Howdy friends, I need your help, Thank you!

My name is Robert Dale Nolan, and I am a trustee of the board for the Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library (ICLF) in Phoenix, Arizona. Like many of the Irish diaspora, my ancestors headed westward from our ancient homeland in search of what all subjugated people seek. I believe we continue that journey today to which is why I write this now to belabor the efforts of the ICLF and our communities. Here in Phoenix, we have painstakingly carved from the very desert a dùn or castle that is the Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library. It is a fortified refuge where we Irish and Celtic folk, or any inquiring-mind can; find resources, connect with our history and culture, and participate in a myriad of local events hosted by local organizational partners or our exceptional staff.

It is my great honor to serve on the board for the ICLF, but a greater honor yet still to extoll the facets of Irish culture that bare manifest our unity with other peoples. A better understanding of the trials, tribulations, and customs of we Irish, diaspora, and all, is directly insightful into how our ancestors and we have changed and adapted. Ultimately this insight shows how we relate to those suffering from similar circumstances, past and present, across the world.

At the ICLF our grand vision for an inclusive, inviting, and collaborative space is made real with an equally rich array of cultural classes and affiliate clubs and organizations. Each brings enriching activities, games and valued community services; like our genealogy library or unique exhibits that reflect the culture and the community. Many of these exhibits are on display around the majestic grounds and great hall, here in the heart of Phoenix. It's unmistakable and a local landmark we hope to highlight more through our collaborative efforts with the City of Phoenix and other community organizations. All of these assets, tools, and services are only possible through the donations of people like you, who support our mission.

I have been truly humbled by the responsibility the community has placed in me, so I'm quite happy to announce as a result of my first year on the board and thanks to our benefactors who donated precious funds that allowed us to focus on advocating for new resources, planning our strategic next steps, and much more -- as a result we have effectively magnified your donations by a full magnitude, or bringing in an $15,000 in additional resources for our community and the center. It was thanks our combined hard work that allowed this to happen!

Thanks to your contributions, the Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library can continue our mission to celebrate and promote Irish and Celtic Heritage and its influence on and partnership with other cultures, and I would be personally empowered by your support to continue my work in highlighting these facets of Irish and Celtic culture that bring us closer together and stand as a bulwark against division, bigotry, and injustice of any kind. 

I ask you to join me on this righteous journey and solemn mission through your generous support and donations.