The United Way isn't the only game in town when it comes to generating serious commitments from individuals giving on a personal level. Welcome the American Red Cross Tiffany Circle, which expanded to Houston last year and is fast on its way to becoming another prestigious organization of very generous women.

(The United Way's Alexis de Tocqueville Society Women's Initiative was established a number of years ago.)

Membership in the leadership network of women aiming to enhance the work of the Red Cross is $10,000. National co-chair of the Tiffany Circle Julia Bianchi flew in from her home in Miami recently to address potential members of the group that is headed locally by Bobbie Nau. They lunched at River Oaks Country Club where new member Soraya McClelland joined Nau as luncheon co-chair.

Bianchi spoke not only on the leadership of women throughout the history of the Red Cross but also explained that the charity was founded by Clara Barton, whose last mission, by the way, was personally assisting in Galveston after the 1900 hurricane. She encouraged those of means to step up to the plate. Those that do sign on receive a Tiffany & Co. charm bracelet.

New members receiving their bracelets at the luncheon were Roxann Neumann, Fran Granger and Beth Lee. Those listening intently included Jana Arnoldy, Vivien Caven, Arvia Few, Alina Garcia, Anne Duncan, Kay Holmes, Ellie Sweeney, Jeanie Kilroy, Melissa King and Suzie Johnson.