Members of St. George’s Society of New York joined us for our 252nd Annual General Meeting held virtually on Tuesday 25th January 2022. The virtual gathering reported on the previous year’s activities and impact as well as plans for 2022. A key item of business was to elect the Board of Directors.

Our Board of Directors was delighted to welcome SGSNY's Honorary President, Emma Wade-Smith OBE, British Consul General in New York, at a delicious whisky tasting event under the expert guidance of The Balvenie Brand Ambassador, Naomi Leslie. Emma and her husband John, joined us at our newly renovated office last December.

St. George’s Society of New York hosted our annual English Ball at The Pierre on Tuesday 26th October, representing a jubilant return to in-person events after having to cancel last year’s gala. The threat of the first Nor’easter of the winter could not dampen the enthusiasm of our community. The evening raised over $600,000 for our charitable programs with 200 guests celebrating the achievements of our 2021 honorees: Sir Rocco Forte, Chairman of Rocco Forte Hotels, Paula Kerr-Jarrett, noted Philanthropist and Social Entrepreneur, and John Shannon, former Almoner of SGSNY. They received the Medal of Honor, Commonwealth Award and Order of St. George’s Society, respectively.

St. George’s Society of New York (SGSNY)—one of the oldest charities in America—awarded their 2021 Commonwealth Award to Jamaica’s Paula Kerr-Jarrett, noted Philanthropist and Social Entrepreneur in recognition of her immense contributions to the Jamaican community. The award was introduced by former Jamaican Consul General, Geneive Brown-Metzger and Sir Richard Branson, via video, at the annual English Ball on Tuesday 26th October 2021 at The Pierre in New York City.

It is with the deepest gratitude and some sadness that we announce the impending semi-retirement of our beloved Mary Lamasney. Mary has been with St. George’s Society of New York for 13 years, working with over 500 seniors. Her final day as full-time staff will be 31 October 2021, at which time Julie Rosenberg will take over as the full-time Manton Social Worker.

This October marks one year with Clare Risman in her role as Executive Director. She shares reflections on her experience, and her hopes for the future ahead.

After more than a year apart, we were delighted to host afternoon teas for our Manahattan and Brooklyn-based beneficiaries in September.

We are delighted to introduce Jessica Sims as the newest member of the SGSNY team! As our new Program Coordinator, she will oversee the administration of our charitable programming, volunteer initiatives and events. Please join us in extending a heartfelt welcome to Jessica as she begins her journey at SGSNY.

SGSNY Executive Director, Clare Risman sat down with Amanda Reynolds, Founder & Coach of Blend Associates LTd. to discuss their unique approaches to coaching and leadership team development, their continued partnership with SGSNY and how SGSNY members can take advantage of Blend's offerings.

We are pleased to announce that 25 CUNY students from across NYC's five boroughs have been selected to receive scholarships for the 2021-2022 academic year. Established in 2008, SGSNY’s Scholarship Program seeks to close the education and opportunity gap by providing critical financial aid and professional development opportunities to final-year students from historically underserved communities. This year’s cohort represents 11 Commonwealth nations and an exciting range of academic disciplines including nursing, anthropology, accounting, digital media and social work. Thank you to the donors and partners who made this year's awards possible.

Check out #SGSNY's Executive Director Clare Risman on The United States of Dramerica podcast where she talks about #SGSNY's history and the wide range of assistance we provide today, as well as what it's like running a charity during a global pandemic, how donors are treated like investors and ways of giving beyond just financial.

It is bittersweet to announce that Eliane Abou-Assi will be leaving her role as Community Outreach & Events Manager.

SGSNY Executive Director, Clare Risman and 2020 Scholar Jasmine Jackson sat for with BronxNet OPEN Host Daren Jaime to discuss the impact of SGSNY’s Scholarship Program for local CUNY students.

It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and express our deepest sympathy to Her Majesty the Queen. Members of the SGSNY community share their reflections and condolences.

SGSNY Scholar and recent Lehman grad Sandesha shares how participating in the mentoring initiative transformed the trajectory of her life and put her on the pathway to success.

To help ease the isolation of the pandemic, SGSNY launched the Phone Pal initiative in April 2020, pairing volunteer callers with our senior beneficiaries. Volunteer Nichola Taylor reflects on her experience—one year later.

As the mother of two young girls, working and studying full-time, Victoria already had a lot on her plate. Then COVID-19 happened. Her scholarship from St. George’s Society of New York was a relief and reinforcement—putting her one step closer to becoming a social worker.

In a continuation of the changes to St. George’s Society of New York’s membership admission and structure, the previously proposed fees increase at the General and Patron levels will go into effect beginning 1 April 2021.

After nearly two decades in our office at East 45th, we are relocating to a new permanent home at 866 United Nations Plaza. While renovations are underway, the office team will work remotely, and we hope to move in later this spring. Executive Director, Clare Risman shares details on the decision and preparations for St. George's Society's future.

We are excited to welcome four new members to St. George's Society's Board of Directors. Victoria Hanson, Ricardo Hollingsworth, Rita Kakati-Shah and Marcus Rayner were elected to serve at the 251st Annual General Meeting.