Mad Hatters Luncheon Celebrates Spring in the South
On April 20, Women’s Council president Therese Rourk, chair Sara Friedman, and honorary chair Cindy Feld welcomed more than 540 dedicated volunteers, supporters, sponsors, and underwriters to the Scott K. Ginsburg Family Plaza at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden for the 37th Mad Hatter’s Luncheon.
As Southern cocktails, champagne, and passed hors d’oeuvres were served, the welcome reception scene was full of fashions embracing the theme Celebrating Spring in the South with ladies dressed in golf togs as a nod to the Masters theme, as well as another group in Masters green jackets and golf-themed hats, one complete with a bucket full of golf balls; Mardi Gras purples, greens, and golds replete with masks and umbrellas; sophisticated spring fashions topped with hats of ribbons and florals, all to the tunes of the Lake Highlands High School Jazz Ensemble.
Laura Harris, co-anchor NBC 5, Emmy and Associated Press award-winning journalist, 2024 NorthPark Ambassador, and the event’s emcee, welcomed everyone and gave a brief history of Mad Hatter’s and its origins, beginning with a small tea party on the Camp House garden chaired by Carole Ann Brown.
Funds raised have made it possible for the new improvements to the Pecan Parterre, a segment in A Woman’s Garden, which should be completed this fall, said Therese.
Sara thanked vice president of fundraising Jolie Humphrey, underwriting chairs Monique Callagy and Maile Shea, auction chairs Kristen Kocis, Rosie Shahkarami and Kristina Wrenn, Anne and William Seanor, patron party hosts, judges and sponsors, the event committee, and the host committee.
Fashion show producer Jan Strimple and sponsor NorthPark Center showcased fashions from Etro, Maje, ME+EM who also hosted the Judges Reveal Party, Nordstrom, SANDRO, Scanlan Theodore, and St. John, with beauty by Glossier.
Hat awards were presented in these categories:
- Dallas Blooms (best use of fresh botanicals) presented by hat judge Amanda Dillard Shufeldt to winner Maryam Brown. Amanda is the director of Katy Trail Art, Friends of the Katy Trail, and a NorthPark Ambassador.
- Kentucky Derby (most elegant) presented by hat judge Anne Stodghill to winner Christine Phelan. Anne is one of Dallas’ leading voices in philanthropy and a community leader, and she has more than 30 years of experience with charity work. She co-chaired the Majestic Mad Hatter’s in 2023 with Kristina Wrenn.
- Mardi Gras (most over-the-top, outrageous creation) presented by hat judge Esé Azénabor-Grembowski to winner Debbie Murray. Esé Azénabor-Grembowski is the owner and creative director/head designer for namesake fashion brand Esé Azénabor.
- Jazz Fest (best group) presented by hat judge Kameron Westcott to winner Taste of the Masters (Linda Burke, Dixey Arterburn, etc.) They were dressed in matching pink and blue argyle golf outfits. Kameron is a television personality, influencer and entrepreneur.
- Round Top (people’s choice) presented by hat judge Sharon Lee Clark to winner Mandi Bonilla. Sharon is an internationally published fine artist, designer, and entrepreneur. In 2012 she founded her company Krane Home to provide the first ever source for Korean-American art and wallpaper.
- The Masters (best in show) presented by hat judge John Clutts to Masters Mavens group (Katie Kennemer’s group). They were dressed in Masters green jackets with different hats, each in a salute to a different Masters winner. John is owner of The Clutts Agency, Inc., a full service, SAG/AFTRA franchised agency.
A delicious three-course luncheon was served in two different elegant settings, each one with tables draped in light blue shantung tablecloths and white tablecloths printed with green flower etchings, topped with centerpieces of mixed florals.
