HUNTSVILLE – A limited number of tickets are available for Huntsville Botanical Garden’s Spring Hat Luncheon fundraiser, but time is running out to purchase. This annual philanthropic and social event will be held in the Garden’s Isenberg Grand Hall on Thursday, May 4, from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Proceeds from the Spring Hat Luncheon support the Garden’s mission of connecting people to plants in order to create a healthier quality of life for the region. The primary fundraising activity of the day will be a silent auction filled with unique experiences and items for attendees to bid on. The silent auction opens at 11:00 a.m. Bidding will be done through the GiveSmart mobile bidding site.

Tickets and table reservations for the Spring Hat Luncheon can be purchased at https://hsvbg.org/spring-hat-luncheon/. Guests are encouraged to pre-register with GiveSmart for bidding in the silent auction by visiting https://bit.ly/SHLauction. 

An excuse to wear a Derby-worthy hat is only one part of the event’s allure. After a cocktail reception, guests will enjoy a luncheon catered by Grille on Main. During lunch, former White House Chief Floral Designer (2009-2015) and author Laura Dowling will share creative inspiration and lessons learned from what she calls “floral diplomacy.” Guests will have an opportunity to purchase her books and meet her for autographs during a book signing after lunch. 

Additionally, Garden staff will “pass the hat” for guests to donate to support students in the McKinney-Vento Program. The money collected will be dedicated to funding opportunities for local homeless children to attend STEM summer camp at Huntsville Botanical Garden.  

“This event is a great opportunity for Garden friends and enthusiasts to come together for the common purpose of supporting Huntsville Botanical Garden’s efforts to provide nature-based educational programs, fun and exciting events and exhibits, beautiful horticultural displays and important plant conservation efforts that benefit the whole community,” said HBG Chief Executive Officer Sue Wagner.  

Supporters can also donate to the Garden for a chance to win one of three stunning live arrangements created by Dowling for only $20 per opportunity. Those donations can be made any time leading up to the luncheon and you do not have to be present to win.

If your business or organization is interested in sponsoring the Spring Hat Luncheon, contact HBG Director of Corporate Relations Kaki Morrow at kmorrow@hsvbg.org.