Special thanks to everyone who attended the

2012 Hiram W. Leffingwell Hat Luncheon!

All photos can now be viewed HERE

Post - Event Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Jasmine Evans: 314- 561-3290; jevans@forestparkforever.org

22nd Annual Leffingwell Awards “Hat” Luncheon Raises almost $400,000

for Park Maintenance and Education

ST. LOUIS, June 14, 2012 – Forest Park Forever welcomed 1,100 guests in fanciful hats, who attended the 22nd Annual Leffingwell Awards “Hat” Luncheon on Thursday, June 7. The annual event raised more than $340,000 in sponsorships for St. Louis’ beloved Forest Park, which will fund ongoing maintenance and educational programs for the Park.

The event’s principal sponsor, Regional Business Council, was joined by Emerson, Stifel Nicolaus, Wells Fargo Advisors, Edward Jones, Monsanto Company, Peabody Energy, Ameren Missouri, The Crawford Taylor Foundation, Enterprise Holdings Foundation, Judy & Dennis Jones and many more to honor the late Todd Epsten and Sue McCollum for their service, support and successful efforts on behalf of Forest Park.

The luncheon was created to pay tribute to the spirit of Hiram W. Leffingwell, whose vision resulted in the creation of Forest Park in 1876, and culminates with the presentation of the Leffingwell Award, bestowed upon corporations, foundations or individuals who have made a significant contribution of time, talent or resource to the restoration of Forest Park. The 2011 Award recognized Mayor Francis G. Slay for his continued efforts toward creating, renovating and sustaining the incredible movement that is Forest Park Forever – a national model for public-private partnership.

This year’s luncheon co-chairs, Debra Hollingsworth and Ida H. Early, helped raise funds for the event and continue to play a vital role in the restoration, preservation and educational programs for the Park. They also reminded us that in order for Forest Park to thrive for future generations, it needs to be nurtured now, by everyone in our region.

The event was “topped off” by the Wells Fargo Advisors Hat Contest. During the event, 16 winners from the more than 1,000 hats were selected by anonymous judges in the categories of “Romantic,” “Whimsical,” “Vintage,” and “Couture.” Southwest Airlines Co. – the Official Airline Sponsor continued their support with “Freedom to Fly” prizes, and awarded free round-trip tickets to each person at the “best theme” tables. Additionally, each of the 110 tables nominated its own “Table Winner.” Tiffany and Co. also sponsored a Mystery Blue Bag Event, 200 blue bags were sold for $50 each, 50 contained a beautiful Tiffany coffee mug, 49 contained a Tiffany & Co. sterling silver charm and one lucky winner won a sterling silver and diamond necklace on an 30” pendant chain. The Tiffany’s Mystery Blue Bag Event raised an additional $10,000 during the luncheon.

With great prizes and bragging rights on the line, guests pulled out all the stops, donning some of the most beautiful and creative toppers in the history of the event. The hat contest, coupled with the opportunity to dine al fresco on a spectacular June day with fellow Forest Park Forever supporters, proved a winning combination.

President and Executive Director of Forest Park Forever, Lesley Hoffarth, was thrilled with the outcome of this year’s event.

“The 2012 Leffingwell Awards “Hat” Luncheon was an event enjoyed by all who attended,” said Hoffarth. “Thanks to the tireless leadership and dedication put forth by Todd Espten and Sue McCollum over the years and many others like them, Forest Park continues to be a beloved attraction in the community.”

Each guest took home a set of stone coasters courtesy of the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center.

Secret judges for the event were:

Ellen Soule – Ellen Soule Public Relations

Susan Block – The Designing Block

Shannon Berry Meyer – Missouri History Museum

Jan Leach – St. Louis Magazine

Alan Brainnerd – Ladue News

Hat Contest Winners

Best Romantic Hats Best Vintage Hats

Marletta Williams Linda Statler

Amy Lorenz Moser Mollie Trustie

Mary Claire Moser Beverly Anderson

Mary Nelson Sara Arunski

Best Couture Hats Best Whimsical Hats

Michelle Lane Mattie Moore

Joan Berkman Kristin Peterson

Karin Upwood Alana Sherman

Diane Isbell Fran Zamler

Best Themed Table

BJC Healthcare

About Forest Park Forever

In 1986, Forest Park Forever, a private, not-for-profit organization, was founded to work 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 the enjoyment of all – now and forever.

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What to do with your Hat from Luncheon?

Donate Your Hats

Rung & Forest Park Forever are partners in the

“Green Ladies’ Hat Coalition.”

Hat donations are tax-deductible and 1/2 of all hat sale proceeds go to Forest Park Forever. Plus, you’ll get 20% off your entire purchase when you donate ladies’ hats with this coupon.*

Save our park, save our planet and

save your money!

*Some restrictions may apply.

9739 manchester rd.

saint louis, mo 63119

314.918.0575

www.shoprung.org

Rung’s mission is to bolster the confidence of professional women in the business world by offering professional attire at affordable prices in a boutique atmosphere that provides a fun and uplifting experience. 100% of all profits go to the Women’s Foundation of Greater St. Louis, a volunteer organization that funds community projects that support women’s educational, socio-economic and health needs.

We Are Grateful to our Generous 2012 Sponsors

A special thanks to our Corporate Sponsors who are committed to the maintenance of Forest Park.

Principal Sponsor

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors


Steinberg Prairie & Boardwalk Sponsor	BoatHouse Docks Sponsor	World’s Fair Pavilion Sponsor

Silver Sponsors


Cascades Landscaping Sponsor	Leffingwell Award Presenting Sponsor

Leffingwell Award Presenting Sponsor

Bronze Sponsors

Patron Sponsors

In Kind Sponsors

Media Sponsors

2011 WOMEN’S COMMITTEE LISTING

Forest Park Forever is fortunate to have a wonderfully diverse group in its Women’s Committee. This group has become an icon among fundraising auxiliaries in the St. Louis region and the Luncheon is one of the well-known, eagerly anticipated events in our community. It is a wonderful celebration of the diversity and energy of the people of St. Louis, attracting women and men from a variety of cultural, racial and ethnic backgrounds. Each year the luncheon raises funds to support the maintenance of Forest Park as well as the education programs which are designed to encourage stewardship for the Park among young people. click-here-for-committee-list

CLICK HERE FOR PREVIOUS LUNCHEON WRAP-UPS

Lunch

Our Mission:
To restore, maintain and sustain Forest Park as one of America’s great urban public parks, for the enjoyment of all
~ now and forever.