Mad Hatter’s Luncheon Theme Reveal

 

It was a wonderful sight of fantastic lights and holiday decorations that greeted guests at the front entrance of hosts Jennifer and Steve Houghton’s home as they welcomed everyone for the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon Announcement party. Themed “Candy Cane Lane,” each room in the Houghton’s home was resplendent in designs reflecting the boardgame Candy Land and its different stops along the way.

Sara Friedman, Mad Hatter’s Luncheon chair, welcomed guests as they entered and were offered cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres as they wandered through the colorful and fascinating rooms, enjoying the delicious bites.

Cindy Feld, Honorary Chair; Therese Rourk, President; Steve Houghton and Jennifer Houghton, Hosts: Sara Friedman, Chair, Mad Hatter’s Luncheon

Joining Sara were Therese Rourk, Women’s Council president and Cindy Feld, honorary chair as they gathered the crowd together for the big reveal. Therese welcomed everyone, thanking the hosts for their generous and gracious hospitality, and gave a brief overview of the Women’s Council.

Sara also welcomed the crowd saying how exciting it is to be Mad Hatter’s chair in this 37th year and unfurling the curtain from the poster, she announced the theme, Celebrating Spring in the South, to a resounding round of applause.

Hat Categories are reflected in the event’s logo

Revealing more surprise announcements, Sara thanked Natalie Taylor for signing on as the first $25,000 sponsor and Donna Arp Weitzman for the first jewelry donation from the Cottonwood Market.

Slated for Thursday, April 17, 2025 at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, the 37th Annual Mad Hatter’s Luncheon will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a Welcome Reception, a stroll in the gardens and a Silent Auction while our discerning hat judges take note of the interpretations of this year’s theme.

The beloved fashion show, presented by NorthPark Center and produced by Jan Strimple, will begin around noon.  Hat Contest winners will be announced.  This year, a Teacup Trophy will be awarded to the floral studio who donates the guests’ favorite floral arrangement to the Silent Auction.

Christine Lee, Reagan Pace, Sara Friedman, Mad Hatter’s Lulncheon chair; Katherine Sbaiti

Celebrating its 37th year, this fabulous party 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, and the only public garden in the nation conceived, constructed and maintained by the funding efforts of women.

Everyone is encouraged to get their table sponsorships, underwriting and individual tickets signed up ASAP, as the event usually sells out by early spring. Patron tickets are $500 each. Sponsorships begin at $2,500.

For more information, tickets, sponsorships and underwriting benefits, visit the website at www.wcdabg.org or contact Sara Friedman 2025MHrsvp@gmail.com

2021 Mad Hatter's Tea -- Hat Categories Announced

 

Jolie Humphrey, chair of Mad Hatter’s Tea Out of Africa Into the Garden announces the Hat Categories for judging at the event happening on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. 

This is Mad Hatter’s Tea 33^rd year benefiting the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and A Woman’s Garden. Carole Ann Brown, chair of the first Mad Hatter’s Tea in 1989 is honorary chair. Kay Weeks is president of the Women’s Council.

The fanciful fun begins at 1:00 p.m. with a champagne reception at Dallas Arboretum’s Scott K. Ginsburg Family Plaza. This is the best time to view the wild and wonderful over-the-top hats and outfits along with the very chic, sleek and sophisticated fashions. 

Celebrity judges will select winners in these categories: 

Out of Africa: Most “True to Theme” 

Safari Riders: Best Group in Hats

African Floral Garden: Best Botanical Using Fresh Florals

Karen Blixen Style: Most Elegant & Romantic

Sundowner Chic: “Cocktail Hour in Africa,” Most Fascinating Fascinator

African Queen: Most “True to Africa”

Animal Instinct: Most Outlandish! Go Wild!  

Guests have an opportunity to purchase Safari Surprise Boxes and a very special opportunity to purchase the event’s themed silk scarf designed by Barbara Elam.

          Single tickets start at $350 with limited availability. Patron ticket for one is $500 and has special benefits. Underwriting and sponsorships available beginning at $2,000 table for 4 guests; $5,000 table up to 8 guests; $10,000 table up to 10 guests and $15,000 table up to 10 guests. 

Visit the website at www.womenscouncildallasarboretum.org for underwriting, sponsorships, ticket purchase and details.

After the reception, the program begins and Hat Prizes will be awarded at A Tasteful Place Gardens, which includes a seated tea in the gardens and features a fashion promenade throughout the garden’s walkways presented by TOOTSIES. The event concludes at 4:00 p.m. which allows perfect timing to get together with friends amongst the glorious springtime azalea displays and flowers that grace the Dallas Arboretum.

Mad Hatter’s Tea Out of Africa Into the Garden Celebrates its 33rd Year

Mark your calendars now to join Kay Weeks, president of the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, along with Jolie Humphrey, Mad Hatter’s Tea chair and Carole Ann Brown, honorary chair, on Thursday, April 15, 2021 for Mad Hatter’s Tea Out of Africa Into the Garden celebrating its 33^rd year benefiting A Woman’s Garden.

“This year is unlike any other year,” Jolie said, “and we’ve created a wonderfully unique experience for our guests which follows all of the CDC guidelines and has some new surprises.”

The fanciful fun begins at 1:00 p.m. with a champagne reception at Dallas Arboretum’s Scott K. Ginsburg Family Plaza. This is the best time to view the wild and wonderful over-the-top hats and outfits along with the very chic, sleek and sophisticated fashions. Hats are judged in different categories by celebrity judges and guests have an opportunity to purchase Safari Surprise Boxes and a very special opportunity to purchase the event’s themed silk scarf designed by Barbara Elam.

Jolie Humphrey, Chair, Mad Hatter's Tea; Kay Weeks, President, Women's Council; Carole Ann Brown, Honorary Chair. Standing: Bart Humphrey.

After the reception, the program begins and Hat Prizes will be awarded at A Tasteful Place Gardens, which includes a seated tea in the gardens and features a fashion promenade throughout the garden’s walkways presented by TOOTSIES. The event concludes at 4:00 p.m. which allows perfect timing to get together with friends amongst the glorious springtime azalea displays and flowers that grace the Dallas Arboretum

.

Single tickets start at $350 with limited availability. Patron ticket for one is $500 and has special benefits. Underwriting and sponsorships available beginning at $2,000 table for 4 guests; $5,000 table up to 8 guests; $10,000 table up to 10 guests and $15,000 table up to 10 guests. 

Visit the website at www.womenscouncildallasarboretum.org for underwriting, sponsorships, ticket purchase and details.

Mad Hatter’s Tea: A Garden By The Sea

Mad Hatter’s Tea A Garden By The Sea
Celebrating its 30th Year benefiting the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and A Woman’s Garden

Thursday, April 12, 2018

11:30 Program and Fashion Show in Rosine Hall. Judges present awards. Live auction.

12:30 p.m. Seated luncheon in the elegantly tented Outdoor Plaza.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Honorary Chair: Dr. Linda Burk (Mrs. John Gilmore)

Venise Stuart, Chair
Sandy Secor, Co-Chair


Melissa A. Lewis, President, Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum


Celebrating its 30th year, this fabulous and fun party has been an ongoing fundraising event sponsored by the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Monies raised grow and maintain A Woman’s Garden, a major garden at the Dallas Arboretum.


Over 450 guests, some from as far away as California, plan their trips to Dallas not only to take part in the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party – many in wild and wonderful over-the-top hats - but to view the glorious springtime azalea displays and flowers that grace the Dallas Arboretum.

Event includes champagne reception in Ginsburg Plaza, professionally staged and choreographed fashion presentation produced by the inimitable Jan Strimple, followed by a seated luncheon under elegantly draped tents. Hats are judged in different categories.


Winners are announced at the fashion show and strut the runway.

Fashion Show Sponsor: TOOTSIES
Fashion show produced by Jan Strimple

Hat Categories:

1. All That Jazz - Best Group (4 or more).  Men may participate in this one very special category with or without women in the group.

 2. To the Nines: People's Choice: The Best of the Best as voted by the attendees.

3. Elegance of Earlier Days: Most Sophisticated: Grace, Elegance and Whimsy.

4. Gilded Age: True to Theme: Everything from the era of the Astors, Vanderbilts, Gettys.

5. Grace and Folly: Most Creative: Shells and Pearls, Stepping Out.

6. Peacocks on Parade: Best Botanical: Hats adorned with beautiful flowers.

 
Emcee: Jocelyn White
Individual tickets:  Individual Patron tickets begin at $350. www.womenscouncildallasarboretum.org 

Underwriting opportunities and naming sponsorships are available. Contact Sharon Ballew, First Vice-President – Fundraising, at mslj01@sbcglobal.net or 214-282-1595.

Mad Hatter's Tea at Tootsies

The Mad Hatter's Tea

The tenth of April was full of fun for our friend Pat Holder of Pat Holder and Associates.  She graciously wrote up her version of the day's events for your enjoyment:

The 26^th Annual Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Serenade to Style, was held on Thursday, April 10, 2014, at The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.

Heidi Dillon, one of the Hat Judges, and Honorary Chair Gina Ginsberg

The weather was perfect and you could almost hear the birds singing as the guests started arriving in their gorgeous hats for the 10:30 Champagne Reception and Hat Judging in the Ginsburg Plaza. This year there were eight awards given for the various hat categories, including the new Gentlemen Only category.  The winner of each category received a prize generously donated by Bachendorf’s.

There was such an array of lovely hats that it was almost impossible to select the favorites. However, some did immediately take your eye and were so original that you wondered how they ever came up with the idea. The hat judges were Heidi Dillon (Founder of the Fashionista’s), Michael Faircloth (Michael Faircloth Designs), Patti Flowers (Patti Flowers Design Studio), Sam Ratcliffe (Head of Bywaters Special Collections in SMU’s Jake & Nancy Hamon Arts Library), Gary Riggs (Interior Designer & Artist), Clarice Tinsley (News Anchor, Fox 4), Maxine Trowbridge (Editor, PaperCity), and Janine Turner (Actress, Author, Talk Radio Host). 

Jill Rowlett, Yvonne Crum

After the Champagne Reception, the crowd moved to Rosine Hall where the renowned fashion icon and model, Jan Strimple of Planet Productions, orchestrated and presented the spectacular Serenade to Style Fashion Show with fabulous runway models wearing fashion designs from Highland Park Village, including Diane von Furstenberg, Escada, Lela Rose and The Hair Bar.

Jocelyn White, Emcee, and Linda Spina

The delightful and lighthearted, Jocelyn White, was the Tea Emcee. She introduced Gina Ginsburg, noted Dallas philanthropist and accomplished businesswoman, as the Honorary Chair of the Mad Hatter’s Tea.  Also, presented were Lisa Loy Laughlin, Mad Hatter’s Tea Chair and Bettina Hennessy, President of the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum.  Other officers of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Committee were presented along with the Hat Judges.  The Sponsors and Patrons were given special recognition.

LeeAnne Locken

The audience got louder as the anticipation rose regarding the winners of the Hat Contest. As the names were called, the winners started walking toward the stage. The following awards were given:

Over the Rainbow (Most Colorfully Flamboyant) - Faye Briggs

My Favorite Things (Chic Couture) - Jewel Williams  

The Yellow Rose of Texas (Most Elegant) - Carmen Godwin

Edelweiss (A Vintage Look) - Libby Zerner

Tip Toe Through the Tulips (Most Whimsical) - Joanie White

Do Re Mi (Most Creative Use of Natural Materials) - LeeAnne Locken

Best of Show - Jill Rowlett 

Shane Walker

The award for the Gentlemen Only category went to Shane Walker, Shane Walker Design. His personal hat was outstanding and many of the women were wearing his hat creations. Watching along side was Billy Fulmer, who also helped Shane create some of the hat designs.  Note: Steve Kemble was original in his milk carton hat (he tried to hide his identity, but everyone figured out who he was).

After the Hat Awards, the group went back to the Ginsberg Plaza for a seated luncheon among the glorious blooms of spring.

contributed by Pat Holder of Pat Holder and Assoc.

Lori Alexander, Patrizia Pelfrey

Joani White

Faye Briggs

Carmaleta Whiteley

Lisa Loy Laughlin, Chair; Bettina Hennessey, President, Women's Council Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Photos by Dana Driensky and Daniel Driensky

Mad Hatter's Tea Hat Judge Announcement at Lela Rose

-AND-

Mad Hatter's 2014 Committee and the Board of the Women's Council of the Dallas Arboretum

invite you to shop the Resort & Spring Collections 

in honor of

Monday, January 27th, 2014

5PM - 7:30PM

Lela Rose

69 Highland Park Village

Dallas, TX 75205

RSVP to lelarosedallas@lelarose.com or 214.599.6283

2012 Mad Hatter's Tea Party

Join the Women's Council of The Dallas Arboretum and Botantical Garden

on Thursday, April 12, 2012

for The Mad Hatter's Tea Party

at 11:00 am

"The Art of Nature"

Champagne Reception, Hat Judging, Live Auction, Fashion Presentation, and Lunch

Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden

Fashions by Betty Reiter, Cicada, Forty Five Ten, V.O.D.

Fashion Presentation Produced by Jan Strimple Productions

Honorary Chair: Nancy Rogers

Event Chairs: Carmaleta Whiteley and Barbara Daseke

More info and Purchase Tickets on the

Mad Hatter's Tea Page

 Carmaleta Whiteley and Barbara Daseke at the 2011 Mad Hatter's Party

The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party “The Art of Nature”

We are excited to announce the 2012 Mad Hatter's Tea Party "The Art of Nature" 

Presented by Nancy C. and Richard C. Rogers

This annual event benefits the Women's Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens A Woman's Garden

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens 

Co-Chairs: Carmaleta Whiteley and Barbara Daseke

Honorary Chair: Nancy C. Rogers

Carmaleta Whitely and Barbara Daseke in their hats from the 2011 Mad Hatter's Event. We can't wait to see what they come up with this year! 

The event includes a champagne reception in Ginsburg Plaza, professionally staged and choreographed fashion presentation produced by Jan Strimple, followed by a seated luncheon.

Judges include: 

Lita Asscher, President of Royal Asscher Diamonds

Brenda Bogart, Artist

Kenneth Craighead of Craighead Green Gallery

Patricia Meadows, President of Art Connections

Gail Sachson, Founder of ASK ME ABOUT ART

Jeremy Strick, Director of the Nasher Sculpture Center

To purchase tickets, visit www.womenscouncildallasarboretum.org.

The 22nd Annual Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Benefiting the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

The most fun, elaborate and creative hats will adorn ladies’ heads at the 22nd Annual Mad Hatter’s Tea Party on Thursday, April 22 at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Divas and Dahlias event chaired by Sharon Ballew will begin with a champagne reception, silent auction, entertainment and hat judging. One of last year’s winners, D’Andra Simmons is the Honorary Chairman.

The judges faced with the difficulty of selecting the winners in five categories are: Shirin Askari – Designer, Project Runway, Sarah Eveans – Associate Editor D Magazine and
Steve Kemble – America’s Sassiest Lifestyle Guru.

The hat categories are:
Kudos from Carolina - Most Creative
Raves from Ralph - Best Vintage/Elegant
She Fell Off Her Choos - Most Whimsical/Outlandish
St. John’s Dazzling Dahlias - Best use of Dahlias/Botanical
Divine Diva - Best of Show

Guests will also be treated to a fashion presentation produced by Jan Strimple. Gorgeous fashions from Carolina Herrera, Jimmy Choo, Ralph Lauren and St. John of Highland Park Village will be featured.

In addition, the winners of the Chance tickets will be drawn. If you would like tickets, you will want to purchase it before the Luncheon as they will not be sold at the event. The fabulous chance ticket items are:
- $2,000 Highland Park Village gift certificate that can be used at all stores. Donated by Highland Park Village
- Jimmy Choo fine leather designer handbag in Napa Yellow, fringed with studded stars. Donated by Jimmy Choo. Value: $1,295
- Exclusive Chef’s table for eight at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie. Donated by Lone Star Park. Value $665
$1000 Carolina Herrera (HPV) gift certificate. Donated by Carolina Herrera
- Designer, one of a kind Aquamarine cut glass & fresh water pearl necklace by Love It. Donated by Love It. Value $585

This chic ladies’ event is the signature fundraiser of the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens presided by Kathy Cothrum. For the past twenty years, the major goal of the Women's Council has been the design, construction, funding and endowment of a garden at The Dallas Arboretum. A Woman's Garden is now a reality. Phase I opened in September 1997 and Phase II in March 2006.

Individual tickets are $150, $250, $500 and $1,000. Sponsorships are $20,000 to $2,500. For questions or to attend the event, please contact Sharon Ballew at 214-282-1595.