Mad Hatter’s Tea: A Fundraising Tradition for A Woman’s Garden
From the very beginning, Mad Hatter’s Tea has paired whimsical fashion with purposeful philanthropy—raising essential funds to help maintain and care for A Woman’s Garden at the Dallas Arboretum.
Beginnings (1989)
The inaugural Mad Hatter’s Tea was chaired by Carole Ann Brown in 1989 as a marketing event to build awareness for the Women’s Council and the Arboretum. Hosted in the Camp House gardens at the request of then–Women’s Council President Scottie Buehler, the response was immediate and enthusiastic:
Growing the Legend
As the Arboretum expanded, the tea adapted—changing locations year to year. In 2002, the Galleria Dallas covered its ice rink to create a glamorous 1930s garden setting, chaired by Yvonne Crum and Dee Wyly, welcoming 640 guests.
Fashion & Design Excellence
Mad Hatter’s Tea has hosted an impressive roster of guest hat designers, including Kokin, Victor Costa, Joe Bill Miller, and Eric Javits. What began as informal modeling has evolved into a full-scale fashion show, produced by the incomparable Jan Strimple, with support over the years from partners such as:
In 2004, Connie Carreker created the must-see video “Hats Off to Heritage,” featuring founders and supporters of the Arboretum—including Nell Denman, Margaret McDermott, Ebby Halliday, Mimi Lay Hodges, Doris Anton, Liz Minyard , and more.
From the very beginning, Mad Hatter’s Tea has paired whimsical fashion with purposeful philanthropy—raising essential funds to help maintain and care for A Woman’s Garden at the Dallas Arboretum.
Beginnings (1989)
The inaugural Mad Hatter’s Tea was chaired by Carole Ann Brown in 1989 as a marketing event to build awareness for the Women’s Council and the Arboretum. Hosted in the Camp House gardens at the request of then–Women’s Council President Scottie Buehler, the response was immediate and enthusiastic:
- 100 seats sold and $10,000 raised
- Unforgettable hats: Liz Minyard wore a grocery bag brimming with produce; Dee Simmons appeared as Eliza Doolittle from My Fair Lady
- Sponsor partnership: Frank Olive, renowned hat designer, joined via Neiman Marcus
- Program highlights: a live auction and informal spring fashion modeling from event sponsors
Growing the Legend
As the Arboretum expanded, the tea adapted—changing locations year to year. In 2002, the Galleria Dallas covered its ice rink to create a glamorous 1930s garden setting, chaired by Yvonne Crum and Dee Wyly, welcoming 640 guests.
Fashion & Design Excellence
Mad Hatter’s Tea has hosted an impressive roster of guest hat designers, including Kokin, Victor Costa, Joe Bill Miller, and Eric Javits. What began as informal modeling has evolved into a full-scale fashion show, produced by the incomparable Jan Strimple, with support over the years from partners such as:
- Neiman Marcus
- Lilly Dodson
- Saks Fifth Avenue
- Del Ann’s
- Barney’s New York
- Longtime sponsor TOOTSIES
- Honoring Heritage
In 2004, Connie Carreker created the must-see video “Hats Off to Heritage,” featuring founders and supporters of the Arboretum—including Nell Denman, Margaret McDermott, Ebby Halliday, Mimi Lay Hodges, Doris Anton, Liz Minyard , and more.