1 of 2
2 of 2
The ladies of St. Louis Magazine and St. Louis AT HOME had a fantastic time at yesterday’s 2012 Forest Park Forever Hiram W. Leffingwell Hat Luncheon, put together by the Women’s Committee. 1,100 women (and a few brave gentlemen) arrived in style to celebrate twenty-two years of the “Hat” Luncheon, which is responsible for raising money to keep Forest Park looking magnificent. St. Louis Magazine and St. Louis AT HOME were proud sponsors of this year's luncheon. SLM Style Editor, Jan Leach, served as a judge of the hat contest, seeking out the best hats in the "whimsical" category.
The World’s Fair Pavilion was filled with people wearing the most marvelous head pieces for the event, which opened with a cocktail hour and hors d’oeuvres. The SLM women showed up in full force, donning St. Louis Magazine/ATHOME-themed fascinators that were marvelous enough for Royals. Below is a picture of these creative, DIY beauties.
At noon, the Awards Luncheon commenced with beautiful words from Lesley Hoffarth, President and Executive Director of Forest Park, Ida H. Early and Debora Hollingsworth. “Forest Park is one of those places that is near and dear to everyone’s hearts,” Hoffarth said. “We are very appreciative to everyone that is here today.”
Next, guests tipped their hats to two people who have truly lived to serve the community: Todd Epsten, former chairman of Forest Park Forever, and Susan B. McCollum, vice chairman of the St. Louis Zoo Commission. “Their leadership and personal commitments have been invaluable to the park and community,” said Jasmine Evans, Marketing & Communications specialist for Forest Park. The program included a touching video dedicated to the remembrance of Todd Epsten and the celebration of both Epsten and McCollum. “It was such a special opportunity to honor Sue,” Evans said.
Following those tender moments were the hat awards. First, the members from table with the best hat theme were each awarded a round-trip airline ticket from Southwest Airlines. Then individual ladies were recognized for best hat in each of the following categories: couture, romantic, most whimsical and vintage.
Guests who donated $50 to Forest Park Forever were able to participate in the “Mystery Blue Bag Experience.” Every donator received a “Mystery Blue Bag” from Tiffany & Co. “This was the second year that we included the “Mystery Blue Bag Experience” in the luncheon. It was very successful - we received an additional $10,000 for the park,” Hoffarth said.
In total, about $400,000 was raised for Forest Park Forever. “The Hat Luncheon has grown every year, and this was the biggest and best year yet. It’s the private dollars, really, that make the park sparkle,” Hoffarth explained. “We are so appreciative of our principal sponsor, the Regional Business Council, for their support and understanding of the ongoing maintenance it takes to keep the park looking beautiful.”
Do you want to see everyone in their wondrous hats? Check out the Party Pics!
