The annual Mad Hatter’s Tea gives local philanthropic ladies (and, yes, a few gents) an opportunity to unleash their creativity through fun — and sometimes downright outrageous — hats. Perhaps as exciting as seeing these creations for the first time is learning who will be tasked with judging them.
At a reception hosted by Paula and Alan Mann, Mad Hatter’s chairwoman Sharon Popham welcomed members of the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum to introduce the fearless judges who must determine winners in such categories as best of show, botanical, most elegant, most outlandish, most true to “April in Paris” theme and most whimsical. There is also a people’s choice.
Winners are announced during the fashion show portion of the program, so they can show off their hats while strutting down the runway. We can’t wait to see who will attempt to outdo Jill Rowlett’s and Faye Briggs’ toppers from last year.
Guests raised a glass to this year’s judges, who are always up for a good challenge:
- Regen Horchow Fearon, founder of the Institute for Interesting People
- Lucy Billingsley, Dallas developer
- Matilda Louree, former Dallas Arboretum board member and docent
- Brenda Bogart, artist and former interior designer for Trish Wilson
- Kim Harmon Gatlin, best-selling author of Good Christian Bitches
- Cynthia Smoot, marketer and social blogger
- Megan McDonald, manager of Saint Laurent Boutique in Highland Park Village
- Jane Rozelle, society editor for PaperCity
Celebrating its 27th year, the event is slated for Thursday, April 9, at the Dallas Arboretum. Expect a champagne reception in Ginsburg Plaza; fashion presentation featuring Betty Reiter, Canary, Nardos Imam and V.O.D., produced by Jan Strimple; and a seated luncheon.
All funds raised at Mad Hatter’s Tea help maintain A Woman’s Garden at the Dallas Arboretum. Individual tickets begin at $250. Contact Evelyn Sandy at 214-696-3311 or sterlingrabbit@aol.com, or purchase online.
Roy Popham, Patricia Armstrong
