Swiping Right on Service: A Red Cross Romance

By Dan Dowling, regional communications manager

“I turned to my friend Susan, who was working behind me and said, 'I just met the woman I'm going to marry.'"

Ric Tyler was working at a radio station in Bangor, Maine when he was assigned to interview the development director for the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross about and upcoming event. On April 19, 1995, at exactly 10:20 in the morning, a phone call changed everything.

“I spent 20 minutes talking with a girl on the other end of the phone. I found out that her family was from the same town that my family was from. I was just smitten," says Tyler.

Elizabeth Sutherland heard from her chapter executive director that Ric was a great supporter of the Red Cross and a media member willing to volunteer his time and talents to support their work.

Ric Tyler and Elizabeth Sutherland

“I went into that call feeling like he was already pretty special! Our first meeting just continued that impression. He was easy to talk to. Easy to joke with. And while we did get some work accomplished during that call, there was also a lot of 'getting to know you' chatter,” says Sutherland.

Ric met Elizabeth at the Red Cross event for the radio interview, and both felt an immediate connection.

“When he came to the event, that feeling of ease and fun continued. He was just the best mix of professional, supportive and friendly. I thought he was very handsome. That was a great Saturday. And not just because the rain held off and folks came to support the Red Cross!” says Sutherland.

“There was an opportunity for the two of us to talk live. It was like magic. She knew what to say and how to react. It timed out flawlessly,” says Tyler.

Following the Red Cross event, mutual friends arranged a double date for Ric and Elizabeth, and they have been a couple ever since. They got married in October, just over a year later. Today, they have two sons and continue to support the Bangor community.

Elizabeth and Ric believe that engaging in community service through organizations such as the Red Cross is an excellent way to forge social connections.

“I believe that engaging in community service together or even meeting that way, like Ric and I did, enhances social connections by fostering a sense of togetherness and empathy. In today's digital age, where swiping right is the new norm, meeting through public service adds a layer of depth to a relationship that, I think, would be hard to find online,” says Sutherland.

“The reason you serve in your community is to have a community worth living in. Elizabeth knew that and I knew that. I am glad I met my soulmate in the community that we now call home because together I would like to think we have worked to make it an even better community. The Red Cross was part of that,” says Tyler.

Volunteering with the Red Cross can be a terrific opportunity to meet new people. A quarter of Red Cross volunteers are 24 years old or younger. The crucial work of the American Red Cross is enabled by the remarkable contributions of volunteers, each bringing their unique backgrounds, talents and skill levels.

“We talk to our boys a lot about being an active part of our community, not just living in it. And how Ric and I met is a perfect example of the personal benefits that can be found. Meeting people in those moments, whether romantic or platonic, allows people to see each other in a different light, beyond the usual social facades. You are seeing someone at their best, giving back and being selfless, which can be incredibly attractive,” adds Sutherland.

Help your community and make new connections by volunteering with the Red Cross. Your time and talent can make a real difference in people's lives. To learn about volunteering opportunities with the Red Cross visit https://www.redcross.org/volunteer.