Chicago Irish Brotherhood Honors Entrepreneur and Boys Town of Chicago

The event by the Chicago Irish Brotherhood honored a local entrepreneur and raised funds to help children and families of Boys Town of Chicago. (Left to Right) Paul Lopez, Boys Town of Chicago Board member; Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart; Martin Rouine, Counsel General of Ireland; Father Bruce Wellems, Boys Town of Chicago Executive Director, and Tim Egan, Chicago Irish Brotherhood Chairman.

An event by the Chicago Irish Brotherhood gathered more than 150 community members April 25 to honor the work of a local entrepreneur and raised funds for the children and families of Boys Town of Chicago.

The Chicago Irish Brotherhood awarded Billy Lawless, an Irish immigrant and respected businessman in Chicago, the Father Flanagan Spirit Award for his influence on youth in the community. Mr. Lawless was originally from Galway, one of Chicago’s sister cities, and recently was honored with a personal invitation to the White House. He was joined at the Spirit Award by his wife, Anne, along with their children and friends.

The award, given by the Chicago Irish Brotherhood, recognized Lawless for his tireless efforts to end injustices against immigrants who live in Chicago. He is working to inform people about the inequalities immigrants face and is giving hope to children in the Back of the Yards Community, a mostly immigrant area of Chicago.

"Billy Lawless has captured the spirit of Father Flanagan's message through his commitment to end discrimination against immigrants," said Michelle LaGroue, Boys Town of Chicago Development Director. "He has been a great role model for our youth and is a person making a difference in the lives of our children."

The Chicago Irish Brotherhood Chairman and Boys Town of Chicago Board Member Tim Egan, Cook County Sheriff and Honorary Chairman Tom Dart and Chicago Police Department Commander and Co-Chairman Hector Rodriguez helped organize the event which raised funds and awareness for Boys Town of Chicago programs and services.

"This is a great example of board members stepping up to make sure the children and families we serve are getting the help and care they need," said LaGroue. “Tim Egan did a great job organizing this event and we are very thankful for the Chicago Irish Brotherhood and their support of Boys Town of Chicago."