The American Red Cross of the Nashville Area is pleased to announce its annual Nissan Lifesaver Luncheon, presented by Randy and Jennifer Wolcott, raised almost $500,000 to support the organization’s mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering. The luncheon took place on Tuesday, April 8 at the Curb Event Center at Belmont University and was attended by more than 350 individuals to celebrate the Red Cross in our community.

HCA Healthcare was presented with the Community Champion Award in recognition of their commitment to supporting communities through partnership with local organizations and by providing essential services during times of crisis. Developed in response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, HCA’s Enterprise Emergency Operation Center, headquartered in Nashville, TN, works around the clock to ensure its hospitals are connected and prepared for any emergency.

Betsy Wills received the Clara Barton Award for her dedication to the Red Cross Mission. Reminiscing on her childhood experience with home fires, Betsy recalled the difficulty and confusion brought on by losing her home, followed by the hope and comfort the Red Cross can bring in those circumstances. She emphasized the importance of providing consistent support for the Red Cross so the organization can continue responding to disasters as they occur. Betsy’s commitment to the Red Cross extends beyond the financial.  She also helped found one of the first chapters of the Tiffany Circle, which is a community of women leaders who advance the Red Cross Mission through giving and mission immersion. To learn more about the Tiffany Circle in Tennessee, contact Leigh Elliott at leigh.elliott@redcross.org.

During the event, John Ingram moderated a panel titled “From Risk to Resilience: Disaster Preparedness for Businesses.” The panel featured Apryl Childs-Potter, President of Nashville Health Care Council; Deana Ivey, C.E.O. and President of Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation; and Doug Kreulen, C.E.O. and President of Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority discussing the importance and key factors of having a business preparedness plan for inevitable emergencies.

Want to see your hero recognized? Nominations for the 2026 Lifesaver Luncheon are now open! Complete the 2026 Lifesaver Luncheon Nomination Form by November 1, 2025 for consideration.