The Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library will host our Annual Anam Cara (Soul Friend) Gala on Saturday, November 6, 2021. This celebrates the 22 anniversary of the Irish Cultural and Learning Foundation (ICLF), the parent organization of the Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library. The ICLF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

The Gala night will include a beautiful dinner, live music and entertainment, a silent auction, and a gathering of friends old and new. In addition, our Anam Cara Awardees will be recognized on the night. These are individuals selected for their phenomenal effort to the Irish community and Celtic culture. Previous awardees include the late US Senator John McCain, former CEO of Intel Craig Barrett, former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, and the late CEO of Shamrock Foods Norman McClelland.

This year’s deserving Anam Cara Award recipients are Steve Goumas, owner of the beloved Rula Bula Irish Pub in Tempe; Seamus King, stone mason and supporter of the Irish Cultural Center for many years; Thomas Bracken, owner of the Bracken School of Irish Dance in Chandler; and Brid Dower, ICLF Board Member and long-time community supporter.