By Kate Walters, American Red Cross

It was more than lunch. For Colorado & Wyoming Tiffany Circle members, it was a rare treat, a behind-the-scenes look at the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) that left them inspired, connected and more committed than ever to the American Red Cross mission.

The annual Tiffany Circle celebration luncheon honors philanthropy, service and the women who help drive the work of the Red Cross. This year’s event, hosted by the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) program, offered unique access to one of Colorado’s most iconic institutions.

Three volunteer tour guides, all USAFA graduates, led the group through campus and shared personal stories of cadet life and their pride in serving. One member smiled and said, “I was married to a USAFA graduate for over 30 years, but I’ve never seen some of these places firsthand.”

A highlight was the stop at the cadet dining hall. For women who have served thousands of meals to family and friends, watching 4,000 young people eat together in one place was unforgettable. The sight of thousands of future Air Force officers sharing a meal shoulder to shoulder created a moment that felt both powerful and deeply personal.

Throughout the day, conversations flowed about family, service and personal Red Cross journeys. One member who grew up in Oklahoma shared how she saw Red Cross teams arrive year after year after devastating tornadoes, providing shelter and hope. Her father, a physician and lifelong supporter of the Red Cross, inspired her to carry on his tradition of giving. Another member recalled hosting blood drives and CPR trainings before joining Tiffany Circle to deepen her impact.

Tiffany Circle, a national network of women philanthropists, harnesses the power, passion and resources of women to strengthen Red Cross programs. Locally, members have led projects such as assembling gift bags for military moms-to-be, creating comfort backpacks for returning veterans and organizing blood drives.

Part of the magic of this network is the inspiration members draw from one another. Through the annual Power of Women speaker series, Tiffany Circle highlights accomplished women leaders in business, education and public service, offering members not only role models but also a renewed sense of purpose.

The day ended with dessert at The Aviator Bar at Hotel Polaris. The wind was brisk, but the sweeping mountain views and the camaraderie of friends made for a perfect close to an inspiring day.

Tiffany Circle is far more than “ladies who lunch.” It is a dynamic force for good, proving that when women unite their voices, resources and determination, they change lives and strengthen communities.