By Jacelyn Shiring, American Red Cross Public Affairs

In February 2025, the South Florida Tiffany Circle reached 100 members for the first time with our newly-minted addition of Mrs. Kat Flanigan to the Palm Beach and Treasure Coast Chapter. This is an exciting milestone for a group of women providing essential support to the humanitarian mission of the South Florida region of the Red Cross.

Founded by Bonnie McElveen Hunter and Melanie Sabelhaus in 2006 to engage female philanthropists, the Tiffany Circle takes its name from the historic stained glass windows in the Tiffany Circle Hall (formerly Board of Governors Hall) at Red Cross national headquarters in Washington, D.C. With more than 1,300 members nationally, the Tiffany Circle advances the work of the Red Cross every day throughout all lines of service. Overall, this philanthropic powerhouse has raised more than $230 million to support vital services in communities across the country and around the world.

Miami resident and national founding member, Julia Rea Bianchi, worked closely with Red Cross leaders nationwide to pilot the initiative and was instrumental in establishing the Tiffany Circle in South Florida. The goal was to create a signature women’s giving and philanthropy program that would inspire and harness the talents of incredible women to advance the Red Cross mission. Bianchi, who was introduced to volunteering with the Red Cross in elementary school, previously served as the Board Chair for the Greater Miami and the Keys Chapter and is a Torchbearer and lifetime member of the Tiffany Circle. She is proud of what the Tiffany Circle has accomplished and of South Florida’s leadership. Today, South Florida Tiffany Circle members actively fundraise, deploy as volunteers and devise strategies to expand the reach and impact of the Red Cross.

South Florida’s 100^th member, Mrs. Kat Flanigan, was introduced to the Tiffany Circle by Lily Holt, her cousin-in-law, and was immediately inspired to join upon learning about Red Cross support for families affected by recent disasters, including Hurricane Helene and the devastating wildfires in Southern California. As a former California resident with family and friends who lost several homes in the fires, she traveled to Altadena over the holidays and observed firsthand the devastation and acute needs being served by the Red Cross.

For Mrs. Flanigan, who is newly married, a Forbes Business Council Member and the Goodwill Ambassador of the Island of Anuanurunga in French Polynesia, learning that she was the 100^th member to join in South Florida affirmed that the Tiffany Circle is the right place for her to give back. With a successful background as an entrepreneur and film industry veteran, she also serves as CEO of a concierge luxury addiction treatment company and runs a nonprofit focusing on crisis relief and drug prevention efforts. Her latest film project, Beauty World, a documentary she wrote, produced, and directed follows the story of a Vietnamese Prisoner of War (POW) immigrant to the U.S. and will be screening soon. As part of the Tiffany Circle, Mrs. Flanigan is ready to help in any way she can. “I am looking forward to the adventure and how I can contribute to helping others,” she shared.

Mrs. Flanigan highlighted that Tiffany Circle membership also creates unique opportunities to build a network nationally and internationally. On a recent trip to Hawaii, she was able to meet local Tiffany Circle members, enhancing the value of her trip. Her stepdaughter, Kenly Flanigan, who recently joined the Tiffany Circle in Northern California, is also looking forward to getting to know fellow members in her travels to Japan. With Tiffany Circle chapters throughout the country and ongoing expansion internationally, there are a multitude of opportunities for connection.

As it reaches new heights of membership, the South Florida Tiffany Circle is positioned to continue expanding its impact both locally and beyond. Reflecting on this achievement, Julia Rea Bianchi considers it a “testament to the power of women leading through philanthropy in support of the greatest humanitarian mission in the world — the Red Cross.”

Please help us welcome Mrs. Kat Flanigan and thank all of the women of the South Florida Tiffany Circle for their steadfast support as we continue to serve the Red Cross mission together. To learn more about Tiffany Circle and the many ways you can support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross, visit redcross.org/TiffanyCircle.