ABOUT US

Daughters of the British Empire in Northern California History

  • Founded in the United States in 1909 as the Imperial Order Daughters of the British Empire in the USA
  • Incorporated in Delaware in 1920 and became known as the National Society Daughters of the British Empire in the USA
  • Visit the DBE National website for additional information: https://www.dbenational.org

Membership

  • DBE in Northern California welcomes all women residing in our district and who meet membership criteria, to come join an interesting and diverse organization that raises funds to support DBE established Homes for seniors and many, many other charities.

Objectives

  • DBE is a 501(c)3 charitable organization made up of women with a common bond of British and Commonwealth of Nations heritage and ancestry
  • The organization fundraises to support four District Homes for senior citizens established by the DBE in California, Illinois, and Texas
  • DBE Northern California members also raise funds and contribute significantly to the local charities of our chapters
  • Members in our organization enjoy many social activities, and friendships, but have a main focus of philanthropy and fellowship and to foster an understanding of British and Commonwealth of Nations cultures and traditions.

Testimonials

My long membership in Daughters of the British Empire (DBE) has always been most enjoyable and a rewarding experience.

I have made many wonderful caring friends. We always have fun whether fundraising for our cause, or just sharing a cup of tea or a glass of wine together. We talk of things British and indulge in that very British sense of humour.

I am so very glad to be part of DBE. My membership and my participation in the activities are a very important part of my life.

Jane Standing
Past State President - Member since 1964.

After I moved to United States my life was full of changes, most of them exciting and challenging, which made for a time full of new experiences. The one thing I missed though was a connection to my life back in England. Chatting with friends over a cup of tea, reminiscing about times gone by and the unspoken ties of fellow countrymen. That is where the DBE stepped in. It started out for me just as a means to spend a few hours meeting other British women and having a chat over a “cuppa”, but happily it turned into much, much more. Through membership in DBE and it’s fundraising activities, I made many acquaintances that became deep friendships and have become very special lasting relationships that I treasure.

Sue Wong
Past State President

Daughters of the British Empire (DBE) became a very important part of my life beginning in 1972. While very much enjoying helping with the planning and organizing of the many fundraising events that help provide support for our British Home in Sierra Madre, California and a vast number of other charities in my local community, I have enjoyed much more the multitude of life-long friendships that I have been able to make.

Belonging to a philanthropic organization with such a wonderful history of doing good work, and being blessed with great members, gives one such a feeling of pride. I’m happy to tell people that I am a member of DBE and proud to help promote our motto of “Not Ourselves but the Cause”.

Edith Caponigro
Past State President - Member since 1972

I have been a member of the Daughters of the British Empire (DBE) for 32 years. As a Brit who has been in the U.S. for 40 years, being a DBE member has afforded me the opportunity of making friends with many ladies of British or British Commonwealth ancestry. I enjoy the camaraderie of being with ladies that have grown up sharing many of the same experiences.

Being in DBE has also given me the opportunity to volunteer my time working at events that provide fundraising support for The British Home in Sierra Madre, California as well as many local charities.

DBE keeps me connected to my British roots.

Pam Stewart
State President - Member since 1980