Dear Members,

It was a glorious night at the Irish Center on November 16th! 78% of our Active Members voted in favor of transitioning the UICC to a 501c3 non-profit corporation. This change provides us with an ability to raise tax deductible contributions to expand our cultural programming and enhance the facilities of the Center. Simply put, we are poised for the rebirth of the UICC as the permanent home and Center for Irish Culture and fellowship in San Francisco and the Bay Area.

As noted in our presentation to the UICC Community, we will be reimagining the Center as a showcase of Irish exceptionalism in San Francisco for generations to come.

So, what’s next? The real work starts now! We will begin a Phase One Fundraising Campaign for 2017 of $1,000,000 to be used as follows:

  • $250,000 for staffing, including recruitment of an Executive Director and other necessary personnel to supplement our current management and staff, and lead the charge for the Strategic Plan.
  • $250,000 for architectural review and scoping of the space requirements of the Center for the future.
  • $100,000 for needed immediate updates to the Center to improve revenues from our restaurant and banquet business.
  • $400,000 for reserves.

Phase One activities will inform us regarding the financial goals and requirements for our Phase Two fundraising.

In the meantime, please come out to the Center for all of the wonderful upcoming events, including Friday and Saturday music in the restaurant.

We look forward to seeing everyone soon!

Michael Barnacle & the UICC Board