An Evening at the Derby...in a hat
Mike Newman

Sometimes you hear fundraising referred to as "passing the hat," but in the case of An Evening at the Derby, fundraising meant wearing a hat. As part of this year's event and in the best tradition of the Kentucky Derby, guests were encouraged to wear a favorite hat and join in the spirit of the evening by paying $5 to enter a competition to select the best hat at the derby. It was winner-take-all as 62 contestants joined in the fashion fray. Debbie Wallace not only wore the best hat, but also designed and made it (see page 83). The competition was stiff, as illustrated here and on the Plano Profile website. This was an evening of fun to support a very serious need in Collin County. When it came to passing the hat, Executive Director Teresa Keenan reports that through sponsorships, ticket sales, the "Hat Off," and the live and silent auction items, more than $100,000 was raised by this third annual City House event.

View a Slideshow





1 / Honorary Chairwoman Jenny McCall is a longtime supporter of City House and past chair of the event. 2 / Robbie and Lynore Robinson with Jenny McCall and Mike Mansfield. 3 / City House Marketing Manager Debb Avery, board vice president David Reese and City House co-founder Nancy Boyd. 4 / Betty Muns sported her fall colors. 5 / Chris McConnell, Executive Director Teresa Keenan and Buzz Kolby. 6 / Board member Jay Moore has high hopes for his hat. 7 / Event co-chairwoman Cindy Almond. 8 / Lynne Leel checks out the Wall of Wine, part of the live auction.