The British Benevolent Society of California

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The British Benevolent Society of California

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The British Benevolent Society of California (BBS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in California We are on track to exceed $120,000 in 2021.

The BBS provides compassionate & life saving financial assistance to British nationals in need. We accept all reasonable requests for help from British nationals living or visiting the Western US. We often partner with the British Consulates in San Francisco & Los Angeles when providing this type of assistance. Through the dedication & understanding of our Relief Committee, the BBS works to determine the best way we can make a positive impact where people will need it the most. Prior to the Global Pandemic, the BBS provided about $30,000 of assistance annually. In 2020, the BBS provided over $120,000 in financial assistance including almost 50 - $1,500 - Covid19 Grants. The money provided by the BBS is not a loan & does not need to be paid back. We ask all recipients of assistance to spread the word about the BBS & consider making a donation or becoming a member when things turn around. The BBS is an inclusive charity that welcomes not only Brits but any anglophile! Throughout the pandemic we have hosted a number of virtual events and look forward to returning to seeing everyone in person. Please contact us if you believe you would qualify & are in need of assistance. Alternatively, please contact us should you want to learn more about the BBS

10/14/2026

❤️ Sometimes, help can't wait.

Imagine finding yourself far from home, without access to medication you depend on, and no way to afford a flight back to the UK.

That's the difficult situation one British citizen recently faced in Northern California.

With no family or friends able to help at short notice, BBS was there when he needed us most. We quickly arranged the help he needed to get to the airport and on a flight home to London that same day. ✈️

It's moments like these that remind us why our work matters. Whether it's an unexpected emergency or a period of financial hardship, BBS is committed to helping British citizens through life's most challenging moments.

And we couldn't do it without the generosity of our supporters.

❤️ Be the reason someone gets the help they need. Donate today.

www.bbsofca.org

10/02/2026

🍷 EVENT UPDATE: BBS at Cline Family Cellars Cancelled

We regret to announce that our upcoming event at Cline Family Cellars on Sunday, October 18, has been canceled.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and thank everyone who expressed interest and supported the event.

We look forward to bringing our BBS community together again soon! 🇬🇧 ❤️

09/30/2026

🎬 🇬🇧 BBS IS HEADING TO THE NEWPORT BEACH FILM FESTIVAL!

The British Benevolent Society of California is thrilled to proudly support the British Showcase at The Newport Beach Film Festival

Join us on Sunday, October 18, at 1:30 PM for a special screening of "Ink," the new film from Oscar-winning British director Danny Boyle, starring Guy Pearce, Claire Foy, and Jack O’Connell.

🎥 Before the screening, BBS Director Sandro Monetti will deliver a special introduction, celebrating British cinema and our organization’s involvement in this exciting event.

🎟️ EXCLUSIVE TICKET DISCOUNT!

BBS members and supporters can enjoy 25% OFF tickets to the screening!

Use promo code BBS26 when booking.

Scan the QR code to get your tickets or click here: https://nbff2026.eventive.org/schedule/6aa2f6e5b59d6eb75f0f6c6d

📅 Sunday, October 18, 2026
⏰ 1:30 PM
📍 Newport Beach Film Festival – British Showcase

Come celebrate British storytelling, exceptional filmmaking, and the vibrant British community in California. We hope to see you there!

09/18/2026

W**e country, good company, and a very special guest!

Join the British Benevolent Society on Sunday, October 18, for "BBS at Cline," a relaxed afternoon at beautiful Cline Family Cellars in Sonoma.

We’re especially excited to welcome Jeffrey House, “The C***r King,” for an intimate fireside chat about his journey, entrepreneurship, and the drinks industry. Jeff is the British-born founder of ACE C***r and helped pioneer the American craft c***r movement.

Your afternoon includes:

🍷 Up to ½ bottle of Cline w**e per guest
🌿 A private two-hour experience at Cline Family Cellars
🔥 Fireside chat with Jeff House, “The C***r King”
🧺 Bring your own picnic or purchase food on-site
🍇 Additional w**e available for purchase

🎟️ BBS Members: $65 | Non-Members: $75

Come spend a Sunday with fellow Brits, BBS friends, and our wider community while supporting BBS and its mission to help Brits in need.

📅 Sunday, October 18 | 12–2 PM
📍Cline Family Cellars, Sonoma
⏰ Register by October 11

Space is limited! Use https://givebutter.com/bbs-at-cline-family-cellars-kzoz2y to register

***rKing **eCountry

09/14/2026

Tonight’s the night! 🥂

Join us at The Spinnaker in Sausalito for one of our last BBS Happy Hours of the season.

Come enjoy a relaxed evening by the Bay with BBS members, friends, and supporters. It’s a great chance to catch up, make new connections, and enjoy good company before summer officially winds down.

📍 The Spinnaker, Sausalito
📅 Tonight — Monday, September 14
⏰ 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Your $20 ticket is a charitable donation that helps BBS support British citizens facing hardship throughout California and the Western U.S.

RSVP here: https://www.britishbenevolentsociety.com/events/mi-gl8cx-6jw3z

We’d love to see you there! 🌊🇬🇧

09/03/2026

Summer is slowly coming to an end, and we’d love to gather with you for one of our last Happy Hours of the season.

Join the British Benevolent Society on Monday, September 14 at The Spinnaker in Sausalito for a relaxed evening by the Bay with members, friends, and supporters of BBS.

It’s a chance to catch up, make new connections, and enjoy good company in a beautiful waterfront setting.

📍 The Spinnaker, Sausalito
📅 Monday, September 14
⏰ 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Your $20 ticket is considered a charitable donation and helps support BBS programs assisting British individuals facing hardship and crisis.

Register here: https://www.britishbenevolentsociety.com/events/mi-gl8cx-6jw3z

We hope to see you there!

08/25/2026

None of us can predict when life will take an unexpected turn.

This summer, BBS has been helping a member of our local British community in the Bay Area who is facing cancer treatment, rising medical costs, and the inability to work. During an already difficult time, we're grateful to provide financial assistance that helps ease the burden so she can focus on what matters most—her health and her family.

Stories like this remind us why BBS exists. For more than 165 years, we've been there for British nationals facing crisis across the western United States.

If you'd like to help us continue this work, we'd be incredibly grateful for your support.

💙 Be the reason. Donate today: https://www.britishbenevolentsociety.com/donate

08/10/2026

Tonight’s the night! ☀️🥂

Our BBS Summer Happy Hour is happening this evening at The Spinnaker in Sausalito.

Come unwind by the Bay with members, friends, and supporters of the British Benevolent Society. We’d love to see you for a relaxed evening of good company, conversation, and community.

📍 The Spinnaker, Sausalito
📅 Tonight — Monday, August 10
⏰ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Your $20 ticket is considered a charitable donation and helps support BBS programs assisting British individuals facing hardship and crisis.

RSVP here: https://www.britishbenevolentsociety.com/events/mi-gl8cx

See you tonight! 🌊🇬🇧

07/28/2026

We are pleased to announce Hedley Potts as the new President of the British Benevolent Society of California!

Hedley brings extensive leadership experience across global business, technology, sales, and transformation, as well as a meaningful history with BBS. He previously served four years on the BBS Board of Directors and chaired the Events Committee, giving him firsthand knowledge of our community, our mission, and the impact of our relief work.

In this role, Hedley will work with the Board of Directors, Executive Director, volunteers, members, and partners to help guide BBS into its next chapter — one focused on growing our reach, strengthening engagement, and increasing our impact for British nationals and their families across California and the
Western United States.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Hedley as President of BBS.

07/23/2026

A warm welcome to Raissa Marchetti-Kozlov!

We’re thrilled to welcome Raissa to the British Benevolent Society of California (BBS) Board of Directors.

Since joining BBS in June 2025, Raissa has become a valued part of our Events Team, helping bring community gatherings to life through thoughtful planning, creativity, and care.

Her professional experience spans operations, executive support, HR, marketing, business development, and event planning, and she is also the founder and Executive Artistic Director of Redwood City Players.

Raissa believes deeply in the power of shared experiences to build belonging — a spirit that aligns closely with BBS’s mission to support British citizens and families who may be far from home.

Please join us in giving Raissa a warm welcome — and follow BBS to stay connected with our work in the community.

Address

35 Miller Avenue
San Fransisco, CA

Telephone

+14154217195

Website

http://www.bbsofca.org/

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