Calling of the Clans
IT'S THE CALLING OF THE CLANS FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY
In support of Beaver Island Irish Heritage Group
Honoring Family, Heritage, and Friendly Island Rivalry
Calling of the Clans is a community-centered fundraiser that connects Beaver Island’s historic families and the wider island diaspora to the ongoing work of the Beaver Island Irish Heritage Group (BIIHG).
Rooted in Irish tradition and island history, Calling of the Clans celebrates shared heritage while supporting BIIHG’s mission to recognize, showcase, and preserve Beaver Island’s unique Irish legacy, including its connection to Arranmore Island, County Donegal, Ireland.
At its heart, Calling of the Clans is about honoring family ties, strengthening community connections, and having a little fun along the way.
How It Works
Calling of the Clans is a fun, welcoming, and friendly competition among Beaver Island families and supporters. Individuals contribute in the name of a family clan, combining donations to show collective pride and support for Irish heritage on the island.
The competitive element is intentionally lighthearted. While clans enjoy friendly bragging rights, the true goal is shared generosity and sustaining the work of BIIHG for years to come.
In 2025, Calling of the Clans raised more than $20,000 from over 120 individual donors.
Participating clans have included: Boyle, Connaghan, Cull, Gallagher, Gillespie, Green/Greene, Martin, McCafferty, McCann, McCauley/Malloy, McDonough, and O’Donnell.
Each gift contributes to the long-term preservation of Irish culture and community life on Beaver Island. The challenge concludes at noon on Saturday, March 14, 2026, when the clan with the most cumulative donations will earn year-long bragging rights and the honor of showcasing their family history and heirlooms in the Féile’s Hearth Area. While gifts are welcome at any time, donations received by this deadline will count toward determining the 2026 Clan Winner.
Not Part of a Historic Clan?
You do not need to belong to one of Beaver Island’s historic clans to participate. Anyone with a meaningful connection to the island is welcome to create a new clan and join the friendly competition.
New clans represent the living evolution of Beaver Island’s Irish heritage. Participants are even encouraged to design their own Clan Crest. The Heller-Perdue Clan, established in 2023, is one example of how new traditions continue to grow.
Clan of the Year
Each year, the clan that raises the most support by a designated deadline earns the title of Clan of the Year. While the competition adds excitement, all clans contribute meaningfully to the mission.
2025 Clan of the Year: Greene/Green
Second Place: Cull
Third Place: Connaghan
The Clan of the Year receives special recognition during the festival, including the opportunity to decorate the Hearth Area with family photos and heirlooms.
All clans that raise $1,000 or more are recognized during the festival with a family crest flag displayed at Festival Headquarters at Holy Cross Hall. These flags celebrate generosity, heritage, and the friendly spirit that defines Calling of the Clans.
Holy Hour and Calling of the Clans Dinner
Calling of the Clans supporters are invited to kick off the festival weekend with a special Holy Hour and Dinner on Thursday, September 10.
Hosted by Jerry Early, this invitation-only gathering is inspired by the weekly social tradition at Early’s Pub on Arranmore Island and serves as a thank-you to those supporting the work of the Beaver Island Irish Heritage Group.
$50 admission for one
$100 admission for you and a guest
The Calling of the Clans Fundraiser is an authentic way to connect the historic Beaver Island families (Clans) to this amazing, growing festival, and its parent non-profit organization, Beaver Island Irish Heritage Group (BIIHG). The goal of BIIHG is to recognize, showcase, and preserve Beaver Island’s unique Irish Heritage including its connection to Arranmore Island, County Donegal, Ireland. In many ways, it is showcasing the evolution of the ties between the Beaver Island Clans and the Clans of Ireland; your families.
The Calling of the Clans is a fun and slightly competitive way for the Beaver Island diaspora (those who have ever called Beaver Island home or are descendants of those who have) to support the longevity of the festival. So far in 2025 the Calling of the Clans has raised $20,000.00 from over 120 unique donors. Clan donations came from these families: Boyle, Connaghan, Cull, Gallagher, Gillespie, Green/Greene, Martin, McCafferty, McCann, McCauley/Malloy, McDonough and O’Donnell.
Not a member of one of the historic clans, but have a strong connection to Beaver Island? You can create your own clan (like the Heller-Perdue Clan did in 2023) and be a part of the evolution of Irish cultural heritage on Beaver Island; you can even develop your own Clan Crest!
This year, the clan with the most donations by Noon on Saturday, March 15th (almost the Great Day), 2025, will earn the title of CLAN OF THE YEAR, and have the esteemed privilege of adorning the festival’s Hearth Area with their family photos and heirlooms. The 2025 Clan of the Year is Greene/Green followed by Cull and Connaghan. Donations received after March 15th still help us pursue our goals, but do not count toward the Clan of the Year competition.
All ‘Clans’ who raise at least $1000.00 will have a flag of their Family Crest on display at the Festival Headquarters – Holy Cross Hall. For our Calling of the Clans supporters, the festival will begin on Thursday September 4th with a “Holy Hour” event to kick off the féile and thank our Calling of the Clans Supporters for their generosity. This “Holy Hour” special event, hosted by Jerry Early, is an American take on a weekly festive gathering at Early’s Pub on Arranmore at which we will thank and recognize those who are supporting the longevity and expansion of the festival. To secure your spot at the Thursday evening event, contribute at least $50.00 to the clan of your choice and to include a plus one at the event, contribute at least $100.00.
Questions? Email: kevingreen777@gmail.com
Last Chance to Donate: 2025 Calling of the Clans Dinner & Holy Hour!
Secure Your Spot & Support Our Heritage
Don’t miss your final opportunity! If you want to attend the 2025 Calling of the Clans Dinner and Holy Hour on Thursday, September 4th, now’s your last chance to donate to the Emerald Isle Irish Feile Calling of the Clans. Donations must be made by August 8th to be included in this invitation only event.
Donate $50 or more to the Clan of your choice and secure your seat for an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the vibrant spirit of our community. Your generosity directly supports the longevity and legacy of the Beaver Island Irish Heritage Group—ensuring that our cherished traditions continue to thrive for generations to come.
BECOMING A CALLING OF THE CLANS SUPPORTER IS EASY: Click on the Button Below
THANK YOU, GO RAIBH MAITH AGAT!
2025 CALLING OF THE CLANS DONORS
Aubreanne Brown, Abbie Hart, Alice and Andy Klees, Alice Belfy, Amy Yachcik, Anthony Connaghan, Barry McDonough, Beth Anne Lucas, Betty Greene, Bill Wardius, Blake Scheller, Bob Smith, Bonnie Cull, Bridget & Travis Martin, Bridget Hannenberg, Brenden Martin, Brenna Wearn, Brooke Slater, Carol Gillespie, Carol O’Donnell / Bunting, Carly Bell, Carrie Douglas, Catherine Meintsma & Joel Meintsma, Christy Becker, Clyde & Lori Left, Colleen Martin, Connie and Neal Boyle, Dana Hodgson, Daniel and Ann Nackerman, Dave & Monica Longlet, David Bair, Deborah Robert, Dennis Greene, Donna Kubic, Drew and Thayer McDonough, Elizabeth Schwandt, Elizabeth Vrancheff, Ellen Newman, Ernest Martin, Erin Martin, Gary Breden, Glenn Hendrix, Hilary Palmer, Heather Barile, Jeanne Gillespie, Jim McDonough, Joan LaFreniere, John Cull, Johnnell LaFreniere, Judy Crowell, Judy Hansul, Julie Cherry, Julie Gillespie, Julie Greene, Kali Delamater, Karen Wojan, Kathleen Dvoracek, Kayla Anderson, Kayla Early, Kellie Sopczynski, Kevin & Theresa McDonough, Kevin Green, Kitty McNamara & Mike Green, Kristy Becker, Kyle Wojan, Linda Wearn, Lois and Kevin Stipp, Lonnie Allen, Lynn Blue, Lynn Wise, Mackenzie Martin, Maureen Cull, Mark & Ellen Newman, Mark and Jacqueline LaFreniere, Mary Beth and Dave Nelson, Mary Beth Kur, Mary Delamater, Mary Palmer, MaryBeth Lisek, Melissa Pischner-Stull, Michael Nackerman, Monica Longlet, Murphy Gillespie, Nancy Plumley, Neal Boyle, Nicole LoDico, Pam OBrien, Pat and Julie Greene, Pat and Pattie Crawford, Patricia Early, Paul & Shirley Cole, Paul Cole, Peg Wilcox, Peter LoDico, Pier Gerlofs Donia, Raymond Cull, Raymond Dale Cull, Renee Rycraft, Richard Gillespie, Rita Palmer-Stewart, Robert D. Cull, Robert McNamara, Rose Peters, RoseAnn Deford, Sarah Perkins, Scott Becker, Shar Ann Huston Chesshire, Shannon & Brad McDonough, Shawn McDonough, Shawn R McDonough, Shelby LaCombe, Shelby Meintsma, Shirley Cole, Shari Conkle, Shirley Cole, Steve & Brigid McNamara, Stephen Turner, Tara Palmer-Pop, Tamara McDonough, Tamie Gillespie, Theresa Boyle, Theresa McDonough, Tim Wearn, Tom Greene, Timothy Wearn, Tory Fingerle, Tracey McCafferty, Travis Martin.