Dear Friend of the Irish Chamber:
On July 24th, 2015, we lost founding board member and past president, Jim McLaughlin, to brain cancer. Jim, a Havertown resident, was a proud graduate of Monsignor Bonner High School and Saint Joseph’s University. Together with a close-knit group of colleagues and friends, Jim co-founded the Irish Chamber. He served on our board until June, 2013, including a term as president. Jim possessed a natural skill of networking and connecting people, and mentored many fellow Chamber members throughout our 16-year history. He attended nearly every event and always tried to make all members feel welcome.
Jim graduated in 1970 from St. Joseph’s University. He remained an avid Hawk supporter all his life. In April this year, Jim received the Hogan Award, which is given annually to recognize outstanding loyalty and service to the university. To honor Jim, and continue his legacy of service and loyalty, we have started the “James J. McLaughlin, Jr ’70 Memorial Scholarship Fund” at Saint Joseph’s University. Our Board members have generously pledged their support to start the scholarship fund, but we need your help to reach our goal of $100,000!
On Thursday, November 12th, we will be hosting a celebration of Jim’s life, a fundraising event which will feature live and silent auctions. 100% of the proceeds from our auctions will be donated to our scholarship fund. We are hoping that you will be able to support our scholarship fund and donate an item or experience for our silent auction, such as a gift basket, gift certificate, gift card, service, tickets for a sporting event, just to name a few. Alternatively, you may make a tax-deductible donation directly to our scholarship fund. Please feel free to contact Alanna with any questions about logistics and/or tax deductions.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Irish American Business Chamber & Network, we thank you for your consideration. We look forward to working with you to honor our friend Jim and educate future generations in his name.
