US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton recorded a message that was played to guests at an event to celebrate her long association with Belfast.
The Emerald Ball in the Europa Hotel was attended by Jim Lyons, a former US aide to Bill Clinton and senior advisor to Hillary Clinton's campaign.
The event was billed as a thank you to Ms Clinton for "21 years of friendship" with the city and in her video the Democratic candidate said the north had "a special place in my heart".
She said she treasured memories of having watched the lighting of Belfast's Christmas tree and sharing a pot of tea with Catholic and Protestant women who were "determined to put aside their differences to build a lasting peace together".
Musician Brian Kennedy entertained guests including the Republic's housing minister Simon Coveney, DUP councillor Guy Spence, SDLP MP Alasdair McDonnell, Baroness May Blood, and former MLAs Monica McWiliams and Basil McCrea.
Funds raised went to international charity Concern Worldwide.