ST. LOUIS, MO – Forest Park Forever is excited to announce that Leslie Gill and Ali Hogan, leaders of Rung for Women, will co-chair the 34th Annual Forest Park Forever Hat Luncheon on Thursday, June 5, 2025. As co-chairs, Gill and Hogan will host the nonprofit conservancy’s single largest annual fundraiser, held on a summer afternoon at the World’s Fair Pavilion overlooking Government Hill, two of the many iconic locations within Forest Park that the organization has restored in its public-private partnership with the City of St. Louis.

2025 Hat Luncheon co-chairs Leslie Gill (left) and Ali Hogan (second from right) with 2024 Hat Luncheon co-chairs Jennifer Poindexter and Laura Shaughnessy

Launched over 30 years ago by the Forest Park Forever Women’s Committee to raise funds for Forest Park’s restoration, the Hat Luncheon is a festive occasion that brings people together in a beautiful setting to sustain one of St. Louis’ most cherished spaces.

Attendees are encouraged to don their favorite hats, reflecting personal style, cultural heritage and other forms of expression.

Upon arrival at the World’s Fair Pavilion, attendees will enjoy music, cocktails and lunch, while legendary broadcaster Carol Daniel will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies, and guest hat contest judges will select the best hats in a variety of categories – including the popular “best table” award. A raffle will also be held with the chance for attendees to win elevated picnic experiences at different locations within the Park.

Funds raised at the event through ticket sales, sponsorships, raffles and more support the annual care of the 1,300-acre Park. With over 15.5 million annual visits, maintaining the Park as an accessible, welcoming and must-see destination for locals and tourists depends upon community support for Forest Park Forever in its public-private partnership with the City of St. Louis.

As community leaders, Gill and Hogan will continue that tradition as they “put their hat in” to rally support and generate excitement for the Hat Luncheon.

"Ali and I are honored to be a part of supporting the civic treasure that is Forest Park," said Leslie Gill. "We know first-hand the positive change that women create when they come together, and are excited to work with the Women's Committee to raise funds to keep this public amenity strong forever."

“Forest Park is a cherished space for our region, and it’s this great community that sustains it,” said Lesley S. Hoffarth, P.E., President and Executive Director of Forest Park Forever. “We are delighted to have Leslie and Ali don their hats as co-chairs in support of a place that millions of St. Louisans hold dear.”

Hat Luncheon Tickets and Support

Hat Luncheon sponsorships are available now. Contact Jordan Bouchard at 314.571.6076 to learn about opportunities and sponsor benefits.
Tickets will go on sale in April at forestparkforever.org/hatluncheon

About the Hat Luncheon Co-Chairs

Leslie Gill

Leslie Gill is Chief Executive Officer and President of Rung for Women, driving Rung’s mission to inspire all women to climb the economic opportunity ladder of success.

A dedicated servant leader for over 25 years, Gill has made a community impact throughout her career with multiple non-profit and community-building organizations. That includes a variety of municipal roles during eight years with Mayor Anthony A. Williams’ administration in Washington, D.C., as well as executive leadership roles for Girl Scouts of America in the St. Louis and Atlanta chapters, and past service as Chief Executive Officer at Annie Malone.

Recognized for her leadership and work empowering women, Leslie was awarded the Titan 100 Award recognizing top CEOs and executives in 2024 and named among the St. Louis Business Journal’s Most Influential Businesswomen in 2022. A native of St. Louis, she is actively involved with the Park Central Development, Jack & Jill St. Louis Chapter, and Hixson Middle PTO

Ali Hogan

Ali Hogan, a cofounder and past vice chair of the Young Friends of Forest Park Forever, is the visionary behind Rung for Women, an organization that empowers women to achieve sustained independence through co-located and coordinated education, professional, and financial resources. The granddaughter of the late Enterprise Holdings founder Jack Taylor, Ali applies the same spirit of entrepreneurship he exemplified as well as the same civic commitment.

Ali founded the nonprofit resale shop, Rung Boutique, in 2010. Through her work at the store, she realized that women needed more support, and she began working on a concept where women had access to a variety of services necessary to achieve their unique goals for their careers and lives.

Beyond her work for women, Ali is a long-time volunteer and Board Member for The Humane Society of Missouri, and also serves on the board of the school attended by her daughters.

About Rung for Women

Located in the Fox Park Neighborhood of St. Louis City, Rung for Women provides a variety of services intentionally curated to reduce the barriers many women face. Rung is designed to target a unique population: working women who are stuck in low-opportunity jobs and want to move up the economic ladder, who may be earning too much for public benefits but not enough to get ahead.

About Forest Park Forever

Founded in 1986, Forest Park Forever is a private nonprofit conservancy that works in partnership with the City of St. Louis and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry to restore, maintain and sustain Forest Park, as one of America’s great urban public parks for a diverse community of visitors to enjoy, now and forever. Forest Park Forever has led major fundraising efforts to restore many landmark destinations in Forest Park, including the Emerson Grand Basin, the Boathouse and the Jewel Box, and create new amenities under the Forest Park Master Plan, including the Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape and the Nicholas J. Booker Basketball Courts.

In 2017, the organization completed a major fundraising campaign securing $139 million for Park restoration projects and an expanded endowment.

Today, Forest Park Forever maintains Forest Park with the City of St. Louis; raises funds for and helps manage capital restoration projects called for in the Forest Park Master Plan; delivers experiential educational opportunities to teachers, students and adults; and provides information and guides for the Park’s 15.5 million annual visitors. Not part of the Zoo-Museum Tax District, Forest Park Forever is supported by private donations from throughout the community, including its 6,000 members, 1,100 volunteers and many leading community and corporate partners.

Connect with us at facebook.com/forestparkforever, twitter.com/forestpark4ever and instagram.com/forestparkforever.