Model Behavior 2025: Rae Hirsch

When Rae Hirsch rolls up her sleeves and gets to work, she says she likes to do so in a “quiet manner” — completing the behind-the-scenes tasks that propel the crucial missions she supports. But the impact of her contributions is anything but quiet. As a co-chair of Gilda’s Club of Middle Tennessee’s Comprehensive Campaign, Rae leads with dignity, fosters the organization’s compassionate environment and helps break down barriers to care. 

The staff at Gilda’s Club provides custom support for those impacted by cancer, free of charge. As a cancer survivor herself, Rae understands the importance of responding to challenges in a kind environment — one where everyone feels special. “The minute you step through the red door at Gilda’s Club, you feel like it’s home — a comfortable sanctuary of hope, where you feel the warmth, happiness, support, educational guidance and compassion from those who work there,” says Rae.

By vocation, Rae is a devoted volunteer. When she and her husband, Bruce Hirsch, moved from Birmingham, Ala., to Nashville in 1980, Rae dove into community service work and never stopped. Over the years, she’s served on multiple boards, including at Congregation Ohabai Sholom and Jewish Family Service, and acted as president of the National Council of Jewish Women in Nashville. 

Rae has co-chaired and served on the executive committee for several Gilda’s Club Red Door Bash fundraisers, deepening her skills as a leader and a connector. “This organization has helped me be an even more compassionate person than I already was, and has taught me to better understand that cancer has no boundaries, no matter [your] socioeconomic background,” says Rae. “We are all a community here to help each other.”

As Gilda’s Club expands its community of members, Rae intends to bring positive change and provide more critical support to people in need. “My hope is for Gilda’s Club to continue serving even more people in our community,” she says. Her dream? “A newly built home, where we can increase accessibility, have outdoor activities for members and their families, and be able to expand our services in a supportive and relaxed environment for many years to come,” says Rae.

Dress: Prabal Gurung black-and-white floral dress (Gus Mayer)

Shoes: Sporty Kate slingback pumps (Christian Louboutin)

Earrings: Custom diamond cuff earrings (personal collection)

Bracelets: Silver tennis bracelet (Linked & Lovely), Roberto Coin woven silk diamond bangle (personal collection)

Watch: Baume Mercier diamond and silver watch (personal collection)

Ring: Diamond ring (personal collection)

Florist: Rose Lane Floral Design