Hold on to your hats because the 16th annual Hats Off Luncheon is set to be an unforgettable afternoon of festivities, fun — and fundraising — all set to make an impact on the grounds that make Cincinnati’s communities great: Cincinnati Parks.
Presented by The Women’s Committee of Cincinnati Parks, the Hats Off Luncheon is the Cincinnati Parks Foundation’s largest fundraising event making the biggest impact: benefitting the sprawling parks system of more than 130 parks and green spaces, which help make this metropolis strong.
And for the first time in two years, the Hats Off Luncheon will return in a long-awaited fashion: as an in-person event. On Oct. 7, this premier fundraiser that supports all Cincinnati Parks will be held at John G. & Phyllis W. Smale Riverfront Park, a scenic 45 acres located along the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati. Everyone is invited to join together while enjoying the lush gardens and spectacular overlooks of the Roebling Bridge.
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The Hats Off Luncheon is, of course, known for its derby-style hats, but guests also can expect a champagne reception in The Women’s Committee Garden followed by a gourmet luncheon under one tent on the Great Lawn.
Get ready to ‘Fall in Love’
This year’s honorary co-chairs are Deana Taylor and Brian Tiffany. Committee chairs include: Lisa Dir, volunteer and logistics chair; Rosemary Schlachter, sponsorship chair; Chrissie Blatt, decor and entertainment chair; and Linda Holthaus, host chair.
Together, the team is preparing for the event. While traditionally held in the spring, this year’s event takes place during what many dub the (second) most wonderful time of the year — pumpkin spice season! Yes, fall is the season for stimulating all our senses: it brings comforting tastes, the sight of colorful leaves — and all the feels, like the crisp air that rises off a brisk autumn morning.
Time to celebrate all that makes fall grand by taking part in the Hats Off Luncheon theme (with a Mary Tyler Moore-style twist), “Fall in Love with Parks.”
The event will celebrate the beautiful colors of fall — brought to us by the nature preserved throughout the Cincinnati Parks, which touch all 52 neighborhoods within the city. These are the spaces where children explore the great outdoors and families come together.
“Fall in Love with Parks,” is a reminder of why the annual Hats Off Luncheon is such an important fundraising event. The annual luncheon has raised more than $4 million for Cincinnati Parks. Founded in 2007 by Helen Heekin and Debbie Oliver, the Hats Off Luncheon supports the main initiatives of the Cincinnati Parks Foundation, including conservation, activation and advocacy.
Proceeds from the event are used wherever they benefit the parks system most — from park programming to capital projects to underwriting general operations.
Tickets are now available for the Hats Off Luncheon, and various sponsorships can be purchased that come with a series of benefits. Become a donor by purchasing tickets to support the foundation’s mission. Donor levels are themed by hats — from beret to cloche, fedora to top hat, and more.