What are Friends For?
David & Mairead Finn with their children Gabrielle, Regina, and Vivienne
From 1990 to 1995, THP President Patrick Moynihan traded physical commodities and futures and options for Louis Dreyfus, a French trading company with several trading groups in the US. One of those groups is Allenberg Cotton Company in Memphis, TN where Moynihan was transferred in 1992. It was there that he developed a friendship with co-worker David Finn—a relationship that has turned into a partnership to rebuild a nation.
David Finn, although born originally in Memphis, had just moved back to the city and didn’t know anyone. He was very grateful for Patrick and Christina Moynihan’s help in introducing him to people. Finn didn’t have any idea he or Moynihan would someday be helping to rebuild an island nation, but he wasn’t surprised to hear about his friend’s decision to become so heavily involved with such a project.
Finn kept tabs on Moynihan’s missionary work and watched the THP family grow as he worked on starting a family of his own. In the late 1990’s, David Finn met Mairead Harnett, who worked for the company that provided the software package he was using at work. The two married in 2001.
By this time, Moynihan had been the head of The Haitian Project for five years, Louverture Cleary School’s property had doubled in size and the student population had nearly tripled. Finn was delighted to hear the wonderful news of THP’s success, and Mairead, naturally interested in her husband’s involvement, became involved herself and ran the New York City Marathon for THP in 2005.
When asked why they have supported Moynihan and his endeavors for so many years, Finn said “We believe as a family that education is extremely important, and everyone should have access to the highest quality education they can receive. Also, we have great faith in Patrick’s ability to use the money wisely. I know that by giving him a donation that none of the money will be wasted, and he will get the best bang for the buck.”
With a wistful smile for the old days, Moynihan replied, “The whole Finn clan has made a lot of our growth possible and contributed to our peace of mind. Their gifts have been consistent and as well timed as Dave’s trading.”
