The Ireland Chamber - United States hosted its 12th Annual St Patrick Day Governor's Breakfast at the Waldorf Astoria, NYC on March 17, 2008. An estimated 1,400 guests listened to a spirited and humorous speech from former New Jersey Governor Richard Cody, who recounted his fond memories of growing up in a working class Irish-American family who valued hard work and education.

Dancers from Petri
School of Irish Dance

We want to thank our Presenting Sponsor AIG and our two Champion Sponsors, National Grid (formerly Keyspan) and the NECO Foundation Inc. Special thanks to our performers and entertainers Rebecca Carbino-Sweeney for singing the national anthems of both the USA and Ireland, Celtic Thunder, Red Hurley, as well as Jacey Cloonan for individual performances. Also a special thank you to our Master of Ceremonies, Jim Cramer, financial author, Co-Founder of TheStreet.com and host of CNBC's Mad Money. A special thank you to Jack Irwin who has been instrumental in our success each year as well as our committed Breakfast Co-Chairs Brian O'Dwyer and John Cahill. Also, our first annual Business and Trade Expo had 10 exhibitors along with a successful Silent Auction that benefited the Children of Harlem's North General Hospital