Kelly Cares Foundation Honored Minnesota Viking Kyle Rudolph and the Silver Shield Foundation at 201

CONTACT:    Kelly Cares Foundation
Sara Iannone, 574-213-5624 / sara.iannone@kellycaresfoundation.org 

RUBENSTEIN

        Brady Littlefield, 212-843-9220 / blittlefield@rubenstein.com 

For Immediate Release

KELLY CARES FOUNDATION HONORED

MINNESOTA VIKING KYLE RUDOLPH AND THE SILVER SHIELD FOUNDATION
AT 2019 IRISH EYES GALA
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EVENT RAISED MORE THAN $1 MILLION TO SUPPORT HEALTH, EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

 

May 20, 2019 (New York, NY) -- The Kelly Cares Foundation honored Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph and the Silver Shield Foundation at its annual Irish Eyes Gala on Monday, May 20 at The Pierre, A Taj Hotel in New York City. Established by Notre Dame Head Football Coach Brian Kelly and his wife Paqui, the Foundation raised more than $1 million at the event to support health, education, and community-building initiatives at local, national, and international level. 

More than 450 guests attended the sold out Irish Eyes Gala, the Foundation's signature event, which celebrates game changers, that is, people and organizations that have demonstrated a dedication to improving the lives of others, and in turn, inspire hope to all they encounter along the way. 

Holly Rowe, ESPN reporter and play-by-play commentator, served as Master of Ceremonies. Additional attendees included former Police Commissioner of New York City Raymond Kelly, Julian Love who was drafted by the New York Giants last month, and other former Notre Dame football players Stephon Tuitt, Corey Robinson, and Mike Golic Jr., and Kelly Cares Foundation Executive Director Lisa Klunder.

“Our supporters in New York City have been so incredible. We wouldn't be able to contribute to all of the health and education initiatives we do without them, so we are thrilled to be back for our Irish Eyes Gala this year,” said Paqui Kelly.

“When you think about what it means to be a game changer, you think about someone like Kyle Rudolph and the team at the Silver Shield Foundation, who have contributed so much to be able to help people during their greatest time of need,” said Brian Kelly. 

Rudolph received the “Leadership in Community Award” for his efforts to enhance the experiences of children and teens being treated at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital. Mike Golic Jr. of ESPN Radio presented him with the award at the event.

“The importance of being a leader and giving back to the community is something Coach Kelly instilled in my teammates and me throughout my time at Notre Dame. Coach Kelly has made a huge impact on the player I am on the field, but also who I have become off the field. My wife Jordan and I are incredibly honored to receive this award and look forward to supporting the important work at the Kelly Cares Foundation,” said Kyle Rudolph. 

The Silver Shield Foundation received the “Spirit of Giving Award” for their work to fund the education of children of police officers and firefighters who were killed in the line of duty. The former Police Commissioner of New York City, Raymond Kelly presented Ed Broderick, Secretary/Treasurer of the Silver Shield Foundation, with the award. 

"The Silver Shield Foundation is honored to receive this outstanding award and recognition from such a prestigious organization as Kelly Cares Foundation,” said Edwin T. Broderick, Secretary/Treasurer of the Silver Shield Foundation. “Kelly Cares' support enables us to continue to provide educational opportunities for line of duty families, preserving the hopes, dreams and future that our uniformed heroes had for their children."

Guy Chiarello, President of First Data, served as the event chair. Committee members for the Irish Eyes Gala were Danielle Boudria, David Conroy, Les McCarthy, John Mosley, and Jeane Willis. 

Since its founding in 2008, the Kelly Cares Foundation has donated over $5 million to support causes locally, nationally and globally. Kelly Cares Foundation fulfills its mission through medical research, educational programming and community outreach.

The Irish Eyes Gala was presented by Bouchard Transportation and Hewlett Packard Enterprise served as reception sponsor.

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