Zimmermann at NorthPark Hosted the 36th Annual Mad Hatter’s Luncheon Judges Reveal Party
(Featured photo: Barbara Bigham, Honorary Chair; Linda Spina, Judges Co-Chair; Allison Brodnax, Mad Hatter’s Luncheon Chair; Karen Sargent, Women’s Council president; Claire Catrino, Judges Co-Chair.)
It was a glorious sight-to-be-seen gallery of floral displays at NorthPark Center as it celebrated the Fleurs de Villes Artiste exhibit just as Zimmermann’s was hosting the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon Judges Reveal celebration, chaired by Briana Pearson.
Allison Brodnax, chair of the 36th Annual Mad Hatter’s Luncheon themed Gardens of Greece, was joined by honorary chair Barbara Bigham and Karen Sargent, Women’s Council president, along with Judges chairs Claire Catrino and Linda Spina, as everyone gathered to hear the big news.
The judges and categories are:
* Esé Azenabor-Grembowski, Owner and Creative Director/Head Designer for namesake brand Esé Azenabor, judging the category My Big Fat Greek Wedding
* Sabina Carr, CEO of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, judging the category Olympic Games
* Patti Flowers, Owner and Chief Designer of the Patti Flowers Design Studio, judging the category Greek Goddesses (Best group category of 3 or more, don’t have to be dressed up as Goddesses)
* Kristen Gibbins, General Manager of NorthPark, judging the category Greek Mythology
* Nathan Johnson, Creative Director and Owner of GRO Designs, judging the category Best Botanical Using Fresh Flowers
* Kameron Westcott, Television personality, Influencer and Entrepreneur, judging the category Greek Life.
The Mad Hatter’s Luncheon has been an ongoing fundraising event sponsored by the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Monies raised assist with the development, growth and maintenance of A Woman’s Garden, a major garden at the Dallas Arboretum.
Guests travel from all over the United States, planning their trips to Dallas not only to take part in the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon, taking the theme as inspiration for their sophisticated, glamorous, and delightfully lavish hats, but to view the glorious springtime azalea displays and flowers that grace the Dallas Arboretum.
The morning will begin with a Welcome Reception, a stroll in the gardens and a Silent Auction while the discerning hat judges take note of the Grecian-influenced interpretations of this year’s theme Gardens of Greece. Inside Rosine Hall, Hat Contest winners will be announced, which will be followed by the fashion show and then a delicious three-course luncheon.
While the event is sold out, everyone is encouraged to visit the Women’s Council’s website to learn more about the important work this nonprofit accomplishes to benefit A Woman’s Garden and more. Details are below. The address is www.wcdabg.org
About the Women’s Council: Celebrating its 42nd Anniversary in 2024.
Since 1982 the major goal of the Women’s Council has been the design, construction, funding and endowment of A Woman’s Garden, the only public garden in the United States conceived by women, funded by the efforts of women and dedicated to the spirit of women. The support of over 600 members of the Women’s Council make possible the continued expansion and development of A Woman’s Garden. The Women’s Council is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. www.wcdabg.org
About A Woman’s Garden: Celebrating its 27th Anniversary in 2024.
A Woman’s Garden is the only public garden in the nation conceived, constructed and maintained by the funding efforts of women. Ablaze with color in every season, A Woman’s Garden is a living testament to the passion and vision of the Women’s Council founders and the boundless energy and devotion of its members whose commitment to creating a garden dedicated to the universal spirit of women across generations is realized in its inspired design. Our beautiful garden celebrates the power, creativity, resourcefulness, passion and unwavering commitment of the women who came before us and those entrusted with its care now, and into the future.
About Mad Hatter’s: Celebrating its 36th Anniversary in 2024.
In 1989, Carole Ann Brown chaired the first Mad Hatter’s Tea to bring awareness to the Women’s Council and the Dallas Arboretum. The tea was held in the Camp House garden for 100 ladies and raised $10,000. Over the years, Mad Hatter’s has been chaired by many notable Dallas ladies such as Linda Ivy, Barbara Bigham, Connie Carreker, Barbara Daseke and Patti Flowers. Honorary Chairs have included some of the most philanthropic names in Dallas history such as Annette Simmons, Gene Jones, Caroline Rose Hunt, Tincy Miller, Sally Hoglund, Dee Wyly, Margaret Crow, Nancy Rogers, Amy Warren, Patty Dedman Nail, Sherwood Wagner, Laurie Sands Harrison and Kim Hext.
Finally, it would not be a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party without the hats. The creativity at Mad Hatter’s over the years has been impressive. Ladies have been inspired to create millinery creations based on Royal Ascot, Run for the Roses, April in Paris, Steel Magnolias, Under the Tuscan Sun and even Garden by the Sea. We have seen the Golden Age of Hollywood, have come Out of Africa into the Garden, enjoyed a Wonderland of Fashion while having Tea with Alice and Majestic Mad Hatter’s –A Celebration of English Elegance.
Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio
(Sharon Adams, Adams Communications Public Relations, is honored to represent the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and its special events, including this Mad Hatter’s Luncheon and post this Philanthropy Lifestyles Scene.)
