Story Submitted By Red Cross Angels

Beverly Austin, the founder of the Red Cross Angels, was honored recently by the women's auxiliary of the Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross.

She was presented with a silver-framed picture at the organization’s Silver Coffee at the home of Dr. Nick and Edith Kavouklis, which overlooks the Palma Ceia Golf Course. More than 100 guests attended and raised more than $63,000 for the Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces division.

in 1981, Austin created the organization, and in 1982, she hosted the first Silver Coffee in her South Tampa home, where 200 women became charter members. That established the coffee as a signature fundraiser.

Angels President Leslie Jennewein addressed Austin, who was seated with her daughter – Amy Guagliardo, during a presentation.

“Beverly Austin, you set the tone – and it has perpetuated for 43 years,” Jennewein said.

Red Cross Regional Program Director of Services to the Armed Forces/International Services Greg Scrivens said the funds raised help service personnel, their families and veterans through outreach programs, VA hospital and clinic support programs, and comfort and therapy items.

He shared that he and others were sent to the Naval Air Station (NAS) in Pensacola to assist with families temporary relocated there from Guantanamo Base in Cuba prior to Hurricane Melissa. About 2,500 people and 150 pets arrived.  “And they were all thankful to be there,” Scrivens said.

This year’s coffee included delicious finger foods, including tea sandwiches, mini scones, tarragon chicken croissants, and other delectable sweets and savories, will be provided by Sally Cook of Cook's Kitchen.

Past presidents served punch and coffee from a Silver Coffee service set, given as a thank-you gift to the organization from the military officers stationed at MacDill.