
Since Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross in 1881, the organization has harnessed the compassion and determination of women to deliver its lifesaving mission. For more than a decade, the organization's Tiffany Circle has continued this legacy by advancing the Red Cross mission through investments of time, talent and treasure.
Since the American Red Cross Tiffany Circle formed in 2006, its members have dedicated time, talent and treasure to advance the organization's humanitarian mission to alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. Celebrating 16 years, this philanthropic powerhouse has raised more than $182 million to support vital services such as:
Feeding and sheltering more than 45,000 disaster-affected families for five days.
Providing financial assistance to more than 48,000 families affected by a home fire.
Purchasing four bloodmobiles, ultimately helping as many as 348,000 patients in need of lifesaving blood.
Delivering 500,000 comfort kits for military members.
Providing 20 million children around the world with lifesaving measles vaccinations.
In January 2006, Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, the Chairman of the American Red Cross, and Melanie Sabelhaus, the Vice Chairman of Philanthropy of the Board of Governors, introduced the Tiffany Circle to engage female philanthropists in the Red Cross Mission. Starting in 2006, several promising chapters were chosen to create Tiffany Circle pilot programs to create a community of women leader donors. All founding chapters survive today. The American Red Cross’s Tiffany Circle has grown to over 1,000 members and is the most successful individual annual fundraising initiative in Red Cross history.
The three Favrile T windows in the Board of Governors’ Hall of the American Red Cross National Headquarters building were commissioned by the Tiffany Studios in 1917 as the organization moved into its new building. They depict the theme of ministry to the sick and wounded through sacrifice. Dedicated in 1923, they are reputed to be the largest suite of Tiffany windows created for a secular environment and have remained in site where they can be appreciated in the environment for which they were created. Except for those in churches, most Tiffany windows have been removed from their original location. The detailed molding within the room was designed to complement the windows and enhance their beauty.
Prominent early 20th century leader and secretary of the American Red Cross for many years, Miss Mable T. Boardman, suggested the idea for the windows to the women of the north and south. Each organization contributed $5,000 and the three windows were created for a total of $10,000. The contributions of these two organizations confirmed the dedication of the building "In Memory of the Heroic Women of the Civil War."