TAMPA, Fla. -- April 4, 2023 -- The Red Cross Angels’ Installation Luncheon will feature Susan Eccher, an American Red Cross Services to the Armed Forced staff member, speaking about her recent deployment to Ukraine.

The event, chaired by Merrie Mizner, is at 11:30 a.m. Thursday May 11, at the Tampa Yacht & Country Club, 5320 Interbay Blvd. It includes installation of the 2023-24 officers of 41-year-old organization, which supports the Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross,  and the presentation of the Angel of the Year award, a recognition of outstanding service.

Joan Rhyne is the incoming president; other officers are Jaclyn Walker, vice president; Cheri Roland, recording secretary; Nancy Watkins, corresponding secretary; and Sylvia Fernandez, treasurer.  Eric Corliss, regional executive officer for the American Red Cross, will conduct the installation ceremony.

Rhyne, a retired Director of Business Admissions, University of Miami in Coral Gables, said she has been active with the American Red Cross on and off for many years – starting as teenager who taught swimming and became a Water Safety Instructor.

“My husband, Richard, was commissioned into the Air Force after he graduated UNC and Red Cross was one of several organizations on the bases where I could be useful and volunteer in various capacities.  As an artist, I designed lots of flyers and brochures,” said Rhyne who served on the Red Cross Board on an military base.

She said her goal is to get more Angels involved in Red Cross volunteer projects.

“I’m looking forward to a new challenge and want to hear any new ideas from our members,” she said.   “What makes a great organization?  Very active participants,” she added.

Outgoing president Anne Cloar will conduct the luncheon meeting at which time she will announce the Angels of the Year award recipients, which are kept secret until the event.

Pastor Bernard “Bernie” Leiving will offer the invocation. A former Army chaplain, Leiving is a part-time Congregational Care Pastor at Palma Ceia United Methodist Church and previously served at Hyde Park United Methodist Church.

Tickets to the luncheon are $50 each with reservations due by April 26.. For information about ordering tickets, call the Red Cross office at (813) 348-4820.

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