31st Annual Forest Park Forever Hat Luncheon Raises $360,000 to Support Forest Park

Forest Park Forever welcomed Forest Park supporters and guests to its 31st annual Hat Luncheon on Thursday, June 9, 2022. The single largest annual fundraiser supporting Forest Park, this year’s event raised over $360,000 for the nonprofit conservancy’s vital work to restore, maintain and sustain Forest Park in partnership with the City of St. Louis.

The event’s two locations – World’s Fair Pavilion and Pagoda Circle – included more than 600 attendees, with supporters and their guests enjoying lunch and cocktails on a blue-sky day in Forest Park. The event’s program included a video sharing the many ways their support for Forest Park Forever makes it possible for Forest Park to be named the “Best City Park” in the United States.

KMOX news anchor Carol Daniel emceed the program at World’s Fair Pavilion, while the video shown at both locations included sentiments from 31st Hat Luncheon co-chairs Kris Hogan and Bola Taiwo-Akande, Forest Park Forever Chair of the Board Sue McCollum, and Forest Park Forever President and Executive Director Lesley S. Hoffarth. Daniel toasted these leaders as well as Mayor Tishaura Jones and the City’s Director of the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry, Greg Hayes.

“We were thrilled to see so many supporters come out to celebrate the Park and demonstrate their commitment to sustaining its wonder,” Hoffarth said. “Our team works every day to make Forest Park the best of its kind in America. We know that work would not be possible without the support of the members and sponsors who share our passion for this beautiful place and the role it serves for our region.”

The Hat Luncheon was launched in 1990 by the Forest Park Forever Women’s Committee to generate support for a regional treasure that was 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 a signature Park setting.