The St. Patrick’s Day Charity Ball, a flagship event blending Irish heritage with community support, was held on March 22, 2025, at the Sheraton Addis Hotel. Organized by the Irish community in Ethiopia, the event aimed to raise funds for Tesfa Addis Parents Childhood Cancer Organisation (TAPCCO), which provides critical services to families of children with cancer in Addis Ababa, Jimma, and Gondar.
The ball featured live Irish music, themed festivities, and a silent auction, mirroring its 2024 revival after a pandemic hiatus. Attendees included members of the Irish and diplomatic communities, Ethiopian officials, and supporters of Ireland’s development programs.
This year’s beneficiary, TAPCCO, assists 100 families in Addis, 40 in Jimma, and 20 in Gondar by offering accommodation, food, hygiene supplies, and transportation during cancer treatment. The event sought to match or exceed the €40,000 raised in 2024 for AWSAD, a women’s empowerment organization.
The Sheraton’s Lalibela Grand Ballroom hosted the evening, with its iconic musical fountain and grand ambiance.
The event underscored the Irish community’s commitment to philanthropy in Ethiopia. While specific fundraising totals for 2025 remain undisclosed, organizers emphasized the urgency of supporting TAPCCO’s mission amid rising healthcare challenges.
