January 2022 Newsletter

BBS Relief & Coronavirus Assistance

In January we closed a case that has been on our minds since February of 2021. Mr. W came to the USA in the mid 1980’s and married an American woman. He and his wife were unable to afford the cost of a Green Card application and, as such, he was living in the US illegally. His wife passed away in the fall of 2020 and his life took a terrible turn. He was a victim of elderly financial abuse resulting in the loss of his savings.

By the time the Consulate in Los Angeles became aware of Mr. W, he was behind in rent by almost $20,000. His adult step daughter did what she could by providing meals and helping to keep his living conditions manageable but once his water and electricity was cut, there was little she could do. The BBS stepped in and reestablished both electricity and water while the Consulate worked with Adult Protective Services hoping to connect Mr. W with basic social services. Because of his immigration status he was ineligible for any services and soon found himself with no other option than to return to the UK.

After months of coordination, the Consulate was able to secure housing and care in the UK. At the end of December we learned of these developments and paid for pre departure and re entry covid testing as well as his flight to the UK. This a somber example of how the BBS helps people with nowhere else to turn. Mr. W truly had no other support and, at the end of his life, would have fallen through the cracks of society.

Please keep in mind that your membership and donations directly support these initiatives. We thank you in advance for your continued support of the BBS and we hope that you will always consider us as your charity of choice.

 

Calling All Members!

Over the coming weeks we will be reaching out to all members whose memberships have lapsed. If you would like to renew your membership proactively, please visit our website today.

 

Upcoming Events

Monthly Happy Hour

Date: Thursday February 17
Time: 5:30
Place: Hook Fish at Proof Lab in Mill Valley
Tickets: $5

Join the BBS for our first no-host monthly happy hour of 2022 at Hook Fish Co. at Proof Lab Beer Garden in Mill Valley. Please try and join us on the last Thursday of each month at different locations around the Bay Area.

Bring your friends and family! If you haven’t been to the beer garden you will be sure to enjoy this family friendly outdoor space. Looking forward to connecting and reconnecting with members and friends of the  BBS.

The $5 registration fee is considered a charitable donation. All of the donations that we currently receive will help us to continue to support our Covid19 Grant Program.

Register Here Today

 

Mostly British Film Festival

Date: March 10-17
Time: Various
Place: The Vogue Theater, San Francisco
Tickets: Prices vary

Mostly British Film Festival is back and more riveting than ever with 25 new or recent entries from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and India. An early-bird series pass is available for $200 until February 7, offering early access to the theater and reserved seats to all films. After 7 February pass price increases to $250.

The Mostly British Film Festival is presented by the San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation.

Ticket Information:
Individual tickets are $15/$12.50.
Opening Night including a cocktail reception is $30/$25
Closing Night with an after party is $25/$20.

*Discounted tickets go to members of SFFILM, the Fromm Institute, San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation, Calvary Presbyterian Church and individuals 65 and over.
Tickets can be purchased at mostlybritish.org and at the Vogue theater box-office, 3290 Sacramento Street.

 

Come Celebrate St. George’s Day

Date: Thursday April 21
Time: 5:30-7:30
Place: King George Hotel San Francisco
Tickets: $20/BBS member

Join us for a mixer and new member drive with our partners at the British American Business Council. Our aim is to bring the British community together and introduce potential new members to both of our organizations.

 

Tickets:

• $20 BBS Members
• BBS Non-Member Guest of a member – Complimentary

Space is limited and registration is required.
Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and one drink ticket included.

Register Here Today