the irish memorial

For nearly 12 years, a dedicated group of Irish Americans worked diligently to bring the Irish Memorial to Philadelphia. For more than seven of those years, the principals of Fuzzy Slippers Marketing Strategies acted as a virtual marketing team, conceptualizing and executing public awareness and fundraising events including: Three 5K Runs, two large-scale formal galas, marketing partnerships with Strawbridge's, Dunkin Donuts, City Paper, the City of Philadelphia Managing Directors office, the Fairmount Park Commission and the Pennsylvania State Legislature.

The result of the public relations campaign has been media attention including articles in The New York Times and People Magazine, an editorial on Saint Patrick's Day 2002 in The Philadelphia Inquirer, and a media partnership with CBS 3 TV that included public service announcements, web site exposure and ongoing news reports on the progression of the project. The project culminated in the official dedication of the monument and Irish Memorial Park in October 2003 with a formal ceremony that was covered by all major news outlets in Philadelphia.

The legacy is on-site recognition for FSMS at the Irish Memorial on a bronze plaque at the corner of Front and Chestnut Streets in Philadelphia. On March 17th each year, FSMS coordinates a ceremony at the memorial to honor those who perished during the Great Hunger, and to recognize those who immigrated to the United States. The annual event includes various dignitaries from the public and private sectors in Philadelphia and Ireland.