Philanthropy
Throughout the year, the British American Business Council (BABC) of Greater Philadelphia is pleased to make in kind donations to worthy groups/causes. The BABC is proud to have provided contributions to:
Bodine High School for International Affairs
Monday, May 8, 2023 was designated a UK bank holiday in honor of the King’s Coronation. The royal family suggested people volunteer as part of “The Big Help Out” on this day across the United Kingdom in tribute to the King’s lifetime of public service.
The BABCPHL contributed to “The Big Help Out” by collaborating with the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia and the British Consulate New York on a UK-themed teacher appreciation lunch at Bodine High School for International Affairs. Bodine High School for International Affairs was co-founded by the Council in partnership with the School District of Philadelphia. We were honored to work with the Council and the Consulate to highlight King Charles’ commitment and to recognize the important work of Bodine High School teachers and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week here in the US.
A delicious offering of food carefully curated and created by Stargazy, an East London pie and mash shop in the heart of South Philadelphia was set-up in the teacher’s lounge at Bodine from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Teachers, staff and administration filtered in throughout the day to sample the British fare.
Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House
Each year the BABCPHL chooses a regional organization to support during the holiday season. A portion of proceeds from our 2022 Signature Annual Holiday Lunch will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities Philadelphia Region in celebration of the life of an extraordinary woman who changed the world, Dr. Audrey E. Evans.
Dr. Evans was a trailblazing oncologist who created the Evans Staging System for neuroblastoma treatment. Born in York, England in 1925, she was the visionary and co-founder of the first Ronald McDonald House in the world in Philadelphia. There are now 380 Houses in forty-five countries, including the United Kingdom. Dr. Evans was a woman who cared deeply, and we are honored to do our small part in ensuring her legacy.
The funds we raised from our 2022 Signature Annual Holiday Luncheon allowed us to sponsor a shared room at the Ronald McDonald House for the entire calendar year, 2023. By sponsoring a room at the Ronald McDonald House, we can support the housekeeping and maintenance of that room thereby providing a clean and comfortable space for the families who will stay there for the whole year. The guest rooms at the Ronald McDonald House make it easier for children to receive the treatment they need and have their families close by their side, every step of the way. This opportunity limits the number of financial challenges that come with traveling long distances for medical care. Families can therefore focus on the most important thing, their child’s treatment, and the wellbeing of their entire family.
The BABCPHL is proud to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities Philadelphia Region, by donating funds to help provide a safe, clean, and convenient place for families to call home while their children receive treatment.
Food insecurity is one of the greatest problems facing people in our communities. Philabundance is the Delaware Valley’s largest hunger relief organization, acquiring, rescuing and distributing food to 90,000 people weekly in nine counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
On December 10, 2020, the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia (BABCPHL) hosted its Annual Holiday Luncheon. Over 80 attendees virtually gathered for the BABCPHL’s signature event. The BABCPHL donated a portion of ticket sales to Philabundance.
Project Homestrives to empower adults, children, and families to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty, to alleviate the underlying causes of poverty, and to enable all of us to attain our fullest potential as individuals and as members of the broader society. Their goal is to create a safe and respectful environment where the community supports each other in various struggles for self-esteem, recovery, and the confidence to move toward self-actualization.
Throughout the summer of 2020, the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia held a series of three virtual networking events. Each of these events were complimentary however, in light of the Coronavirus pandemic, the BABCPHL suggested attendees, if able, to consider making a $10 donation to Project Home when registering.
Women Against Abuse is one of the largest domestic violence agencies in the country. Their mission is to provide quality, compassionate, and nonjudgmental services that foster self-respect and independence in people experiencing intimate partner violence and to lead the struggle to end domestic violence through advocacy and community education. Women against abuse strives to provide a continuum of care ranging from telephone crisis counseling to long-term supportive housing, in a manner that promotes victim safety, autonomy and dignity.
On December 12, 2019, the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia (BABCPHL) hosted its Annual Holiday Luncheon. Over 170 attendees, including the honorable Mayor Kenney, gathered for the BABCPHL’s signature event in the Grand Ballroom of The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia. The BABCPHL donated a portion of ticket sales to Philadelphia’s leading domestic violence advocate and service provider – Women Against Abuse.
The Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN) is an intermediary organization dedicated to connecting systems and leveraging resources. PYN works to equip young people for academic achievement, economic opportunity and personal success. PYN coordinates and supports large-scale, cross-sector initiatives while developing targeted programs to expand access to services for underserved youth. The organization believes in the power of partnerships and the need for collaboration. PYN is committed to enabling Philadelphia’s young people to take their rightful places as full and contributing members of a world-class workforce for the region.
On Wednesday, May 18, 2016 the BABCPHL celebrated an important milestone – our 25th anniversary – at the American Airlines Hangar at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Mayor Kenney was our keynote speaker and special guest. Both the City of Philadelphia and PHL partner with PYN. In honor of the BABC’s quarter century of operations in the region and the strong relationship we have with both the City and PHL, we chose to donate a percentage of event revenue to PYN. In December 2016 and 2017, the BABC donated a percentage of event revenue from our Signature Annual Holiday Lunch to PYN for the Summer Internship Program.
Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House
The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House supports families of seriously ill children by creating a community of comfort and hope. On Wednesday, November 4, 2015, the BABC of Greater Philadelphia hosted an international fashion event at the world renowned, iconic clothier, Boyds Philadelphia to raise money for the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House. Attendees received a special shopping discount, and 100% of Chamber net revenue and 5% of Boyds’ total retail sales from the evening were donated. Our event donation went towards supporting families traveling from outside of the United States for treatment.
On Sunday, January 17 and Monday, January 18, 2016, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia Young Professionals Group hosted four service projects – a guest chef dinner, an evening art activity, breakfast buddies, and an attic clean-up – to benefit the Front & Erie and the Chestnut Street Philadelphia Ronald McDonald Houses (PRMH).
Approximately 30 BABC members and friends were proud to partner with the PRMH in support of the families through various volunteer services in honor of Martin Luther King Day 2016. BABC Executive Director, Jane Rosenberg and her husband Ilan created dinner and breakfast menus, shopped for and delivered the food. Jane organized four different teams of BABC volunteers that would prepare and serve the families staying at both homes. They also purchased arts and crafts materials for an evening art project with the children and their families. In addition, the group cleaned out and organized pantries, kitchen cabinet storage and attic space.
buildOn
On Monday, January 19, 2015, in honor of Martin Luther King Day, the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia’s Young Professionals Group (BABC YPG) collaborated with buildOn to host a service project at Furness High School. buildOn’s mission is to empower teens to take an active role in buoying their community and making a difference both here in Philadelphia and across the globe.
On Thursday, December 11, 2014, the British American Business Council (BABC) of Greater Philadelphia hosted its Annual Holiday Luncheon Red Hot Global Marketing, featuring Simon Bradley, VP Marketing North America, Virgin Atlantic Airways; Jim Ziolkowski, Founder & CEO, buildOn; and The Honorable Michael A. Nutter, Mayor of Philadelphia. A portion of the net revenue generated from this event was donated to buildOn to help students based in the region improve, and transform their neighborhoods and the world.
Through buildOn, students strive to address Philly’s specific needs with their outreach. In 2014, buildOn students have contributed more than 300 service hours to the Gift of Life Family House, a home away from home for family members, patients awaiting life-saving transplants, and organ transplant recipients alone. buildOn students routinely go and prepare meals (or bake bread/cookies) for families staying at the Gift of Life Family House. Students also meet once a week to promote organ donation all leading up to the annual Donor Dash which takes place during spring break.
Science Leadership Academy
On Tuesday, April 30, 2014, the BABC of Greater Philadelphia Young Professionals Group (YPG) hosted Tweeting – It’s More than Just for the Birds, a panel discussion and networking event at The Trestle Inn. The back room of Philadelphia’s famous whiskey and go go bar owned and managed the BABC’s very own Marketing & Communications Co-Chairman Ian Cross, was filled to capacity with more than 50 attendees who braved the torrential rains and flooding to gather for a dynamic discussion about social media. All net revenue generated from this program was donated to the Science Leadership Academy’s 2014 cultural exchange program to Liverpool, England.
The Science Leadership Academy is a public school in Center City Philadelphia with a diverse student body. Through the cultural exchange program, 15 students were able to travel to Liverpool in April 2014 and experience the opportunity to live with a Liverpudlian for a week – attending school, visiting cultural sites and visit London for a day.
Kirsten Scott Memorial Trust
On Wednesday, December 11, 2013, the British American Business Council (BABC) of Greater Philadelphia hosted its Annual Holiday Luncheon Celebrating British Arts & Culture & the Season to be Jolly, featuring Derek Gillman, President and Executive Director of the Barnes Foundation as the keynote speaker and The Honorable Michael A. Nutter, Mayor of Philadelphia as the special guest. Approximately 200 people gathered for the BABC’s signature event in the Grand Ballroom of The Ritz Carlton, Philadelphia. A donation in memory of Toby Wallace, Co-Leader of the BABC’s Young Professionals Group and Senior Relationship Manager for Endowments & Foundations at Aberdeen Asset Management was made to the Kirsten Scott Memorial Trust (KSMT). Those who knew Toby can certainly attest that he was a very special young man and in his short time in Philadelphia left his mark on the region in general and the BABC in particular. KSMT was set up in January 2012 in memory of Kirsten Scott, who tragically died in October 2011, just after her 25th birthday, following a short battle with cancer. The aim of the Trust is to provide grants to young people under the age of 26, in order for them to fulfill ambitions, enhance their personal development, and make a positive contribution, either at home or overseas. KSMT was the charity Toby was supporting at the time of his passing.
Teens 4 Good
On Thursday, March 7, 2013, the British American Business Council (BABC) of Greater Philadelphia hosted British Business in Bloom: A Brilliant! Opportunity to Network, Learn, Dine and Visit the 2013 Philadelphia Flower Show featuring Drew Becher, President of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), and Chris Woods, Director, PHS Meadowbrook Farm. This program inaugurated the BABC’s second annual British Invasion series of events – BABC inspired opportunities to foster connections, expand business and enjoy British themed programs throughout the City. The BABC donated a portion of ticket sales to Teens 4 Good, a youth-led entrepreneurial farm and nutrition business that transforms vacant lots into urban gardens/farms, improving access to healthy food for communities, and creating meaningful jobs for at-risk youth.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
On Wednesday, December 12, 2012, the British American Business Council (BABC) of Greater Philadelphia hosted its Annual Holiday Luncheon featuring Sir Peter Westmacott, British Ambassador to the United States and the Honorable, Mayor of Philadelphia, Michael A. Nutter. Over 180 people gathered for the BABC’s signature event in the Grand Ballroom of The Ritz Carlton, Philadelphia. This special program welcomed Ambassador Westmacott for his first official visit to the City. The BABC donated a portion of ticket sales to the Duke of Edinburgh Award Philadelphia chapter, a youth development program which operates in 132 countries. The program was launched in Philadelphia in 2009.
On Friday, April 27, 2012, the BABC hosted an exclusive breakfast in the presence of HRH The Price Edward KG GCVO at The Rittenhouse Hotel in Philadelphia. 125 business executives and local and UK government officials and dignitaries gathered for this Royal event and discussion about the importance of investing in youth education and activities. Prince Edward spent two days in Philadelphia to honor his mother’s 60th Anniversary as Queen and to support the Duke of Edinburgh Award Philadelphia Chapter. He is the Chairman of the International Council of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award International Association. The BABC donated a percentage of this event’s ticket sales to the Duke of Edinburgh Award Philadelphia Chapter.
ShelterBox USA, Inc.
On Tuesday, May 8, 2012 the BABC hosted “The Business behind the Rings: 2012 Summer Games”, a panel discussion and networking event at The Hub, Cira Centre in Philadelphia. About 100 people gathered to learn about the food service, transportation, media and business investment aspects of the London Olympic Games 2012. The BABC donated a portion of the event proceeds to ShelterBox, a British-based international disaster relief organization.
The Philadelphia Japan Relief Fund
On Wednesday, May 11, 2011, the BABC and Philadelphia Union, along with the Chilean and American Chamber of Commerce, the French American Chamber of Commerce, the German American Chamber of Commerce, the Irish American Business Chamber & Network, the Italian American Chamber of Commerce, and the Japan America society hosted the Spring 2011 International Networking Event and Soccer Game at PPL Park. Over 165 people gathered for this special event. In support and recognition of the difficulties Japan endured as a result of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster in 2011, the two event sponsors (Pepper Hamilton LLP and TD Bank N.A.) and the BABC donated a portion of the sponsorship money to The Philadelphia Japan Relief Fund to aid victims. This contribution helped the fund reach their initial goal of $250,000.
