The Members of the Laois Business Network are proud to announce that we have raised €1000 for our local charity The Cuisle Centre Portlaoise.  We organised a table quiz which took place in Grellan Delaney’s Portlaoise and we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who was involved in this event as it was a huge success.

Laois Business Network will hold a black tie fundraising dinner with keynote speaker Senator Mary Ann O’Brien of Lily O’Brien’s Chocolates / Jack & Jill Foundation and MC Claire Byrne from RTÉ on Thursday 29^th March at 8pm in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise. The event will include a drinks reception followed by a four course meal. Music on the night is from Damian Bowe and band and there will be numerous spot prizes to be won at what’s going to be the ‘must-go-to’ event in Portlaoise in 2012. Tickets priced at only €50 are on sale now for this black tie event from all Laois Business Network members. All proceeds go to the Irish Hospice Foundation’s ‘Hospice Homecare for Children’ campaign.

“An estimated 1,369 Irish children live with life limiting illnesses and it is estimated that somewhere between 354 and 398 children die each year prior to their 18th birthday.

There is currently no national dedicated children’s palliative care service in Ireland.

Under a five-year programme, which has been agreed with the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive, the IHF will raise funds to develop a hospice home care service for children.

The IHF has funded Ireland’s first Paediatric Palliative Care Consultant as well as five of eight outreach nurses in the community who will provide support and advice for healthcare professionals who are delivering care to children with life-limiting illnesses at home”.

Laois Business Network provides an effective and informal networking opportunity for owner managers of Laois businesses. Members of Laois Business Network, can:

• Tap into a supportive network of like minded people who may be going through similar situations.
• Get access to expert guest speakers brought in to present on topics of interest to members.
• Widen their contact base to help develop their business.
• Have the opportunity to promote their business through the events which the Club develops or sponsors on an Annual basis.
• Enjoy preferential rates for products or services offered by fellow members

The Network is delighted to present a true Irish entrepreneur as keynote speaker,

Senator Mary Ann O’Brien (Lily O’Brien’s Chocolates / Jack & Jill Foundation).

Having started Lily O’Brien’s chocolates in her small Kildare kitchen in 1992, Mary Ann O’Brien has grown the business into one of the country’s most recognised global brands. She works closely with retailers in product development and is a strong supporter of entrepreneurship.

Mary Ann is co-founder of the Jack and Jill Foundation, with her husband Jonathan Irwin. In 2011 she was nominated to the Senate by Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Contact any member of Laois Business Network for tickets. For further information and updates on the event visit www.laoisbusinessnetwork.com or email events@laoisbusinessnetwork.com

“I’m looking forward to seeing you all there for a great night of networking, all in aid of an absolutely fantastic charity.”
– David Finn, Chairman, Laois Business Network