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On Friday, May 5, 2023, we will celebrate the 22nd annual Les Chapeaux dans le Jardin, lovingly known as Hat Day! Under the leadership of our 2023 Hat Day Chair, Nancy Russo, this annual spring soiree promises an elegant celebration of flowers and fashion, while raising critical funds to support the Conservatory’s educational mission.

The annual Hat Day luncheon is one of Columbus’ premier social traditions of the year, and the Conservatory’s signature spring fundraising event. More than 550 guests gather under a grand marquee in the beautiful gardens, adorned in their chapeaux, to enjoy an afternoon of fun, celebration and philanthropy.

We will also celebrate the innumerable community contributions of Cathy Lyttle as our 2023 Ann Isaly Wolfe Award honoree.

Funds raised by Hat Day benefit the Conservatory’s youth education and outreach programs, which annually serve thousands of children of all ages and backgrounds. These initiatives build lifelong connections to the natural world with opportunities for learning, discovery, and hands-on exploration.

Make A Donation

Cathy M. Lyttle, 2023 Ann Isaly Wolfe Award Winner We are delighted to honor Cathy with this year’s Ann Isaly Wolfe Award for her dedication to Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and the greater Columbus community. This annual honor recognizes enduring service, leadership and support. Please join us in congratulating Cathy on her extraordinary contributions to the Conservatory and our city!

To make a tribute gift in honor of Cathy’s service to our community, click here. Cathy will be notified personally that she has inspired you.
Nancy B. Russo, 2023 Hat Day Chair Hats off to Nancy Russo! Nancy’s passion for the Conservatory’s mission and impact have inspired her in chairing this important fundraising event. Her creative vision and impeccable style will make this one of the most unique and fabulous Hat Days yet!

To make a tribute gift in honor of Nancy’s leadership, click here. We will personally notify Nancy of your thoughtful gesture.
2023 Event Details 11:00am Cocktail Party on the Wolfe Terrace
12:00pm Luncheon under the Grand Marquee & Presentation of the Ann Isaly Wolfe Award
12:45pm Fleurs et Couture Runway Show
1:30pm Event Concludes

Attire: Garden party attire. Don't forget your hat!
Weather: Hat Day takes place rain or shine, please plan dress and footwear accordingly!
Parking: Complimentary valet parking is available.

Sponsors

Hat Day 2017 Gold Sponsors Anonymous
Advanced Drainage Systems
Battelle
Byers & Dunn Family, in memory of Jenny Byers McCloskey
Huntington Bank
In Memory of Jenny Byers McCloskey
Kate Jenks, Whitney Lucks & Jill O’Donnell
JPMorgan Chase
Megan & Pamela Liebert, & Kathy Bedell
Katie Wolfe Lloyd
Cathy & Jeff Lyttle (2)
PNC
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
White Castle System, Inc. (2)
Ann Isaly Wolfe
Wolfe Associates Fund
Hat Day 2015 Silver Sponsors Bank of America
John & Nancy Cardenas
Colleen Carey
Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
Mary W. Crall
Creative Muse
DGD Group
Experience Columbus
Fifth Third Bank
Karen Levin & Goldman Sachs
Grange Insurance
Charleen Hinson & The Hinson Family
Jenny’s Ladies
King Business Interiors
Kristie Nicolosi Lagos
Lindsay Buick GMC
Medical Mutual of Ohio
Mount Carmel Foundation
Nationwide
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Danielle & George Skestos
Women’s Board Friends of Nancy Russo (3)
Hat Day 2017 Benefactors Cramer & Associates
Michael J. & Karen G. Fiorile
Nancy & Carl Hamman
Jessica & Mac Joseph
PENZONE Salons + Spas & LIT Life + Yoga
The Scout Guide Columbus
Wardrobe Therapy
Fleurs et Couture Floral Designers Creative Muse
Expressions floral design studio
Green, A Floral Design Studio
Hilliard Floral Design
HOKU Florist Studio & Event Design
lef floral & botanical
Oberer's Flowers
Prema Designs
Sixthbloomsbygio
Studio Artiflora
Sweet Blossom Floral
Vessel Floral & Event Design

2023 Hat Day