Irish and Irish-American young women who are competing in this year’s New York Rose of Tralee Selection spent the weekend before the selection getting to know each other through fun and charitable events.

On Saturday, five of the 2012 contestants as well as the 2011 New York Roses Erin Loughran and Caitlin McNeil were on hand in Central Park for the Concern Spring Run. The run, which benefits education in Haiti, saw the Rose of Tralee team raise and donate an impressive $1,195 to the cause. Concern’s goal of $155,000 was surpassed when donations amassed at over $190,000 to be sent to Haiti.

Interested in donating to Concern? Check out their page here.

On Sunday, the ladies were busy again donating their time at a function at the Heritage Bar and Restaurant on McLean Avenue in the Bronx. Seven of this year’s contestants were on hand in their gowns and sashes to help promote and sell raffle tickets for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Fundraiser. The women were in good company as Cherish the Ladies graced the fundraiser with their famous musical stylings.

Organized by Team Trinity of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Sunday’s event was used to promote their benefit dance on May 11th at Empire Casino in Yonkers. Rose contestants will also be on hand at the benefit next month, of which current New York Rose Erin Loughran is serving on the banquet committee.

This coming Friday night will see some of the contestants step out again in order to promote their own cause, the New York Rose of Tralee Selection Night. Some of the lovely contestants will be at The Dubliner and Beckett’s on Stone Street in New York City to promote Sunday’s events.

The New York Rose of Tralee Selection will be held on Sunday April 22nd at Empire Casino in Yonkers. There, one lucky lady will be chosen to represent New York at the International Rose of Tralee Festival later this summer. Martin O’Grady is being honored for his work and dedication to Irish culture and arts through the Woodlawn House of Arts and Music. Come out for a night full of fun and music! Ticket information is available here.