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Major Ben Newton mans a BABFA
stand at British Brigade reenactment
The ABF has announced the establishment of a branch operation in the United States. The new organization is named the British Army Benevolent Fund America (BABFA), and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The American organization is chaired by Mr. Keith Taylor, a Korean War veteran, and long-time supporter of the ABF in the U.K.
The express purpose of BABFA is to raise awareness and support in the United States to help meet the critical, ongoing needs of current British soldiers, retired veterans, and their families in times of need.
“Since the military operations of the United Kingdom and the United States have enjoyed close and mutually beneficial relationships over the last 50 years, my hope is that the establishment of BABFA will give American citizens, as well as British expatriates, the opportunity to show their support of such a singular charity.”
Keith Taylor, Chairman BABFA
“Given the current scale of operations in which the British Army is involved, demand has been increasingly placed on our charity to support soldiers and their young families through difficult times. We hope the American people will be able to learn more about our charity and its work and support their allies by making a donation or attending our fundraising events.”
Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter, KCVO OBE, Controller of the ABF
Fundraising events will be held throughout the country. However, initial outreach efforts will center around New England and Southern Canada. The first of these will be a gala evening hosted by Her Majesty’s Consul General, John Rankin and Mrs. Rankin at their residence on Boston’s Beacon Hill on the evening of March 19, 2007.
Co-chairing the event with Mr. Taylor is Brigadier Johnny Torrens-Spence, CBE, Vice Patron and British Military Attaché with the British Embassy, Washington, D.C. Several Embassy staff members will travel from Washington to be in attendance. Other special invitees include members of The British Brigade, which comprises 75 separate military re-enactment groups headquartered throughout New England and Eastern Canada.
In addition to a special audio/visual presentation depicting the Fund’s activities around the world, a rarely seen exhibit of British military uniforms will be on display.
The launch event is being generously supported by the London firm of Dege & Skinner of Saville Row, bespoke civil and military tailors since 1865. The firm is also a Warrant Holder to The Queen, and other members of the Royal Family. All gold level donations to BABFA prior to and during the Gala Evening will be entered into a draw, the grand prize of which is a set of four dress shirts, tailor-made by Dege & Skinner for the winner.
Additional support has been pledged by London’s own, Fuller, Smith & Turner PLC, brewers of Fuller’s World Class Ales, represented in the United States by Distinguished Brands International.
Individuals who would like to support the British Army Benevolent Fund America can get additional information and pledge forms by calling Mr. Taylor at +1 617 876 7500 or by e-mail at k.taylor3@verizon.net. Americans wishing to support the Fund can make tax deductible donations through the Charities Aid Foundation America (CAF America), forms for which are available through the BABFA office. British taxpayers residing in the United States can take advantage of the UK’s Gift Aid Scheme.
