Elaine Lyerly travels to London for tea and talk with Royal Family
(7/1/14) BELMONT, N.C. — “By kind permission of Her Majesty The Queen” noted the text on Elaine Lyerly’s invitation to a special mid-June event honoring 150 years of humanitarian action of the British Red Cross – an invitation she graciously accepted.
For this Belmont resident, her affiliation and tireless work with the American Red Cross extends well beyond the Charlotte region and its chapter. For Lyerly, it’s global volunteerism toward compassion, care, education and relationship-building. As the Red Cross reached yet another milestone in its remarkable history, marking 150 years since the creation of the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, Lyerly joined fellow representatives from around the world as well as diplomats and other invited guests for a special occasion at London’s Buckingham Palace.
Lyerly was one of two American Red Cross representatives invited to attend the British Red Cross Royal Garden Party on June 12.
“Not only am I personally honored to have had the opportunity to represent the American Red Cross at such an esteemed occasion, but I’m humbled at the chance to visit the Royal Palace, and as a guest of the Royal Family,” said Lyerly.
“It was a remarkable experience to share tea with His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra and also discuss this worthwhile organization and its efforts here in the United States, as well as beyond, with so many other passionate humanitarians. When I introduced myself to Prince Charles as a representative of the American Red Cross, he said, ‘Americans really know how to fundraise, we could learn a lot from you,’ which lead to an engaging conversation.”
Within the gates of the Buckingham Palace Garden, Lyerly mingled with Royal guests that included Madame Fatima Gailani, president of Afghan Red Crescent, Dr. Attar, president of the Syrian Red Crescent and Red Cross representatives from a variety of nations such as Kenya, Canada, the Philippines and Australia. The event entailed tea, timeline displays highlighting the 150 years of British Red Cross history and music including the British national anthem.
“The Royal Family and British Red Cross hosted a beautiful, memorable afternoon to honor this global organization, one that many fail to recognize until its services are desperately needed in the worst of times,” said Lyerly.
She added, “We’re proud of Red Cross’ history and its heart, and more than anything, its ability to weather any storm for more than a century to become a reliable resource for people around the globe.”
About Elaine Lyerly
Lyerly co-founded Lyerly Agency in 1977. She has amassed more than 30 years of experience in all aspects of communications – marketing, advertising, corporate communications and public relations – to become a widely respected, award-winning and sought after brand strategist. Lyerly’s leadership also extends into her roles within the community and vast civic involvement – locally, nationally and internationally. Lyerly’s volunteer work includes significant contributions to the American Red Cross. She’s former vice chair of the national board of governors and national chair of American Red Cross Tiffany Circle, the most successful major gift program in Red Cross history. She serves as current Chair of Tiffany Circle’s international committee, charged with the program’s international growth. For her dedication to the Red Cross, Lyerly received the Harriman Award in 2012, the highest volunteer award from the American Red Cross.