Tag Archives: Giving Back

Autumn Elegance Women’s Forum highlights impact of women in philanthropy across Northern Ohio

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By Jill Patterson, senior regional philanthropy officer, Tiffany Circle division lead

Earlier this month, the Barrington Country Club in Aurora was filled with warmth, inspiration, and the unmistakable energy of women coming together to create lasting change. The first-ever American Red Cross Women in Philanthropy event, Autumn Elegance Women’s Forum, was more than just an evening gathering. It was a celebration of connection, purpose, and the collective strength of women united by a mission that matters.

The event was hosted by members of the Red Cross of Northern Ohio Tiffany Circle and is part of the organization’s Women in Philanthropy initiative. This elegant forum brought together a dynamic community of women leaders and changemakers to celebrate the transformative power of giving and the profound impact of women in philanthropy. The event welcomed an extraordinary mix of Tiffany Circle members, major donors, business leaders and passionate supporters, all committed to advancing the mission of the Red Cross. Laurie Laidlaw Deacon, Red Cross of Northern Ohio Tiffany Circle chair, led us through the evening as guests were treated to heartfelt stories, meaningful conversations and a renewed sense of purpose. 

Debra Haufler, executive director of strategic planning, real estate services for the Red Cross shared a deeply moving mission moment, recounting her daughter’s journey with leukemia and the critical role Red Cross blood played in her treatment. Her story reminded everyone of the lifesaving impact behind every donation.

Anne McKeough, Red Cross chief development officer, introduced the Women in Philanthropy initiative, emphasizing its importance in empowering women to lead, influence, and champion change through strategic giving and community engagement.                             

Co-chair of the Red Cross Tiffany Circle National council Marilyn McClure-Demers closed the evening with a powerful call to action, inviting each guest to join us on this journey—to lend their voice, their passion and their leadership to a cause that touches lives every day.

The evening was a testament to what happens when women come together with intention. We left feeling inspired, connected, and more deeply committed to building a future shaped by compassion, generosity, and purpose.

From heartfelt conversations to powerful reflections, the event reminded us of the impact we can make when we lead with compassion and purpose. It marked the beginning of a journey—one where women’s voices, leadership, and generosity shape the future of philanthropy.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. Your presence, passion, and belief in our mission made this night unforgettable.

To see more photos from the Autumn Elegance Women’s Forum, tap here.

Veteran Police Officer Returns from CA Wildfire Response

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Gets Emotional Describing the Devastation Following His First Red Cross Assignment

When Angel Morales signed-up to volunteer for the American Red Cross, he figured it would take six months before he’d be ready to help people suffering from major disasters.

It was more like six days.

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Red Cross volunteer Angel Morales speaks to the Greater Cleveland Board of Directors on December 12, 2017

“Can you go out to California?  We’ve got wildfires there.”  That’s what Angel says he heard when Emily Probst, Regional Disaster Workforce Engagement Manager called, less than a week after his initial training as a disaster responder.

“I took a two-day course.  It was very good. They gave me the basics for sheltering, feeding, and what they call mass care,” Angel recently told members of the Greater Cleveland Board of Directors. “They said in the classes ‘be ready to do whatever they need you to do to fill in.’  I wound up working at a warehouse, very left of center from what I’ve been doing administration-wise. It was a hands-on kind of job.”

Angel currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Police for the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority.  Before that, he led security for the Cleveland Browns, after spending more than 25 years with the Cleveland Police Department, “retiring” as Deputy Chief in 1999.

“I think everybody understands that retirement is just a transition to something else. So, I try to give back.  And I wanted to do hands-on rather than be a boss all the time, so I figured ‘let me start fresh with the Red Cross.’”

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Red Cross volunteer Angel Morales

Despite all his years in law enforcement, Angel says the devastation he experienced in California touched his heart. “In a wildfire, it’s different from a hurricane or a storm. Everything is devastated. There’s nothing. It’s burnt to the ground.”  He teared-up as he continued, “You can see me get emotional about it. People lose everything, it just touches your heart. You feel it. It doesn’t matter where you come from, you feel the devastation in your heart.”

Still, he calls the two-weeks he spent helping people impacted by the wildfires a great experience.  And he commends all the volunteers he met and worked with, people from all across the country and from different walks of life.

“They really make a great contribution.”

The Red Cross is always looking for volunteers to train, so that they can help people affected by disasters big and small, near and far, from wildfires in California to home fires in your community.  Visit redcross.org/neo and click the “volunteer” tab to start the application process.