Red Hatters show their true color
It's all about attitude. Just ask the Duchess of Ding, the Countess of Mass Confusion, the Queen Mum, or the Court Jester.
They'll be among 400 members of the Red Hat Society strutting their red and purple stuff Sunday at the fourth annual Alle-Kiski Valley Mini-Convention at the Clarion Hotel in New Kensington.
Red Hat Society members select their own whimsical titles, with "Queen Mum" being reserved for the chapter's founder.
"The expected turnout is a true testament to the spirit of life after 50," says Queen Mum Sara Szydlik, "We have an extraordinarily fun day planned."
The Brackenridge chapter, the Hell's Belles in Red, are hosts once again for this year's event, which will draw members from local and Pittsburgh-area chapters.
Red Hatters will share lunch, entertainment and each other's friendship.
The Queen of Hats, Geri Pollick, has decorated 60 unique hats that will serve as centerpieces and table prizes. Pollick volunteered her time, two month's worth, to design the hats, which reflect the four seasons and all major holidays. She made hats that run the gamut from plain and simple to elegant and elaborate. "I took great pains to make sure all the hats are different and unusual, but still very stylish and wearable," Pollick says. One fun hat has a Halloween motif and is decorated with a "Rest in Peace" tombstone on the front, and comes complete with black flowers, feather, spider and bat.
Pollick discovered her talent for Red Hat making when she spotted a hat she really loved, but couldn't afford. "I took a picture of the hat and made one for myself," she says. She and Szydlik were looking for something new to add to this year's convention. They thought the hats would be a creative addition and can't wait to see who gets what hats.
Although the Red Hatters are about fun and enjoying life, they also believe in giving back and helping others, Szydlik says.
Proceeds from a 50/50 raffle will again be donated to the Perry Sextuplets of Ross, born in 2003 to Erin and Joseph, and "adopted" by the Red Hatters. The first fundraising event on their behalf was a card party suggested by their Red Hatter great aunt.
Other proceeds from the event, including admission fees and money raised by the auction, will be donated to Pittsburgh Children's Hospital, and Beginning with Books, a children's literacy program.
Local merchants donated items to be auctioned.
"Everyone's coming to have a good time," Szydlik says. "But, I told them not to all come at one time like they did last year."
Additional Information:
How it all started
'The Red Hat Society began as a result of a few women deciding to greet middle age with verve, humor and elan. We believe silliness is the comedy relief of life, and since we are all in it together, we might as well join red-gloved hands and go for the gusto together. Underneath the frivolity, we share a bond of affection, forged by common life experiences and a genuine enthusiasm for wherever life takes us next.' -- Sue Ellen Cooper, Queen Mother and founder of the Red Hat Society
Red Hat Society fourth annual Alle-Kiski Valley Mini-Convention
Sponsored by the Brackenridge Chapter of the Red Hat Society
When: Noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Clarion Hotel, Tarentum Bridge Road, New Kensington
Cost: $25
Details: 724-994-9475
