When most people think of St. Patrick’s Day, images of green beer and shamrocks come to mind. But in Pittsburgh, the holiday takes on a deeper meaning through The Ireland Funds‘ annual Pittsburgh Gala.

Founded in 1976 by Pittsburgh businessmen Dan Rooney (owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers) and Tony O’Reilly (former CEO of H.J. Heinz Co.), The Ireland Funds has raised over $650 million for causes in Ireland and Irish communities worldwide.

This year’s “Green Tie” Pittsburgh Gala, held on March 17, 2025, at Acrisure Stadium’s UPMC Club, raised more than $700,000. The event honored Chip Ganassi, who received The Daniel M. Rooney Ambassador’s Award, and Evan Frazier, who was awarded The Patricia R. Rooney Community Impact Award for his work in the Pittsburgh region.

The gala featured creative auction packages including “Touchdown in Ireland”—a trip to watch the Steelers play at Dublin’s Croke Park—and “Chase the Checkered Flag”—an Indianapolis 500 experience with Chip Ganassi Racing.

While St. Patrick’s Day is often associated with revelry, The Ireland Funds offers an alternative: a celebration that honors Irish heritage while creating tangible positive change through support for education, arts, peace initiatives, and community development.