Despite the threat of rain on Thursday, some 600 local philanthropists headed to the Tiffany & Company Foundation Celebration Garden for the Parkways Foundation's garden party. Informally dubbed the "hat luncheon," the fund-raiser for local parks is perhaps best known for the festive millinery creations that top guests' heads.
Hats formed the luncheon's centerpieces, designed for the first time by local youth from the Teen Leadership Club at Palmer Park. "The centerpieces were a great way to showcase the partnership between the Parkways Foundation and the Chicago Park District," said Parkways executive director Brenda Palm. Interior designer Laura Barnett Sawchyn, a garden party co-chair, helped the young designers with their creations. Resulting works included embellishments such as mirrored circles and beaded fringe.
During the planning process, Palm kept her eye on the weather forecast. "We worked closely with the tenting company to make sure a rain plan was in place," she said. Flaps were installed on the sides of the luncheon tent just in case rain struck (ultimately, it didn't). Other than the weather, "there weren't a whole lot of unknowns," Palm said.