2023 Christmas Lunch Updated

29TH ANNUAL

Traditional British Christmas Luncheon Friday, December 8th, 2023 Hilton, Costa Mesa

Thank you to all of our major prize sponsors and Premier Corporate Members

Welcome to the 29th Annual Christmas Luncheon of BABC OC! It's wonderful to see such a fantastic turnout for our 2022 event, surpassing our previous records! The sight of friends old and new, united to celebrate the holiday season, truly embodies our mission of fostering strong relationships between Orange County and the UK. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated Christmas Committee for their hard work and commitment. Their humor and generosity are the backbone of today's gathering. Special appreciation goes to Sheena Jain and the Hilton, Costa Mesa team for their exceptional hospitality, ensuring our luncheon is nothing short of perfect. And to Jacquie Blair, our tireless Executive Director, thank you for being the lifeblood of our organization and orchestrating our events with such passion.

This year in the UK has been momentous, notably marked by King Charles III's coronation. This historic event ushers in a new chapter for the British monarchy and, alongside other significant events like Eurovision in Liverpool and the Women's World Cup, highlights the UK's vibrant role in global culture and sports.

In 2023, BABC OC has proudly hosted a series of remarkable events: our Annual Golf Tournament, the engaging First Thursday Beer, Business, and Banter Networking events, the inspiring ‘Leading Ladies in Business’ Panel, the 3rd Annual Best of British Brands Showcase, a comprehensive panel on ‘Currency Transfer, Tax Planning, UK Pensions, Immigration, and Banking’, and the International Business Mixer with various international business chambers. In partnership with BABC LA, we presented the 'Fashion & Sustainability Reimagined' Speaker Luncheon and, in collaboration with BABC LA and BABC SF, the captivating 'Fireside Chat with Stewart Pearce' in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Orange County. Your support for these events has been invaluable.

Your generosity over the years has enabled us to profoundly impact the lives of young people in Orange County. Thanks to your contributions, numerous students have experienced the UK firsthand, broadening their horizons and enriching their lives. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support.

As we enjoy today's festivities, we also launch our goal for the coming year: to expand our scholarship program to include cash scholarships for graduating seniors in Orange County. Your donations, whether through silent auction items, raffle prizes, or simply attending today, play a crucial role in changing young lives. Like a pebble creating ripples in a pond, your support has a lasting, positive impact.

Thank you for being a part of our journey and for your continued commitment to making a difference. Let's make today a celebration of our shared achievements and a stepping stone to future successes.

Finally, we extend our warmest wishes to each of you for a festive and joyous holiday season. May your days be filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones and family. Stay safe and revel in the spirit of togetherness and celebration. Here's to a season of happiness and a new year filled with prosperity and joy.

Happy Holidays to you all from the BABC OC family!

Jennifer Timm BABC OC President Real Estate Planner – The Welcome Home Global Group

THE MASTERS OF AL FRESCO ROOFTOP MOVIE VIEWING rooftopcinemaclub.com

Click the image to download Secrets of Sound’s new Christmas Single!

Christmas Luncheon Menu FIRST COURSE Cream on Tomato Soup en Croute

ENTREE Roast Christmas Turkey with Nutty Stuffing, Traditional Gravy and Cranberry Sauce, Bacon Wrapped Tiny Sausage.

Served with Roasted Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts with Chestnuts, Baby Carrots and Peas DESSERT Christmas Pudding with Brandy Cream Sauce PLUS mini dessert selection BEVERAGE SELECTIONS Complimentary Wine courtesy of Grassini Family Vineyards Freshly Brewed Coffee and Tea A huge thank you to our wine sponsors

Luncheon Program

Friday, December 8th, 2023 11:30 am - 3:00pm 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Tray passed Champagne and Rose, Whisky Tasting, Silent Auction, Costa Mesa High School Madrigal Choir, Photo Opp with Santa, and Exhibitor Shopping

12:30 pm Head Table Procession led by Bagpiper, Colin Armstrong National Anthems Performed by Ellie Soufi Toast to the President of the United States: Emily Cloke, British Consul General in LA Toast to His Majesty the King Charles III: Jennifer Timm, BABC-OC President

Special Guest Speakers Gerrie Cottle, Founder & CEO of Rooftop Cinema Club 2023 Brit of the Year Award

Dancing!

Silent Auction 12:45pm - Green Tier Closes 1:15pm - Red Tier Closes 1:45pm - Grand Raffle Prize Drawings 2:00pm - Major Silent Auction Prizes Announcement

3:00 pm - 5:30 pm After Party at The Hilton’s Bristol Palms Lobby Bar

Grand Raffle Prizes “First Class Travel” One First Class Roundtrip Ticket on Delta Air Lines to anywhere in the contiguous 48 states.

“Gold Status Journey” Two Coach Class Roundtrip Tickets on Alaska Airlines to anywhere they fly PLUS MVP Gold Status for one year.

MVP Gold Benefits include: *Complimentary same day flight change *100% elite bonus miles on base miles earned with Alaska and partners *Unlimited First Class and Premier Class upgrades for you and a companion when available *Complimentary preferred seats *Priority check-in and boarding *Express sercurity line at select airports *Two free checked bags *Complimentary premium beverage in Main Cabin *Four First Class guest upgrades per year *Discounted Alaska Lounge membership *OneWorld Sapphire status

Grand Raffle Prizes “Bula to Paradise” Two Coach Class Roundtrip Tickets on Fiji Airways from LAX to Nadi, Fiji Islands PLUS 2-night stay at Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa.

Staycation!

One weekend night stay in a Parlor Suite at the Hilton Costa Mesa with breakfast fir two and complimentary parking

Luxury in San Diego Two night stay at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Silent Auction Prizes “London in Style” Two Premium Class Roundtrip tickets on Virgin Atlantic from LAX - LHR PLUS 5-night stay at The Waldorf Hilton London in a queen deluxe room with breakfast

“Cruise of a Lifetime” Voyage for two in a Sea Terrace Cabin on a four to seven night sailing in 2024

“Adventure in Ireland” Two Coach Class Roundtrip Ticket on Aer Lingus from LAX to Dublin PLUS 2-night stay at The 5-star Dunloe Hotel in Killarney PLUS 2-night stay at The Grand Central Belfast w/ afternoon tea.

Silent Auction Prizes “Drive in British Class” Drive a stunning Aston Martin for the weekend

“VIP Package to World Rugby Sevens” Enjoy two days of fast paces fun at the Rugby Sevens LA on March 2nd and 3rd 2024.

Rooftop Cinema Club 4 VIP tickets (inc popcorn & a free drink) to a screening of your choice. Want to experience the ultimate open-air cinema? Catch a movie at one of our rooftops for a night of drinks, games and fun with a view of the city’s skyline as a backdrop!”

“Angels Baseball” David Fletcher Autographed Jersey

General Manager, Sergio Bocci

Fiji Airways proudly serve non-stop flights from LAX, SFO & Vancouver aboard our flagship aircraft, the Airbus A 350-900 XWB. The A 350 is a remarkable airplane that will get you to Fiji in the latest style and comfort. Some of our destinations include Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong (SAR China), Singapore, Japan, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands.Fiji Airways is the first Oneworld connect partner, which means convenient connections in the US and Canada on our Oneworld partner airlines, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines

Meet our Toy Drive Recipients

Many thanks to our goody bag sponsors

British Wholesale Imports 818-991-6644 www.bwi-imports.com

Thank you to all the luncheon exhibitors

And a special thank you to Sheena Jain and all the fabulous staff at Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa

British American Business Council OC BOARD MEMBERS Executive Board Jennifer Timm

Board Members

President Real Estate Planner Welcome Home Global Group

Deirdre O’Neill-Machin CEO, The O’Neill Group Co-Founder Ireland Week Tim Roberts President T.E Roberts, Inc

Andrew Griffiths

Carlo Cavagna Regional Director, Southwest U.S British Consulate Los Angeles

Treasurer CEO Hexagon Fuel Solutions

Gregg Schwenk CEO/ Executive Director Newport Beach Film Festival James Cummings VP, Los Angeles, London & Partners

Shaun Robinson Secretary General Manager Hilton San Diego Bayside

Sven Johnston Business Developement Director Eide Bailly LLP Stewart McDougall Regional Sales Manager Nachi Robotics Alana Stott MBE Author, Consultant, Speaker, Producer, CEO, Philanthropist

Executive Director Jacquie Blair 714-227-0317

Auction and Grand Raffle

Thank you to the companies and individuals that kindly donated to our Auction and Grand Raffle 6teen Summers Travel Alana Stott Alaska Airlines Andy Griffiths – Clippers Tickets Angels Baseball Aston Martin Newport Beach/Jeff West Cheval Winery Dunloe House Hotel and Gardens Grand Central Hotel Belfast Grassini Family Vineyards Fiji Airways Orange County Film Society Orange County Soccer Club Hilton Costa Mesa Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hi-Time Wine Cellars HMR Transportation Impex Beverages

Jo Malone SCP Magic Castle Hollywood Newport Beach Film Festival Pacific Symphony Pixi Beauty Rooftop Cinema Club Sendor One Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa South Coast Plaza South Coast Repertory Strawberry Farms Golf Course Travel Costa Mesa Travis Mathew The Olde Ship Virgin Atlantic Virgin Voyages Waldorf Hilton London World Rugby 7s LA

Thank you to a great group of volunteers and an amazing team who helped make this event so special TODAY’S CHRISTMAS VOLUNTEERS

Barbara Bennet, Lisa Chesanek, Mandy Collister, Gail Fearon, Barbara Bennet, Holly Bennet, Peter Camarata, River Blair, Katherine Florman, Hanna Jackson, Maggie Mora, Stewart McDougall, Angie Thorpe, Frankie Thorpe, Alison Tomko, Valerie Nong

PHOTOGRAPHER

SANTA

Marissa Ruiz

Vince Polito

PHOTO BOOTH

CHOIR

Frias Agency 949-414-8992

Costa Mesa High School

CHRISTMAS LUNCH COMMITTEE

Chair: Shaun Robinson Team: Deirdre O’Neill Machin, Alison Tomko, Paulette Lombardi-Fries, Jacquie Blair, Stewart McDougall

British American Business Council OC 2781 W. MacArthur Blvd. Ste 365 Santa Ana, CA. 92704 Tel: 714-227-0317 www.babcoc.org