The Ireland Funds Young Leaders are set to hold an All American barbecue in aid of the Promising Ireland Campaign on the eve of the Croke Park Classic, the season-opening clash the University of Central Florida and Penn State to be played in Dublin.

All proceeds from the third annual Ireland Funds barbecue will go to the Promising Ireland Campaign, which benefits charities across Ireland, and those helping Irish communities abroad. The previous events have attracted up to 175 guests from the American and Irish communities in Ireland, as well as American guests. The night will consist of great food and entertainment, with an American flair.

The Ireland Funds Young Leaders was launched in Dublin in 2011 and is now one of 12 chapters worldwide. The Young Leaders Society attracts professionals aged 25 to 45. Paving the way for the future, the society cultivates an emerging generation of philanthropists while providing a networking forum and a connection with modern Ireland. With vibrant events around the world, members have raised over $2 million for the work of the Ireland Funds. Most recently, the Worldwide Young Leaders have set an annual fund-raising target of $1 million and although it's an ambitious objective they feel it is achievable.

The extensive schedule of events surrounding the Croke Park Classic is expected to draw 20,000 tourists (16,000 from the US and 4,000 from elsewhere in Europe) to Ireland’s capital and provide an estimated $40 million (€30 million) boost to the economy.

The all American style barbecue will be held at the Lansdowne Rugby Club, on Friday, 29 August 2014 @ 7pm. For more information visit the TheIrelandFunds.org.