By Brianna Kelly, American Red Cross 

"I have an earnest desire to see women brought forward in every walk of life, and I rejoice whenever I see women in any position, where, by their talents and qualities of excellence, they are deserving."

These words were once spoken by American Red Cross Founder Clara Barton, and they hold true today. Now, more than 140 years later, women play a larger role than ever in advancing the mission of the organization — comprising many of the dedicated volunteers, staff, blood donors and philanthropists who power the Red Cross mission daily. Today, two-thirds of Red Cross volunteers are women, leading the charge to advance the vital work of the organization. The impact of women is felt throughout the Red Cross, with nearly 1.2 million women donating blood last year, and an estimated 2 million making financial gifts, helping to fuel the mission.

One way that inspired and impactful women are making a difference at the Red Cross is through the Tiffany Circle, a group of female philanthropists who support the organization through passionate volunteerism and generous financial support. Tiffany Circle members have collectively raised more than $250 million to support the Red Cross mission since 2007. Today, the Tiffany Circle has grown to over 1,450 members and is the most successful individual annual fundraising initiative in Red Cross history.

In the Southern California Region, Tiffany Circle members are actively engaged in helping the Red Cross deliver its vital mission, while celebrating the power of women.

“Tiffany Circle is an incredibly important group. The group is made up of women, from all walks of life, who come together to advance the mission of the Red Cross. Women, who want to give back, who want to help people in need, come together collectively and give in whatever way they can. They give with their time, talent and/or treasure. By coming together and working together, we are able to make a greater impact than any one of us can make on our own,” says Rosy Roccaforte, Tiffany Circle Chair and chapter board member with the Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties. “We are able to be ambassadors for such a wonderful organization. Not only do you work on the mission, but you build a sisterhood of like-minded women who want to make a difference in life. No matter what the need is, women stand together, hand in hand, to help those in need. No idea goes unheard. Women are able to share their ideas to organize events to advance the mission to alleviate human suffering.”

Fellow Tiffany Circle member Nora Grabar echoes Roccaforte’s sentiment about the important work of these passionate female philanthropists. “The Tiffany Circle is important to me because it brings together an extraordinary group of women who truly value giving back to their community — whether through donations, time, talents, or a combination of all three. My own journey began through donating to disaster relief, and what I found on the other side was so much more than I expected — a community of like-minded women who are deeply committed to making a real difference.”

For both Roccaforte and Grabar, there is a power in the special sisterhood of the Tiffany Circle.

“I enjoy being a member of Tiffany Circle because I get to help people in need with incredible women who I learn from every day. The women in the Tiffany Circle are incredible, generous, loving and nurturing. They are also smart, intelligent and knowledgeable. These women make me become better. I enjoy working with these women on work related to the mission, which is so fulfilling, but to surround myself with incredible women makes me want to give back more,” says Roccaforte. 

The powerful connection of like-minded women that the Tiffany Circle provides is something that is also near and dear to Grabar’s heart. “What I enjoy most is the incredible women I've had the privilege of meeting — women who share a genuine heart for service and a deep commitment to helping their community,” she says. “There is something truly special about being in a room full of people who don't just talk about making a difference but actually show up and do the work. The connections I've made through the Tiffany Circle are meaningful and lasting, and being surrounded by that kind of energy and passion inspires me every day.”

Having personally experienced the powerful relationships and meaningful impact of the Tiffany Circle, both Roccaforte and Grabar encourage other women to get involved and join the powerful movement of women in philanthropy.

“If you want to make a difference in life, if you want to give back and know that you are actually helping people in need, and you want to do this with incredible women, join Tiffany Circle.  Not only will you find yourself feeling good about doing good work, but you will also be able to do the work with incredible women. The mission of the American Red Cross is to alleviate human suffering, and this is exactly the mission members of the Tiffany Circle try to accomplish. Join the sisterhood!” says Roccaforte.

Grabar also encourages women to join in supporting the Tiffany Circle and its lifechanging work. For those on the fence…her advice? Jump in! “I would say — don't hesitate! The Tiffany Circle is a beautiful way to meet other women in your community whose paths you might never have crossed otherwise, and to come together around something that truly matters. These are women from all walks of life, united by a common desire to help others in need. You will be moved by their generosity, inspired by their commitment, and you will leave every gathering feeling like you are part of something much bigger than yourself. If you have a heart for service and a desire to make a real impact, the Tiffany Circle will feel like home.”

For more information about the Tiffany Circle, including how to become a member, visit redcross.org/TiffanyCircle. To learn how women are making an impact each day at the Red Cross – and to get involved – visit redcross.org/WomenImpact.