$25,000 packages see Mayo poised for New York windfall
MAYO look set to make their trip to the ‘Big Apple’ in May a profitable one with huge funds expected to be raised at a spectacular gala dinner in advance of their Connacht SFC clash with New York.
Plans are afoot for the inaugural Mayo GAA International Supporters’ Foundation Black Tie Gala which will take place in the world renowned Cipriani Hotel on Broadway on May 3.
Dubbed as a night where patrons can “join Mayo GAA, with current and past players, for an unforgettable evening celebrating our heritage and building a brighter future for Mayo and the greater Mayo community”, it is expected to be a huge money spinner for the county which will go some way to covering the expense of their inter-county preparations for 2019.
With big numbers of Mayo fans expected to make the trip to New York to see James Horan’s side face the Exiles in his first championship game since returning as county boss, Mayo chiefs look set to cash in on the occasion with a range of packages available for possible donors in an effort to boos their coffers.
Packages labelled the ‘Ruby Sponsor’ and ‘Emerald Sponsor’ are available at a whopping cost of $25,000 and $10,000 respectively with perks such as VIP seating alongside a “high-profile player” as well as prominent advertising space in the event journal/programme on the night.
A signed team jersey, special VIP gifts for guests and entry to the event after-party for all guests are also part of those packages while a full-page advert in the journal/programme will set you back $5,000, with a half-page costing $2,500.
Mayo were the third biggest spenders in 2017 (behind Cork and Dublin) with €1,542,547 on team preparation but their fundraising vehicles through Cáirde Mhaigheo produced staggering returns of over €900,000.
Such fundraising efforts abroad are nothing new within GAA circles with the GPA Champions Lunch in Boston a much-debated topic in recent years while Kerry have also spread their wings and made the trip across the Atlantic Ocean to raise funds.