year.
"Our goal with Candlelighters is to advocate from A to Z. Having a child diagnosed with cancer is a multifaceted challenge, and everyone has different needs. Some people need help understanding how chemotherapy works and what to expect long term, or help advocating for insurance services that have been denied or services in schools. Other families have siblings who need support and empathy and the opportunity to express themselves at the summer camp," said Program Director Beverley Tidwell.
Tidwell emphasized that Candlelighters has no religious affiliation and that the name originated from the Chinese proverb stating "it is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness." The organization, which obtained nonprofit status in 2006 in efforts to expand programming, is grateful for each corporate, private and individual donation, Tidwell said.
"We work in the trenches. A lot of the work we do is very hands-on and we try to problem-solve in many different ways. To be chosen as a beneficiary by the Emerald Isle Society is acknowledgement of years and years of hard work and advocacy," she said.
And the largest Irish society in Arizona welcomes the opportunity for an Irish ceili - or gathering - with a purpose, McGrory said.
"Irish culture is so special and unusual, and I think lots of Irish people stick together, as you will find at the ball. We are very proud to be Irish and everything we do that night couldn't be more Irish," McGrory said. "We are showing the people of Tucson who we are and what we are and how good we are doing it, and we will raise a lot of money in the process. It is a great night."
If you go
What: The 16th Annual Emerald Ball
When: 6 p.m. March 3.
Where: JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa, 3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd.
Cost: $125 per person; for tickets or more information go to www.emeraldislesociety.org or call Kathy Mundinger at 360-0729.
The details: The event features cocktails, dinner, dancing to music by The Mulligans and a silent auction as well as a performance by acclaimed lead of Riverdance, Michael Patrick Gallagher, and his troupe of dance champions from Tir Conaill Academy of Irish Dance. Raffle tickets for a chance at airfare for two to Ireland are $20 each or three for $50. Proceeds benefit the Pima Council on Aging and Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern Arizona.
Find out more: For more information on Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern Arizona - and to view its wish list, which includes office space - go to www.candlelightersaz.org or call 777-4911.
This article also was published Sunday in the Star. Contact freelance writer Loni Nannini at ninch2@comcast.net
