Spring 2024 Newsletter
Message from our President
Dear Members, Friends and Supporters,
It is both an honor and a privilege to address you as the President of the British Benevolent Society of California. As we stand at the threshold of a new chapter, I am inspired by the remarkable legacy of compassion and community that defines our 170 year old organization.
The heart of our mission lies in aiding and providing relief to British citizens west of the Rocky Mountains facing challenges, embodying the spirit of support and shared responsibility. Together, we form a community that transcends borders and embraces the values of generosity and kindness.
Our focus on the future is unwavering. We envision a BBS that not only continues to transform lives but also evolves to meet the ever-changing needs of our community. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation, we are dedicated to expanding our impact and reaching even greater heights.
As we embark on this journey together, I invite each of you to be an integral part of shaping the future of the British Benevolent Society. Your support, ideas, and engagement are invaluable as we work towards a future where no one in our community faces challenges alone.
I am excited about the opportunities ahead, and I am committed to leading the BBS with dedication, transparency, and a shared vision of creating positive change.
Thank you for being an essential part of our mission. Together, let's build a future where compassion knows no bounds.
Warm regards,
Alex Sinclair
President
British Benevolent Society of California
Relief Cases
The Relief Committee receives requests for assistance on an ongoing basis. Requests come through the Consulates in Los Angeles and San Francisco or directly through referrals from the British Community. The most recent cases involved providing assistance to a British Veteran facing eviction, a number of repatriation cases, and helping a victim of fraud.
Rental Relief
The Veteran, who has been consistently working in California, recently faced a setback when he lost his job. Seeking to maintain his residence and continue his job search, he requested financial assistance for rent. The Relief Committee stepped in and provided funds to cover his rent through the holidays, aiming to alleviate his financial burden and allow him to concentrate on finding new employment.
Repatriation
The BBS was made aware of a young British woman in a situation of extreme danger and vulnerability, as she found herself without a home, money, or passport, living on the streets in Portland. Through a partnership with the Consulate in San Francisco, the BBS provided assistance by covering the costs of an emergency passport and flight to the UK. This support enabled the applicant to safely reunite with her family upon return to the UK.
The Consulate in Los Angeles brought another homeless case to the attention of the BBS. In this particular situation, a British individual had been striving to establish a life in the US. Unfortunately, he found himself unable to sustain himself financially. After enduring months of relying on friends and sometimes going without food, he made the difficult decision to return to the UK to begin anew. The BBS intervened by covering the cost of his flight, allowing him to reunite with a support system and providing him with the opportunity to live independently once again.
The BBS received an urgent application for assistance from a young woman facing dire circumstances. Having lost her job, she found herself with only 4 weeks of funds to support both herself and her young teenage son. With the looming risk of eviction after this period, the Relief Committee swiftly approved covering the cost of a passport for her son. Additionally, they provided two tickets for the mother and son to return to the UK, where they were able to reunite with family and begin the process of starting their lives over.
Financial Assistance
The BBS received an application from a victim of fraud who had sold her car to a company in Los Angeles that later went out of business, leaving customers uncompensated for their vehicle sales. As many of us understand, being without a car in the US can present immense challenges, hindering basic tasks such as commuting to work. Recognizing this, the Relief Committee swiftly approved a modest sum to cover either a down payment on a new car or the use of ride-sharing services while alternative arrangements were pursued.
Upcoming BBS Events
Trivia Night at Pig & Whistle
Mark your calendar! Join us for Trivia Night at the Pig & Whistle on Tuesday, March 12th, 2024 for a fun evening of brain teasing and prizes.
Registration details to come shortly!
When: Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Where: Pig & Whistle (2801 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA)
Time: 8:00-10:00 PM
March Happy Hours
Come and be part of not just one, but two amazing Happy Hour occasions taking place concurrently in the South Bay and the North Bay this month!
When: Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Where: Tiburon Tavern (North Bay); State Street Market (South Bay)
Time: 5:00-8:00 PM
The BBS will host a raffle, as we always do at the monthly happy hours! So please join us and you never know what you will walk away with!
The fee is optional and considered a charitable donation. All donations we receive will help us to provide financial relief to Brits in need. Please RSVP so that the bar can accommodate for staff.
BBS Spring Event: Horse Racing
Get your hats on and your binoculars out and join us on Easter Sunday at Golden Gate Fields!
Sign up early — only 50 tickets available!
When: Sunday, March 31st
Where: Golden Gate Fields (1100 Eastshore Hwy, Berkeley, CA 94710)
Time: 12:00-3:30 PM
12PM // Gates Open
12PM-3PM // Easter Buffet
1:15PM // GGF Live Racing First Post
$130.00 ($32 children 17 and under)
Includes:
All access pass to the Turf Club restaurant and lower levels
Daily Racing program for each of your guests
Complimentary parking
A glass of sparkling wine
3-hour all-you-can-eat buffet
Dessert station
Unlimited sodas
All day coffee station
There will be a raffle, and a prize for the best hat for Ladies and Gentlemen
This price also includes tax and tip for your server
Golden Gate Fields is an American horse racing track straddling both Albany, California and Berkeley, California along the shoreline of the San Francisco Bay adjacent to the Eastshore Freeway in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Golden Gate Fields is closing forever in June 2024, so last chance to enjoy a day at the races in the Bay Area!
Request your tickets using the link below and we will purchase them as a group.
Questions? karen.thomas@bbsofca.org
Previous BBS Events
Happy Hour at State Street Market
Thank you to everyone who joined is in Los Altos on Wednesday, February 28th. We had a great time and can't wait to connect with all of you again soon!
Congrats to our raffle winners: Anthea Whitehead (bubbly) and Kelly Ducourty (cheese).
2023 BBS Christmas Dinner Party
Thank you again to those who joined us for our Christmas dinner party at The University Club of San Francisco in December. Your presence transformed the evening into a beautiful celebration of generosity, fellowship, and shared commitment.
Together, we raised over $7,000, a testament to the collective impact we can achieve. This substantial amount will undoubtedly make a significant difference in the lives of those facing challenges.
We look forward to celebrating with you again at the 2024 BBS Christmas Dinner on December 11th, 2024 (SAVE THE DATE!).
Welcome New Members!
BBS would like to welcome our newest members:
Corporate Members
Karen Beale - Artonomi
Rudy Burger - Woodside Capital Partners
Charles Cockerton - Florin Pensions
Simon Plumb - Currencies Direct
Alex Sinclair - Willow on the Green
Steve Wares - CCW Business Solutions
Mark Webber - Field Fisher
Jon Wingent - Morton Wealth
Our youngest new BBS Member — 18-year-old, Rafe Ryan!
Individual Members
Jack Bair
Stacey Black
Antonio Brizzi
Helena McLoughlin
Nick Fey
Patrick Fields
James Harper
Peter Havas
Tiffany Knef
Diane Luce
Rebecca Murphy
Niamph Pellegrini
Rafe Ryan
Rayne Ryan
Peter Warden
Joint Members
Jenny Duarte
Matias Duarte
Anthea Whitehead
Matt Whitehead
With your help and involvement, we can continue to provide aid and relief to distressed British nationals in dire need of assistance.
Save the Date - 2024 Events
BBS Happy Hours in the North & South Bay
Join us for two Happy Hour events happening simultaneously at Tiburon Tavern (in the North Bay) and State Street Market (in the South Bay) this year:
March 27
April 24
May 22
June 26
July 31
August 28
September 25
Trivia Nights at the Pig & Whistle
Gather with us at the Pig & Whistle for Trivia Nights on the following dates this year:
March 12
April 9
May 14
Annual BBS Christmas Dinner 2024
Wednesday, December 11th, 2024 at The University Club of San Francisco
