NEW ORLEANS — In the shimmering showrooms of Friend & Company Fine Jewelers, a group of Louisiana women gathered this week to celebrate a legacy of service that shines brighter than any diamond on display. 

The event, hosted by the historic New Orleans jeweler, brought together members of the American Red Cross Louisiana Tiffany Circle for an evening of fellowship, shopping, and philanthropy. While the setting was elegant, the focus remained squarely on the Red Cross mission: providing relief and hope to those facing their darkest hours. 

A Legacy of Impact 
The Tiffany Circle is a national society of women leaders who each invest $10,000 annually in their local Red Cross chapters. The organization’s name and the specific donation amount carry deep historical weight, rooted in the aftermath of the American Civil War. 

In 1917, Red Cross leader Mabel Boardman commissioned three stained-glass windows from Tiffany Studios for the organization's national headquarters in Washington, D.C. In a gesture of national healing and reconciliation, women from both the North and the South joined forces to fund the project. Today’s members continue that tradition of unity, ensuring the Red Cross has the resources to respond to home fires, hurricanes, and other life-altering emergencies. 

Philanthropic Spirit Shines Brightly  
The impact of the Tiffany Circle is felt across every parish in the state.  Kenneth St. Charles Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross of Louisiana, expressed his deep appreciation for the group’s steadfast commitment. 

"The generosity of our Tiffany Circle members is the cornerstone of our ability to deliver hope when Louisianians need it most," said St. Charles. "We are profoundly grateful for their leadership and philanthropic spirit. Their support ensures that no one in our community has to face a disaster alone." 

Sparking Change at Friend & Company The choice of Friend & Company as the venue for the recent gathering was a natural fit. As a family-owned pillar of the New Orleans community, the boutique provided an intimate space for members to reconnect and discuss the upcoming needs of the region. 

Throughout the evening, members browsed curated collections, celebrating the fact that their collective support provides a stable foundation for the Red Cross during a time of increasing climate and economic challenges. From hurricane preparedness to supporting military families, the contributions of the Tiffany Circle are woven into the fabric of Louisiana’s resilience. 

Joining the Circle  
The American Red Cross is calling on all community members to support its life-saving work through donations or volunteerism. For women who wish to lead at the highest level of philanthropic engagement, the Tiffany Circle offers a unique opportunity to join a sisterhood of service. 

"Our Tiffany Circle members are partners in our mission," St. Charles added. "Their leadership ensures that we are always ready, no matter the crisis." 

How to Help:

• Donate: Visit redcross.org/louisiana to support local disaster relief. 
• Inquire: Women interested in joining the Tiffany Circle or learning more about its impact should contact Eric Besson at eric.besson@redcross.org.