TAMPA, Fla. – September 15, 2023 – A lovely waterfront home is the setting for the Red Cross Angels Silver Coffee on Thursday, Oct. 19, where coffee, punch and delectable, classic finger food will be featured.28, 2023

The fundraising event, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., is at a Davis Islands home and is sponsored by the Angels, one of the few remaining women’s auxiliaries of its kind in the United States.  The Angels serve as a support group to the Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Leslie Jennewein, the event chairwoman, said, "The home has a gorgeous, landscaped backyard overlooking Tampa Bay. We are so grateful to our hosts, who are local philanthropists, as they have graciously opened their home to host the 2023 Silver Coffee." 

Proceeds benefit the Service to Armed Forces Division of the American Red Cross, which provides support and assistance to military personnel and their families, including those at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa.

Joan Rhyne, president of the Red Cross Angels, said the military is very special to her and her family.

“The Rhynes’ are a military family— my husband is a retired Air Force Colonel and fighter pilot who served in Vietnam, our son is a retired Lt. Colonel in the Army Special Forces and a recipient of the Purple Heart; wounded in Iraq, our daughter-in-law is a Lt. Colonel in the Air Force Reserve who served In Afghanistan and our granddaughter is an Army Warrant Officer who served in Afghanistan and is currently stationed in Colorado,” Rhyne said.

She added: “It means so much to us personally to have the American Red Cross serving our armed services in numerous ways at home and abroad. This powerful global organization Cares! Red Cross Angels Auxiliary, a small but important component in the organization, focuses on active-duty personnel and veterans when the needs arise. The annual Silver Coffee is our way of giving our time and talents to succeed through our Angels endeavors.”

Jennewein also said the military is special to her.

She said: "As the daughter of an officer in the United States Marine Corps, and the daughter-in-law of an officer in the United States Navy, as well as numerous family members serving in every branch of the service, I have a profound respect for our military and more specifically MacDill Air Force Base as it plays an immense role in our global military presence. “

The event features food provided by members of the 41-year-old Red Cross Angels, which was founded by Beverly Austin.

“They will be using classic and well-loved recipes from the past. Past presidents – and longstanding members - will serve coffee using a silver service set given to the organization by the military,” Jennewein said.

Rhyne, Jennewein and representatives of the Red Cross organization will greet guests, including local dignitaries. Membership information will be available.

Minimum donation is $50 with complimentary valet parking included. Sponsorships also are available.

To receive an invitation, email redcrossangelssilvercoffee@gmail.com.

# # #