The 17th Annual Celtic Connection will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Newton Marriott in Boston, Massachusetts. The event committee has joined together this year to plan another outstanding Building Friends for a Cure (BFC) community fundraiser honoring Irish heritage. The event aims to raise necessary funds for Alpha-1 research and related programs.
Celtic Connection has become the largest BFC event through the outstanding support of sponsors and the dedication and motivation of the longstanding committee, including Bob Healy, Chair, Mike & Diane Allen, Irene Calderon, Aleigha Campbell, Dan & Kathi Coffin, Shirley Dennis, Oliver & Joan Garry, Dan Grimm, Peg Iverson, Siobhan Lestina, Richard Lovrich, Joe & Patsy Masterson, Angela McBride, Dave & Lori Mitcheroney, Pattie Murphy, Ingrid Nunes, Diana Patterson, Michael & Karin Pittsley, Rachel Sprunger and the Walsh Family.
“As members of the Celtic Connection Committee, we are thrilled to come together for this year’s event. This gathering holds special significance as we honor the remarkable legacy of Fred C. Walsh. His unwavering dedication to the Alpha-1 community has left a lasting impact, and we are privileged to celebrate his memory while embracing the rich and lively spirit of Celtic culture that unites us all,” stated the 2025 Celtic Committee members.
A highlight of every year is the presentation of the Shillelagh award. The Shillelagh is a traditional Celtic weapon associated with Ireland, and the award symbolizes the battle that Alpha-1 doctors, researchers, and leadership wage against Alpha-1. The Foundation looks forward to presenting this award to the well-deserving 2025 recipient on Saturday night.
Past recipients are always present to share in their continued dedication and commitment to Alphas worldwide. Past recipients include Dr. Monica Goldklang, Dr. James Stoller, Dr. Terrence R. Flotte, Dr. Edwin K. “Ed” Silverman, Dr. Jeanine M. D’Armiento, Dr. Noel G. “Gerry” McElvaney, Dr. Andrew Wilson, Dr. Darrell N. Kotton, Fred Walsh and John W. Walsh.
Each year, guests look forward each year to the entertainment of the Celtic Connection event including live music performed this year by “Devri” and the talented youth dancers from a local Irish dance studio, Harney’s Academy of Irish Dance located in Walpole, Massachusetts. We look forward to seeing their phenomenal performances again this year. Guest will once again enjoy a traditional Irish dinner of corned beef and cabbage for dinner.
Thank you to our generous Celtic Connection Individual sponsors that make the event possible: Mark Brantly, MD, Gordon E. and Ruth Cadwgan, Darlene A. Dartt, PhD, Oliver and Joan Garry, Peg M. Iverson, Diana J. Patterson, Michael and Karin Pittsley, David A Pusey, Amelie Ratliff, Reidy Family, Jim Romano, Patty L. Tew and Walsh Family.
Thank you to our generous Celtic Connection Event Sponsors: AlphaNet, Beam Therapeutics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital Lung Center, CReM of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, CSL, Grifols, Korro Bio., Petrie’s Flower Shoppe, Sanofi, Takeda TargetTack, LLC and University of Massachusetts.
Not in Boston? Want to support the event? You can bid online at the exciting silent auction, the platform is open to the community:
CLICK HERE to view auction items
The auction features handmade items from Alphas around the country, gift baskets, Irish goodies, travel experiences and more!
The auction will remain open until 10:00 PM ET on March 8th.
For additional information, please visit: https://one.bidpal.net/celticconnection2025/welcome
