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Knights
in Shining Armor
After more than 200 years, the leading British charity in
the U.S. continues its traditions and relevant mission.
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2006 dinner co-chair Nancy Sakas and “St. George”
at the 2005 English Ball.
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St. George's Society president Natalie Pray.
2006 dinner co-chair Vicki Downey and Jeff Downey.
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St.
George's Society of New York recently unveiled its
first e-newsletter. That's quite a milestone: When
the organization bowed in 1770, there weren't electric
lights, much less electronic mail.
But this compassionate group has plenty to tell its 800
members about its tireless, still relevant efforts to aid
those of British or Commonwealth descent in need.
“We have carried on the tradition of caring for our
less fortunate brothers and sisters,” says the society's
president, Natalie Pray of Greenwich. “The numbers
of those who need help are growing. As the list of beneficiaries
grows, so does the number of our volunteers.”
Founded in Manhattan on St. George's Day, April 23
– and now considered the leading British charity in
the U.S. – the society provides crucial support, financial
assistance and advice to individuals in the New York area.
Its members are dedicated to their simple, yet profound
motto: “Let mercy be our boast and shame our only
fear.”
The society is currently serving about 70 people, offering
everything from help with medical expenses for the elderly
or infirm to aid for less fortunate individuals navigating
the often complex world of visas and immigration law. Its
advisory bureau of attorneys, accountants and other professionals
– as well as members across the nation – offers
help any way it can to the thousands who have reached out
since the society first opened its doors.
The mission of St. George's Society of New York is
twofold: In addition to helping those in need, the group
promotes fellowship in the British-American community by
holding regular meetings and events, including a popular
Arts Initiative. Through the initiative, established and
rising British performers appear at monthly events, giving
the artists a home away from home and more exposure to the
New York arts scene.
In turn, members get a sneak peek at accomplished musicians
and artists and actors making a splash on Broadway.
“It helps the acting community make friends over here,
and it's wonderful for us,” says member Vicki
Downey.
On April 18, members, friends and dignitaries will join
together – as they have each year since 1770 –
to celebrate their patron at the English Ball, the premier
gala on the British-American social calendar. Held at The
Pierre Hotel, the white tie-optional fundraiser features
dinner, dancing and a silent auction of one-of-a-kind items,
such as dinner in a private castle, says Nancy Sakas, who
is co-chairing the event with Downey.
“They are very unusual items, things not usually for
sale,” Sakas says.
Sir Philip Thomas, British consul-general and the society's
honorary president, joins actor Jim Dale, golfer Greg Norman,
Lord and Lady Dalton and other gala committee members in
planning the evening's festivities.
“It is one of the few places left in New York where
people awarded medals get a chance to wear them,”
said Downey. “There's pomp and ceremony, but
when the orchestra begins, the floor is a whirl of tulle
and chiffon.”
Sir John Bond, group chairman of HSBC Holdings and a board
member of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation
Limited, is this year's award recipient.
“I am honored to be receiving the Medal of Honour
and look forward to this wonderful evening with St. George's
Society and all the wonderful work that they do,”
he says.
Pray is always pleased to see so many young faces at the
ball and other St. George's Society events. It shows
the society will continue its vital work for generations
to come, she says.
“There are some tragic cases of people not getting
what they need in England and falling through the cracks
in the American system as well,” she says. “We
do whatever we can.” |
| MEREDITH
GUINNESS |
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St.
George's Society
NYC
The English Ball
212.682.6110; www.stgeorgessociety.org
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Photo
credits:
Gary Gershoff |
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