The Tiffany Circle Spring Gathering Raises a Glass to the American Red Cross

On a picturesque May evening, philanthropists and health advocates gathered at Anita and Larry Cash’s Tuscan home for the annual Tiffany Circle Spring Gathering. Hors d’oeuvres circulated, libations flowed and spirits soared as the women of the Tiffany Circle united to celebrate the work of the American Red Cross with their significant others. 

The Spring Gathering is the one time of year when Tiffany Circle members can invite their spouses to learn more about the organization’s mission and raise a toast to their hard work. Members invest their time, talent and treasure in supporting essential American Red Cross services, like disaster relief, veteran support and blood donation. 

After a lively cocktail hour, Anita welcomed guests and acknowledged Nashville Tiffany Circle chapter founding member Barbara Bovender, who recently received the Clara Barton Award for her excellence in leadership. Joanne Sowell, chair of Nashville’s Tiffany Circle chapter, highlighted the history of the American Red Cross and Tiffany Circle’s role in preventing and aiding in times of crisis. 

She then introduced keynote speaker Jarrett Barrios, senior vice president for Service to Armed Forces and International Services at the American Red Cross. Jarrett discussed Barton’s reputation as the angel of the battlefield — and how her legacy continues to inform the Red Cross’ mission. 

“When she came to Prussia to operate the Red Cross health response, she wasn’t new to battle, but she was new to doing it in this way — taking care of soldiers on both sides,” he said. “It didn’t matter your nationality. What mattered was that you were human and that you needed to be cared for.” 

After Jarrett mentioned that Barton was the first woman to have a non-secretarial job in the U.S. government, Tiffany Circle member Katie Crumbo spoke five resonant words: “We should applaud for that.” From start to end, the evening flowed with appreciation and pride for how the American Red Cross began — and more importantly, where it’s going.