President’s Message

Dear friends,

2020 was truly a year like no other.

We kicked off the year in January with a fantastic reception at Hearst Tower. It was the start of what was to be a series of events to celebrate our 250th year. A little over a month later, however, the world changed and the dread of the unknown impacted us all.

Since then, so much has happened in our community, our country, and worldwide. Our realities have changed completely, but there is one thing that has remained constant throughout—SGSNY’s dedication to helping others.

As I have said many times before, I have been overwhelmed and heartened by the outpouring of kindness and resilience that our community displayed during a time that was devastating for so many. We were not only able to maintain our charitable programs, but also expand our initiatives to address the emergency needs of our wider community. For example, we delivered care packages of food and supplies to our isolated seniors, and paired them with volunteer “Phone Pals” in an effort to combat loneliness and fear. We stepped up mentoring, and arranged gifts to celebrate our students’ graduation under strained conditions. We purchased and distributed PPE to Tri-State area hospitals when those supplies were critically short.

2020 was also a season of considerable change and new opportunities for the Society. We found novel and engaging ways to stay connected with members, clients, and friends. We said goodbye to Anna Titley after 11 years of wonderful service, and welcomed Clare Risman as our new Executive Director. The economic impact of the pandemic on Manhattan real estate created an opening to purchase an office condominium to create a permanent home and reduce occupancy costs for the Society.

Our mission and commitment are as strong as ever. We have continued to adapt and innovate—as we have done throughout our storied history. This would not be possible without the members, volunteers, staff and partners who make St. George's Society of New York who and what it is: a true common wealth of kindness.

So, on behalf of us all, thank you for your unwavering support and encouragement. The future may be uncertain, but I am looking forward to what lies ahead as we embark on the Society’s next 250 years.

With gratitude,

Frank E. Morgan II

Beneficiary Program 

Our Neighbors in Need

2020 presented unprecedented challenges for our senior beneficiaries—a particularly vulnerable population.

Thanks to ongoing support of our community, SGSNY was able to tackle these challenges head on and ensure that our seniors could safely “shelter in place” with food and supplies as well as have the peace of mind that someone was looking out for them.

In 2020, SGSNY served 98 seniors providing over $445,000 in financial assistance.

Our beneficiaries come from 15 countries throughout the UK and Commonwealth and live across all five boroughs of New York. The average age is 75. Their average income is $860 per month and our average stipend is $450 per month. 

Scholarship program

A Path Forward

In 2020, we reached our goal of expanding the Scholarship Program to serve students across all five New York boroughs.

In addition to Lehman and Hunter Colleges, we welcomed scholars from The College of Staten Island, Queens College and City Tech in Brooklyn. The expansion was made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Manton Foundation.

In 2020, we awarded $123,500 in financial aid to 26 final-year CUNY students. Additionally, SGSNY maintained our enrichment activities for both our current scholar and alumni in spite of the pandemic—adapting our programming and mentoring offerings to the virtual space.

Before receiving their awards, many of our 2020-21 scholars found themselves waiting hours in line for food pantries—forced to choose between basic necessities or purchasing books and having lost part-time jobs crucial to offset the cost of their education.

This work and program growth would not be possible without the support of donors and our 1786 Circle Corporate Partners—BP America, Coller Capital and The Economist.

The Weatherstone Families Support Fund

Beating the Odds

2020 presented many new challenges and concerns for families seeking cancer treatment abroad. In spite of this, SGSNY welcomed 15 families to New York over 33 different trips across the pond.

Our families trips ranged from 3 days to 3 months depending on the treatment needed and travel restrictions. We organized activities such as socially distanced-visits, soccer in the park, rooftop lunches, and surprise deliveries ranging from celebratory cookie cakes to toys and games.

Meet the Garry Family

Our Community

A Common Wealth of Kindness

For our 250th anniversary year, we chose to renew the fundamental thread that brings together all our beneficiaries, members, partners and friends… our common wealth of kindness.

While the pandemic curtailed our ability to celebrate in person, our community came together digitally with an outpouring of support and engagement. From our #Teafor250 social media campaign and webinars to online pub quizzes and even a virtual garden party, our community demonstrated that we are as vibrant and connected as ever.

British Bash

250 Years of Bringing People Together

On 3 December, the 250th Anniversary (Virtual) British Bash marked our milestone anniversary in true 2020-fashion and raised over $70,000 for our charitable programs.

The fun spirit and generosity of our community was in full force with over 300 guests joining us virtually to celebrate the people and partners that have made our work possible for 250 years.

Guests enjoyed performances and appearances by Jake Isaac, Sting, Billie Piper, Robbie Mustoe, Robbie Earle MBE, Rebecca Lowe, Jeremy Guscott MBE, David Beckham OBE, Bradley Wright-Philips, Jonny Wilkinson CBE, and, of course, the evening's honoree, Zanna Roberts Rassi—all hosted by the incredible Sharon Carpenter.

Our Members

Members are the heart of St. George’s Society of New York—making our work possible.

We are exceptionally grateful to all of our longstanding and dedicated members who renewed their membership and are pleased to have welcomed 99 new members in 2020.

If you are not yet a member of SGSNY, we invite you to learn more about how you can become a part of our community at www.stgeorgessociety.org/join.

donors and community partners

Thank You

Thank you to every person and organization who gave to St. George’s Society of New York in 2020. We also recognize our many community partners and perk providers for their ongoing support. We are exceeding grateful for your contributions towards our longstanding mission to serve.

DONORS*

$50,000 and above

AIG
Aon Foundation
Chubb
The Manton Foundation

$20,000 to $49,999

$10,000 to $19,999

$5,000 to $9,999

$2,500 to $4,999

$1,000 to $2,499

Legacy gifts

Bishop Benjamin Moore Circle

The Bishop Benjamin Moore Circle is named in honor of the 2nd Episcopal Bishop of New York who established St. George’s Society of New York’s first Charity Committee and honors individuals who have made a commitment to SGSNY as a part of their estate plans. By strengthening the endowment, these legacy gifts enable SGSNY to honor our historic mission.

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Financial Summary

Share the 2021 Annual Report

For partnership, press or program inquires, contact us at hello@stgeorgessociety.org.