An afternoon of bold blooms, botanical beauty, and hats
and fashion inspired by
the artistry of nature.
11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Location
John G. & Phyllis W. Smale Riverfront Park
11:00 a.m.
Champagne Reception
Enter The Women’s Committee Garden and grace the green carpet with your signature style, elegance and fashion flair.
12:00 p.m.
Gourmet Lunch
Indulge in a beautifully crafted seated lunch, expertly curated by Chef Renée Schuler of eat well celebrations and feasts.
12:15 p.m.
Remarks & Phyllis W. Smale Award
1:45 - 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon Dance Party
Under the Roebling Bridge with DJ Apryl Reign.
Honorary Chairs
Katherine Jarnigo, Molly Vollmer, Charlie Heekin, Micaela Heekin, Alexa Oliver, Jack Oliver
Sponsorship Chair
Kay Geiger
Decor Chairs
Emma Durham, Lee Lindner,
Lindsey Lewis Morton
Volunteer + Logistic Chairs
Lisa Dir, Caroline Evelo
Host Chairs
Lauren Abrams, Leah Tiffany Thamann,
Sarah Tiffany
Tickets
What is the Hat’s Off Luncheon?
For 20 years, the Hats Off Luncheon has brought together civic leaders, philanthropists and park champions to celebrate the power of private support in Cincinnati Parks.
Hosted by The Women’s Committee of Cincinnati Parks, this signature event is more than a luncheon — it is a catalyst. Proceeds directly fund transformative park projects that conserve, create and connect the spaces that define our city.
From neighborhood greens to the riverfront skyline, Hats Off has helped turn vision into reality — one park at a time.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Hats Off Luncheon, two decades of impact driven by dedicated women and generous supporters who believe our parks deserve private investment.
Over the past 20 years, the Hats Off Luncheon event has:
Elevated women’s leadership in civic philanthropy.
Funded transformative park improvements.
Helped shape Smale Riverfront Park into a national model.
Created a lasting culture of giving for Cincinnati Parks.
Provided us the riverfront we enjoy today.
Twenty Years of Women Leading for Parks
Past recipients of the Phyllis Smale Award:
2025 – Shannon & Lee Ault Carter
2024 – Jennifer Angeli, PT, DPT, Ph.D
2023 – Cincinnati Parks Riverfront Team
2022 – Groundwork Ohio River Valley
2021 – Mary Jo Bazeley
2020 – Marian and Donald Spencer
2019 – Mill Creek Alliance
2018 – Jay Andress
2017 – Marian J. Lindberg
2016 – Cincinnati Parks
2015– 3CDC
2014 – Brewster Rhoads
2013 – PNC Bank, presented to Kay Geiger
2012 – Cathy Moon
2011 – Anne M. Zaring
2010 – Marjorie Motch
2009 – Elizabeth Asbury Stone
2008 – Marjorie H. Rauh
2007 – Phyllis W. Smale
Past Hats Off Luncheon Chairs:
2025 – LaNae Barnes & Mindy Hastie
2024 – Cathy Crain, Carrie Hayden & Edna Keown
2023 – Michael Betz & Rhiannon Hoeweler
2022 – Deana Brewer & Brian Tiffany
2021 – Ellen Sole & Sheila Simmons
2020 – Pat Hinkley & Lindsay Wilhelm
2019 – Jennifer Buchholz & Carrie Carothers
2018 – Marty Humes & Jamie Humes
2017 – Cathy Caldemeyer, Lisa Diedrichs, Madeline Young
2016 – Kim Kline & Cheryl Rose
2015 – Keke Sansalone & Cynthia Henderson
2014 – Keke Sansalone & Cynthia Henderson
2013 – Amelia Crutcher & Marty Humes
2012 – Trudi Fullen & Helen Heekin
2011 – Trudi Fullen & Helen Heekin
2010 – Cathy Caldemeyer & Dianne Rosenberg
2009 – Cathy Caldemeyer & Dianne Rosenberg
2008 – Helen Heekin & Debbie Oliver
2007 – Helen Heekin & Debbie Oliver