Many in the African-American community turned out to support Forest Park Forever’s Hiram W. Leffingwell Award Luncheon, better known as the “Hat” Luncheon, on June 5.
“Forest Park is a St. Louis jewel,” said Susan Buford, who co-chaired the 23rd annual luncheon. “This helps to maintain the park, which belongs to all of us throughout St. Louis.”
The luncheon draws about 1,000 guests, mostly women. However, businessman David Mason annually purchases a table for brave men who attend wearing various forms of baseball caps. This year, the event raised $346,000 for park maintenance and education.
One of the luncheon’s founding committee members, Mary Polk, was thrilled that a third generation of supporters are ensuring that the fundraiser continues. She pointed to elder Jean Gore’s appearance, as she arrived in a wheel chair. Jean’s daughter, Jeanne Gore Roberts, is a member, and Jeanne’s daughter, attorney Jeanne Roberts Johnson, rolled into this year’s fundraiser with much enthusiasm and two friends in tow.
This year, many young civic and corporate sets decided to go with whimsical hats – 250th city celebration cakes, flowered bike helmets and food topped with Tums. This year’s winner for “The Best Show” was a youthful Sydney Cross, and KMOV’s Jasmine Huda was emcee.
“The 2014 Leffingwell Award ‘Hat’ Luncheon was a fantastic success,” said Forest Park Forever Executive Director Lesley Hoffarth. “This event reminds us that Forest Park is a community treasure beloved and supported by so many.”
