The Irish International Immigration Centre has announced the details of our 2017 Solas Awards Gala. As the IIIC’s signature annual fundraising event, the gala honors the many ways immigrants contribute to our society, while supporting the immediate needs of those coming to our shores from across the globe.

Said IIIC Executive Director Ronnie Millar: “The IIIC is thrilled to present the Solas Leadership Award to John F. Donohue, chairman, president and chief executive officer of the Arbella Insurance Group, and the founding chair of the IIIC’s Advisory Board. John Donohue fully embodies the vision, mission, and values of the IIIC, and for over two decades he has been our closest friend, benefactor and ambassador.

“We are honored to present the Solas Service Award to the Honorable John F. Kerry, former Secretary of State and US senator. Secretary Kerry, a strong proponent of Comprehensive Immigration Reform and a pathway to citizenship for immigrants, served as the 68th US Secretary of State from 2013 to 2017 under President Barack Obama, and served as a senator from Massachusetts from 1985 to 2013.

“Finally, we are delighted to present the first ever Solas Courage Award to Noon Elhassan, a young woman from Sudan who has overcome great odds to build a life here in the US. The IIIC assisted Noon and her family in becoming permanent United States residents and today she is studying at the University of Massachusetts Boston, pursuing her dreams of becoming a doctor and a US citizen.”

The event will be held at the InterContinental Boston on Thurs., Oct. 12, beginning with registration and reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and program at 6:30 p.m. For tickets, visit www.accelevents.com/events/Solas2017.