48|Retail News|November 2013|www.retailnews.ie
IGBF Ball 2013
The 2013 IGBF President’s Ball proved to be one of the social highlights of the year.
IGBF Ball a Huge Success The 33rd Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund President’s Ball took place at the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin, on October 19, and once again proved to be one of the social events of the year, as more than 300 of the great and the good from the Irish grocery and FMCG market celebrated in style, while contributing to this most worthy of causes. History of the IGBF The Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund was founded in 1981 to provide financial relief for persons in need who have been involved in the food and beverage trades, including retail grocers, wholesalers, manufacturers and general suppliers to the industry. During the past three decades, enormous work has been done to relieve hardship amongst members who have fallen on difficult times because of ill health, death in the family or unemployment. The Fund continues in its efforts to reach more people in need. Reducing the Deficit The Ball plays a big part in the IGBF’s annual fundraising and this year’s event was instrumental in raising over €60,000 which will assist in reducing the current deficit. Current President of Appeals, Leonard Hegarty, General Manager at G&M Industrial Cleaning Products and Textile Recycling Limited, spoke eloquently about “the great work being endured on an ongoing basis by hard-working committees, during what has become a most difficult period of our economic history”. He thanked all attendees and this year’s sponsors, who included Kimberly Clark, Mondelez International, Diageo, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard and Comans. What followed was a fabulous meal, while the spectacular musical entertainment was provided by Anuna, The High Kings and Celtic Rhythm. Congratulations to Musgrave’s Richard Collins, who won first prize in the raffle. All photos taken by Clodagh Kilcoyne.
Leonard Hegarty, IGBF President of Appeals, pictured with his wife, Una.
The Kimberly Clark team are pictured at the Ball, with Ireland Customer Business Unit Manager, Christine Knowles (centre).