32nd Annual Hat Luncheon Raises $388,000 to Sustain Forest Park

June 16, 2023 Guest User

Forest Park supporters and guests enjoyed a beautiful afternoon at Forest Park Forever’s 32nd annual Hat Luncheon, the private nonprofit conservancy’s largest single annual fundraiser, on Thursday, June 8, 2023. The sold-out event generated over $388,000 for the nonprofit conservancy’s continual work to restore, maintain and sustain Forest Park in partnership with the City of St. Louis.

A festive affair that encourages creativity and expression for a cocktail reception and luncheon at the World’s Fair Pavilion, this year’s event included a return of the popular Hat Contest. Guest judges recognized five individual guests for their style and creativity, while a stunning group of ladies in green won the honor for best table.

The day’s programming, menu and beverages are made possible by generous support from the event sponsors, individual ticket and table purchases, plus in-event raffles and gifts.

Tag yourself and share: See many more photos from the day in this Forest Park Forever Facebook album.
Find more shots in this collection from St. Louis Photo Party.

St. Louis leaders Adrian Bracy and Diedre Gray led the charge as the event co-chairs, while recently retired broadcast legend Carol Daniel again kept the audience entertained in her role as emcee. Guests also heard from Forest Park Forever President and Executive Director Lesley Hoffarth and Chair of the Board Sue McCollum. At the beginning of the program, St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones addressed guests whose support is essential to the Park maintaining a quality worthy of the Best City Park in the U.S.A. honor two years in a row.

Hat Contest Winners

Pictured below are the Hat Contest winners for best table (left) and top five, including one couple (right), plus the four contest judges (center): Kristen Armstrong, Anjali Kamra, AK Brown and Lindsay Skredenske.

The Hat Luncheon originated in 1990, led by the Forest Park Forever Women’s Committee to generate support for a regional treasure that had been in decline when Forest Park Forever was founded. Over the years it has become a much-anticipated annual occasion to thank supporters of the Park, raise funds for its continued restoration and maintenance, and enjoy lunch, friendship and an array of expressive hats in one of the Park’s signature settings.

Special Thanks to the 32nd Annual Hat Luncheon Sponsors

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Save the Date: 33rd Annual Hat Luncheon June 6, 2024

The 33rd Hat Luncheon is set for Thursday, June 6, 2024. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities that support Forest Park, contact Manager of Corporate & Foundation Giving, Laura Benson, at lbenson@forestparkforever.org or 314-561-3296.