Fundraiser Benefits Hope Hospice and The British Home

A celebratory chatter filled the ballroom at Castlewood Country Club in Pleasanton October 25 as more than 150 women of British descent and their guests gathered for a benefit luncheon and fashion show. Decked out in lovely hats and matching outfits, members and guests had more than 30 different drawing prizes to choose from, all proceeds of which were to help support Hope Hospice in Dublin, California, and The British Home in Sierra Madre, California.

Organized by the Daughters of the British Empire (DBE) in Northern California, Rose of Glamis Chapter, the bi-annual event helps raise funds for The British Home for seniors in addition to local nonprofit organizations selected by DBE members. DBE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation founded in the United States in 1909 as the Imperial Order Daughters of the British Empire USA. It was incorporated in Delaware in 1920 as the National Society, Daughters ofthe British Empire in the USA. The DBE in Northern California was originally established in 1939 and re-established in 1989. Today there are 250 members in Northern California in twelve chapters who meet to raise charitable funds and foster an understanding of British cultures and traditions. Women who are of British or British Commonwealth birth or ancestry, naturalized British or British Commonwealth subjects or citizens, or are wives or partners of British or British Commonwealth citizens are eligible to join.

The fashion show was hosted courtesy of Chico’s in Stoneridge Mall. Fall fashions were modeled by DBE Northern California State President Edith Caponigro, Betty Legan, Lindsey Gorski, Dawn Harding, Sandra Weck, Stacey Archbell and Joan Augood.

“I was so delighted when DBE member Rita Rudd told me that Hope Hospice had been selected as a beneficiary of the fashion show this year,” said Hope Hospice CEO Victoria Emmons. “It was an honor and a privilege to meet so many wonderful women who conduct this fun event to benefit seniors and those at end of life.”

Incorporated in 1980, Hope Hospice provides ethical hospice care for patients who are in their last six months of life and provide support for their families and caregivers. A 501(c) nonprofit organization, Hope Hospice serves patients throughout the East Bay area.

The British Home serves as a residence for senior citizens. There are four British Homes in the United States in California, Illinois, Texas and New York.

--Information and photo provided by Daughters of the British Empire (DBE) in Northern California

--Photo caption: Marty Jones, Sue Texeira and Michi Yee enjoy a benefit luncheon and fashion show for Hope Hospice and The British Home.