15th Annual Mad Hatters’ Event brightens rainy day

By Jessica Vaughn
Posted 5/11/21

FOLEY - Despite the rain falling outside on Wednesday, May 5, the Foley Woman’s Club’s 15th Annual Mad Hatters’ Event was a shining success. People came out dressed in their most fashionable, …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Subscribe to continue reading. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Get the gift of local news. All subscriptions 50% off for a limited time!

You can cancel anytime.
 

Please log in to continue

Log in

15th Annual Mad Hatters’ Event brightens rainy day

Posted

FOLEY - Despite the rain falling outside on Wednesday, May 5, the Foley Woman’s Club’s 15th Annual Mad Hatters’ Event was a shining success. People came out dressed in their most fashionable, creative, and wackiest costumes to support local nonprofits during the club’s largest fundraiser of the year. The theme was World of Books 2.0, with table decorations depicting the club members’ favorite books.

The event kicked off with the highly anticipated Hat Parade, where attendees paraded around the auditorium to show off their finest hats. The parade was led by Event MC Tanya Blair. The parade also allowed the opportunity for the three judges to evaluate each hat for the event finale - the hat contest.

The 2021 judges were Frances Holk-Jones, Donna Givens, and Jo Hellmich. They judged hats in three categories: “Most Creative Theme,” “Wackiest,” and “Most Glamourous.” At the end of the day, the three who walked away as winners, respectively, were Carol Rausch for her Pippi Longstocking hat, Tammy Kinney for her Best Loved Books hat, and Brenda Stone.

Elberta Sandwich Company catered the lite lunch, and back by popular request, Bo Grant of The Platters provided entertainment. A fashion show was held, featuring new summer outfits from Chico’s and Too Hot Mamas. The club also held a large raffle featuring items donated by local businesses and club members and a $500 Pot-of-Gold drawing.

Through the event’s 15 years, profits made have totaled over $157,000. All profits made from the Mad Hatters’ Event are donated to local women’s and children’s organizations in Baldwin County. Approximately 40 nonprofits have received donations from the club throughout the years.

The 2020 event was forced to cancel due to COVID-19. Nevertheless, the Foley Woman’s Club contributed to the community with a $4,000 donation to Ecumenical Ministries Emergency Fund, $1,000 worth of digital thermometers to South Baldwin Regional Medical Center for their COVID-19 needs, and a visit to the Alabama Sheriff Boys Ranch during the holidays to donate gifts.

For further information on the club, email Foley Woman’s Club at foleywomansclub@gmail.com or follow the club on Facebook.