Hermann Park Conservancy supporters are a resolute bunch, never letting a little rain, a downpour or frosty temps put a damper on any of the non-profit's popular al fresco events. So the sprinkles that might have marred Tuesday's "Hats in the Park" luncheon came across more as showers that bring the flowers rather than any deterrent to midday fun.
In fact, the popular "Hats in the Park" fete, chaired by Michelle Foutch, Blakely Griggs and Joella Mach, enjoyed a turnout of more than 450 guests and raised close to $350,000 for the conservancy's mission of improving and protecting Hermann Park.
As is tradition, the ladies — and a sprinkling of gents — donned spectacular chapeaux for the always-colorful gathering in a party tent anchored in the McGovern Centennial Gardens. There were champagne toasts all around before the bright contingent sat down for a luscious lunch from City Kitchen.
The ninth annual fundraiser honored Linda Hunsaker for her service of more than 10 years on the Hermann Park Conservancy’s board of directors and on various board committees. Conservancy executive director Doreen Stoller presented the honoree with a Monterrey oak that will be planted in the park in Hunsaker's honor.
The program included remarks by conservancy board chair Danny David and Mayor Sylvester Turner, who shared remembrances of playing in the park as a youth and emphasizing the importance of the park to H-Town's civic landscape.
Applauding the fashion joy provide by the stunning hats were Phoebe Tudor, Cherie Flores, Randa Weiner, Kate Gibson, Isabel David, Estella Cockrell, Karen and Scott Rozzell, Kelli Blanton, Jim Nelson, Susie and Sanford Criner, and Cullen Geiselman.
Linsey Looke, Melissa Tuckerman, Brittany O’Brien, Meredith Monrad.
