[2] Originally named the Saint Andrew's Society,[3] the organization was founded in 1756 by Scottish founders in New York City who were looking to "relieve the distressed."
[8] The dinner continues today, with more than 200 people in attendance for the 2023 event, which honored Scottish actress and Downton Abbey star Phyllis Logan with the organization's Mark Twain Award.
[7] According to organization president Richard Porter, "By the middle of the 18th century, there were more than 100,000 Scots and people of Scottish descent in Colonial America.
From farmers and laborers to the younger sons of the nobility, Scots came from all parts of their native country, as well as Ulster, seeking opportunities in the New World.
"[3] The society provides for needy Scots in New York City via its almoners program and has a scholarship program that allows two Scots to attend graduate school in the USA and three American students of Scottish lineage to attend graduate school at a Scottish institution of higher learning.