Sometimes the most meaningful commitments begin in the most unexpected places. For Lorraine Dorsa, a Tiffany Circle member, it started in a quiet New York hotel bar.

“I was sitting there, it was quiet, and a man behind me was talking with his friends about the Red Cross,” Lorraine recalled. “I think he was on the board, and he was telling them about all the incredible things the Red Cross does. It was so quiet you couldn’t help but hear him.”

She listened as he described how the Red Cross mobilizes during natural disasters, how its infrastructure allows it to respond quickly, and how every part of the organization works together to deliver relief when it’s needed most.

By the time she stood to leave, her decision was made. “I walked over to him and said, ‘I don’t mean to overhear, but I couldn’t help it. My next contribution will be to the Red Cross.’”

That chance encounter stayed with her. Months later, as she was reviewing her required minimum distributions, she thought back to that conversation. “It just struck me—this is who I want to support. You don’t always plan those moments, but sometimes something resonates so strongly, you just know it’s right.”

Lorraine made her first gift in February, becoming a Tiffany Circle member. When our team reached out to welcome her, she said simply: “I just want to see what good you’ll do with it. It feels right.”

She may never know the name of the stranger in the bar who inspired her, but his words left a lasting mark. And today, through her generosity, Lorraine Dorsa has joined a circle of women leaders leaving their own mark—strengthening the Red Cross mission and ensuring relief and hope reach families in crisis.

What is the Tiffany Circle

The Tiffany Circle is a global society of women leaders and philanthropists who champion the mission of the American Red Cross and Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide.

Named for the Tiffany stained-glass windows at the historic Red Cross headquarters in Washington, D.C.—a symbol of compassion and hope—members provide transformational financial support for programs such as disaster response, biomedical services, Service to the Armed Forces, and preparedness education. They also serve as ambassadors and advocates, leveraging their philanthropy and influence to strengthen the Red Cross in their communities and beyond.

Since its founding in 2006, the Tiffany Circle has contributed hundreds of millions of dollars, helping ensure the Red Cross can deliver comfort, care, and hope wherever it’s needed most.

Learn more: https://rdcrss.org/42ofUdE.