Written by Wicker Van Orsdel
This past Friday night at Prairie Meadows Events & Conference Center, fashion aficionados had a chance to show off their head-turning hats at the Luther Care Services second annual Hats and Horseshoes fundraiser. The event helped raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and similar diseases affecting memory, a very worthy cause as more and more of us have a family member or know someone who needs special accommodations or care due to these conditions.
It was a sold-out event, and the room was gorgeous! And who doesn’t love putting on a hat?! (I’ve always thought that hats, horseshoes and cocktails are the perfect mix.) Wowza—hats and more hats everywhere! Not your usual Easter bonnets either; there was an array of gorgeous, extravagant, feathery head-toppers gracing ladies’ noggins. Even more flamboyant creations were up for auction, which proved to be the perfect way to procure a drool-worthy one for Derby Day. My two favorites were Angel Grubb’s hat, which was all lit up with lights, and Susan Schooler’s feathery pheasant chapeau. (I didn’t see anyone with horseshoes on, though.)
I enjoyed joining Renda and John Snyder’s fun tables; they had quite a group! The food stations were the best, with choices that were all delish–pasta, steak, salad, plus great hors d’ oeuvres. Gary Dolphin, the radio voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes, and football great Ed Podolak were the emcees. (It was great to see my buddy and pal Ed on stage looking so wonderful and fit after his accident. He looked hearty and healthy–his old self again!) My friend and neighbor, Dr. Andy McGuire, who is president and COO of Meridian Health Plan, was inspirational in her comments. Scott Smith played some favorite tunes for the crowd, and then The Synergy Band rocked the room. (It’s always interesting to watch people dance with a big brimmed hat on–mostly it is not done well.)
Jodi Urich, Luther Care’s director of development, and her committee did a great job organizing the event. It was classy, colorful and fun, and did I mention there were hats?! Please click here to check out my photos.
