(ROCKWALL, TX – Feb. 17, 2019) Large hats adorned with floral motifs and antlers, a giant pink flower and even a diorama with Barbies posing in different scenes such as Happy Hour could be seen throughout the large banquet hall at the Hilton in Rockwall on Friday, February 8.
The Rockwall Women’s League’s Annual Big Hats and Girlfriends drew an even larger crowd this year, as women from all over the county enjoyed lunch, a silent auction, candy bar spread sponsored by Platinum Construction, and even a Louis Vuitton raffle sponsored by Rockwall Roofing where three lucky ladies went home with handbags by the designer.
The event, one of two fundraisers The League carries out each year, raised funds to go towards their annual gala, with proceeds benefiting local scholarships as well as grants for area non-profits. Guests purchase or create fun large hats to wear to the affair and many seen each year symbolize the annual gala theme.
This year’s theme, A Rustic Rendezvous, was clearly evident in the décor of pink and floral centerpieces donated by Elaine Sullivan, Coldwell Banker. A signature drink, the “Mad Hatter”, was created by member Rhonda Holloway, and was a strawberry twist on the Moscow Mule, even including a “big hat” straw to sip from.
Every year, there are awards for some of the most creative and unique hats and this year there were several category winners. The awards were as follows: Most Vintage – Beverly Curry; Best Flower – Jaime Melcher; Most Outrageous – Nancy Parkes; Most Glamorous – Sandra Ownby; Judges Pick – Carole Ford; Best Fascinator – Victoria Valentine; Most Unique – Jessica Metts; Most Colorful – Misty Simone; Most Risqué – Karen Brecheen; and Most Voluminous – Leslie York.
This year a new trophy was added, the “Hattie” award, and Nancy Parkes, with her Rockwall Women’s League diorama hat, won this coveted prize.
The Rockwall Women’s League gala, A Rustic Rendezvous, promises to be an entertaining follow up to the Big Hats and Girlfriends event, and will be held at the Omni Dallas on April 6. The Emerald City Band will be providing entertainment and guests are encouraged to grab their tables and tickets quickly before the event sells out. For ticket information, visit rockwallwomensleague.org or contact Gala Chair Jennifer Hill at jennifer@lime-Media.com.
Story and photos by Mary Bierds, Blue Ribbon News.
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