These past nearly 3 years have taken a such toll. Many times, it felt like we all were 1000s of miles apart. Meanwhile, the needs of our clients were as immediate as ever. This has not changed, but we are heartened by the fact that we can finally resume long-standing traditions, l like the Christmas Luncheon.
As it did for many of you, the pandemic gave me an opportunity to catch up on some reading. I had the chance to read the “Bonanza King”, the story of John Mackay, an immigrant and bigshot of the California Gold Rush.
Alongside Arthur and Christian Nahl, German immigrants, Mackay was also an esteemed member of the Olympic Club, our host for today’s lunch. San Francisco’s experience of the Gold Rush was unique: from a sleepy little waterfront to a place where fortunes were made, and lost. Where hope, but also misery, lived side by side. Millionaires were made and busted the following day; it was a man’s world. Something that really struck a chord was the description of the plight that women and children had to endure when their breadwinner could no longer provide. Child labor and women struggling in the most absurd ways – something that I personally can’t imagine or comprehend. In the general absence of charity, civility and caring, a beacon of hope rose in the form of benevolent societies. The German Ladies’ General Benevolent Society was one of them. Our early founders were busy helping these women and children, raising funds, pulling up their sleeves, visiting clients, providing a compassionate ear, and creating memories like Christmas celebrations for the children.
San Francisco and the greater Bay Area have since seen several of these booms and busts; and we are still here. The German Ladies’ General Benevolent Society is still in demand. The recent tech boom brought more German immigrants to the area. Younger professional women, seeking equality and finding that life is much different here than in Germany. With feworganizations that provide security to those who find themselves in financial need in such an expensive area, all it takes is to be laid off, to experience a divorce or an illness, and the road to living from hand to mouth is before the door.
But we are here! The need persists, and the spirit of our founders is still very much alive.
Because of the generosity of our members, past and present, we are able today to support women and children with about $100,000 per year. These funds don’t grow on trees. Our investment portfolio generates about $80K per year, and after fees that leaves only $50K to distribute to our clients. We must double that amount to make up the difference, which we dothrough the very generous annual donations of our members. Thank you for that! Without you, some would go hungry, without medication, and without hope.
Now, how do we navigate into the future?
As the baby boom generation is moving on, we see GenX and GenZ on the Society’s support list. These new generations are a different need base. They are burdened with large rents, tuition bills, and we find the later they come to us, the greater the investment necessary to help them keep their heads above water. For the last couple of years, the idea has been tossed around to finally find a home for the German Ladies’ General Benevolent Society – a home for all women and children of German descent. A place where we can share, get support sooner to those who need us, collaborate for a brighter future, work together in unity.
We cannot use any of our investments for this: we need those funds for our benevolent mission. But there are other options: organizations and individuals looking to pass on their brick and mortar facilities and give them new purpose, and also the opportunity for members to leave a mark on this city and the German Community through legacy giving. Should you hear of any organization or person that wants to take gift a home to our society, please get in contact with us ASAP.
It takes 3 generations to overcome poverty. Poverty is not only the absence of money but more so, the absence of hope. The Ladies of the Board have the privilege of bringing the light of hope to our clients. At the end of the day though, it is YOU who bring hope to about 20 women per month! YOU make the difference in their lives.
Let us all continue experiencing the joy of giving and bringing hope to those that need it so much.
Together; as strong German women.
Merry Christmas, happy Holidays und Frohe Weihnachten, Frohe Feiertage