St. Louis leaders Jennifer Poindexter and Laura Shaughnessy will co-chair Forest Park Forever’s 33rd Annual Hat Luncheon, which supports the nonprofit conservancy’s daily work to maintain and sustain Forest Park in partnership with the City of St. Louis. As co-chairs, Poindexter and Shaughnessy will host the organization’s single largest annual fundraiser on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

Inaugurated by the Forest Park Forever Women’s Committee over 30 years ago as a way to help Forest Park recover from decades of decline, today this event celebrates and helps sustain one of St. Louis’ great comeback stories.

Forest Park today draws 15.5 million visitors annually and has been recognized as the country’s “Best City Park” by USA Today each of the last two years. Forest Park Forever’s partnership with the City and the support of its donors has enabled major restoration and continued maintenance that has enhanced the Park’s accessibility and appeal to St. Louisans and its position as a must-see destination for visitors to the region.

The Hat Luncheon is held at World’s Fair Pavilion with a view overlooking Government Hill – both of which were restored by Forest Park Forever in the early 2000s. On this late spring afternoon, Forest Park Forever supporters and friends from all backgrounds come together to raise money for Forest Park’s care while celebrating its beauty and significance to St. Louis.

Attendees are encouraged to don their favorite hats, reflecting personal style, cultural heritage and other forms of expression. They’ll be entertained by legendary broadcaster Carol Daniel, who will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies, while guest judges for the hat contest will help honor 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 in the Park.

“Forest Park’s success is only possible thanks to the many in our community who support its annual needs and spread the word about what it takes to sustain this regional treasure,” said Lesley S. Hoffarth, P.E., President and Executive Director of Forest Park Forever. “Jennifer and Laura are perfect examples of that community spirit, and we are thrilled to have them chair this year’s Hat Luncheon.”

Jennifer Poindexter is Director of Meet St. Louis for Explore St. Louis, where she helps lead efforts to advocate for the success of our hospitality community, enhance the profile of the St. Louis region, support workforce development, contribute to community improvement opportunities, and encourage local spending from the perspective of the meetings and events space.

Her St. Louis advocacy also includes connecting and engaging young professionals through the STL Youth Jobs Program and the local chapter of Meeting Professionals International, while she and her family are also supporters of many St. Louis non-profits and cultural institutions including Forest Park Forever. 

Poindexter’s life is filled with Forest Park experiences and memories, including childhood field trips and picnic lunches with her grandparents, roller skating at Steinberg Rink with her uncle, nights at The Muny with her parents, classes and ice cream with her aunt at the Zoo (where she later worked for 15 years) and weekend exploration with her niece and nephews.  

Laura Shaughnessy has been an avid supporter of the St. Louis community since relocating here with her job in 1987.  She currently serves as a Trustee for the Missouri Historical Society, as a Board member of the St. Louis Public Library Foundation, as a Board member of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, and the leader of a Girl Scout troop at Marian Middle School.

Laura and her husband, Paul Shaughnessy, live near Forest Park, where they walk and hike several times a week. They have been generous supporters of Forest Park for decades, including the annual Hat Luncheon fundraiser, and are thrilled by the Park’s incredible transformation through the innovative public-private partnership with the City of St. Louis.

In Forest Park, Shaughnessy particularly enjoys beautiful sunsets and evening walks, the colors changing on the trees at Art Hill – also restored and maintained by this partnership – and how the Park brings people together and stirs community pride.

More Information: Sponsorship Opportunities and Event Tickets

The Hat Luncheon raises funds for Forest Park’s care through sponsorships and ticket purchases. Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Laura Benson, Forest Park Forever Manager of Corporate & Foundation Giving, at lbenson@forestparkforever.org or 314.561.3296.

Tickets for individual seats and full tables will go on sale in April.

The latest information for the event, including ticket sales when ready, will be posted at forestparkforever.org/hatluncheon.