Around €25,000 has been raised at the Hollywood Ball, the main fundraising event in 2023 for the Irish Electrical Benevolent Association (IEBA).
Held at the Intercontinental Hotel Ballsbridge on November 17, the ball has boosted the coffers of the industry charity, which is facing a four-fold increase in requests for assistance.
Themed around the golden ages of filmmaking, the event included a four-course meal, prize draw and entertainment from the Bentley Boys Party Band.
Welcoming guests, Cel O’Reilly, IEBA president, said: “We get great support from all sectors of the industry for our electrical charity. Without these contributions, we would not be in a position to help the families who are in need.
“2023 has been extremely busy year and we see this as a very good sign that our message is getting heard. Since we last met, we have distributed well over €100,000.”
Thanks were extended to supporters of the event, including Leo Donovan of headline sponsor WEEE Ireland, and the 10 members of the IEBA Committee organising the ball.
Electrical retail distributors and stores donated prizes worth €8,000 including a €1,000 cash prize for the raffle, coordinated by IEBA Committee member Tony Murphy.
And special mention went to one of the founding members of IEBA, ex-Siemens employee Jimmy Whan, who has stepped down from the Board of Directors.
“He has been the backbone of the organisation,” said the president. “Without Jimmy Whan’s dedication and hard work, the IEBA would not be where it is today. What a great legacy Jim.”
Other fundraising events in 2023 included two golf events and the annual Race Day.
Lined up for the coming year are the IEBA Race Day at Leopardstown on February 4, Munster Golf Classic on April 24, Golf Classic Killeen Castle on April 26 and Winter Ball on November 22. A new event will also be added in September, with details to be confirmed.
The IEBA Board of Directors includes President Cel O’Reilly, Aidan Hayes (Honeywell Ireland), Dan Fisher (Core Distribution Ireland), Tony Murphy (Expert Ireland), Pat Tully (Lidecel), Jack Hegarty (Hegarty Electrical Cork), Trevor Whyte (Schneider Electric) and Aine Higgins.
Founded in 2001, IEBA extends support to members of the electrical industry and their families experiencing difficulties with, for example, bereavement, depression, terminal illness, accidental death, special treatments or retraining.
Help is extended to anyone who is, or has been, engaged in the trade as well as widows, widowers and immediate dependents of that person with a need for financial assistance.
With your help, awareness and support, IEBA can do more to assist industry people and their families who are struggling.
For further information, email info@irisheba.ie or visit www.irisheba.ie
