What It MeansThe Accolades from the Community
While all the following comments are significant, in reality they can all be summed up with one statement: On November 16, 2012, The Hat Ladies were chosen by Charleston Magazine and The Coastal Community Foundation for one of The Giving Back Awards, aka The Oscars of The Lowcountry. Return to The Table of Contents and click on "The Community Catalyst Award" for full details.
"...The Hat Ladies are a fixture in Charleston and we appreciate all that you do for the community. We look forward to the annual Promenade." Joseph P. Riley, Jr., Mayor, City of Charleston
"I wanted to thank you for all you do for our community and of course, for Debi's Kids and The Salvation Army Angle Tree. The toys and financial contributions go a long way in helping us meet the needs of the 5,000 children we have signed up this year." (Debi Chard, anchor WCSC Live5 News)
"The Hat Ladies are Charleston's fashionable ambassadors." (Carolyn Murray, anchor, WCBD, Count on 2)
“Hats off to you Lovely Ladies for making the Lowcountry a more beautiful and colorful place.” Ann McGill, anchor, WCSC Live5 News.
"I appreciate your positive impact on individuals and the larger community." John Earl Carroll, Award-winning columnist, author, consultant, coach President, Unlimited Performance, Inc.
"...a volunteer brigade of stylish ladies who are making a difference." (Better Homes & Gardens, Creative Home)
"Top Ten." When it comes to style, there are some looks that are Charleston all the way." #2 on the list is "Three Words: The Hat Ladies." (Charleston Magazine)
"Reading your latest kindness brings tears of appreciation for all that you ladies do. Keep up the great work - pulling resources, tricks, inspiration and lots of love out of that hat of yours!" Jennifer Dyer Buddin, editor of The Little Black Book for Every Busy Woman.
"...elegantly community minded." (Dr. Mary Ann Larkin)
"...the pinnacle of Charleston charm and grace. When you think of our wonderful city wide piazzas, ocean views, shrimp, oyster roasts and fine ladies in big hats all come to mind. What a wonderful addition to this city we call home." (Randall Goldman, Patrick Properties- Managing Partner, Fish, American Theater, William Aiken House)
"Charleston is blessed by your fashionable public service." (Paul Heinauer, President, Glasspro)
"I so very much appreciate all you (and your Hat Ladies) do for Charleston." (Sandra Nikolajevs, Founder of Chamber Music Charleston)
"Thank you for all your support of our Troop and continue to do what you do for the community." (Gerinda Doctor, Troop Leader)
"When you learned that the Girl Scouts of the West Ashley Service Unit wanted to honor mothers by having a 'She and Me Tea,' you didn't hesitate to act, for this we will always be grateful to you. Everyone was full of compliments and were all talking about this wonderful experience that you shared with them. "Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character who can make the world a better place.' And you did just that!" (Carlette M. Geddis, Program Chair, Girl Scouts of Easter SC)
"It never cease to amaze me what fun the participants have when you come with your songs and dance. Hats get them talking, laughing, and reliving happy memories. It is so great what you all do for this community. You are the greatest in our book." (Quality Time Friends of St. Matthews Respite Program)
"The joy and love you spread during your annual Valentines Day visit is a blessing to us all." (Christy, Activities Director, Bishop Gadsden)
"The Hat Ladies were outstanding once again. Many of our homeowners are actually requesting that their house be staffed with Hat Ladies. You all are so friendly and enthusiastic. We are so fortunate to have you all volunteer for so many of our Tours." (Ginger Scully, Volunteer Coordinator for The Preservation Society)
"Thank you so much for harnessing the awesome power of the wonderful Hat Ladies to make the Anson Street Tour so special! You truly bring sparkle to every event, and you and the Hat Ladies 'dressed up' the Anson Street Tour in a most delightful way." (Fanio King, Volunteer Coordinator, Historic Charleston Foundation)
"Well as usual you ladies out did yourselves again this year looking beautiful and greeting everyone around the tables to pick up their merchandise. We raised three times more than we did last year at our auction. I could not have done this without all of you. We are also very proud of you all for supporting us with your own personal bidding. I cannot say enough about how generous and hard working you ladies are. You have all helped a our wonderful cause of growing our auction funds for our childrens' scholarships." (Rose O'Neill, Volunteer Coordinator for Walk for Autism)
"Thank you so much for your ongoing support and thoughtfulness. Without greatt ladies like you we could not accomplish our mission to provide basic school supplies to teachers for their students. You have helped put smiles on many little faces! (Deborah, The Teachers Supply Closet)
"Wow. Y'all are wonderful. Pattison's Academy could not have don it without you. Your dedication, talent, and hard work helped raise money that will all go back to helping these remarkable children." (Sloan Cooper, Founder)
"Thank you so much for being a part of The King Street Shop Walk, which supported The Center for Women. The Hat Ladies were a highlight of the evening. " (Shauna Mackenzie, Mackenzie Image Consulting)
"On behalf of the South Carolina Stingrays, I would like to thank you for your support of the 5th annual Pink in the Rink benefiting Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Lowcountry. Your generosity has helped those that need it most and has aided in our mission to make a difference in the community. Your support truly touched our hearts." (Randi Brown)
"On behalf of the MUSC Child Life Department and our patients, please accept our appreciation for coordinating your visits from the Hat Ladies at the MUSC Children's Hospital. What a wonderful gift your group is providing for the children. Your program is one of the main reasons MUSC Children's Hospital was ranked the 11th Best Children's Hospital in the country, and the Best in the Southeast. One of the main goals of the Child Life Department is to normalize the hospital experience for our patients and their families. With the help of caring groups like yours, we are able to meet this goal." (John Parler, Atrium Coordinator)
"The THANKS belongs to The Hat Ladies. They were fabulous! I don't know what we would have done without them. They performed their duties with class. And they jumped in to fill holes left by other volunteers who did not show. I am struggling to find the right words to describe what you have accomplished in the community through the Hat Ladies. You've taken us back to the kinder, gentler days when people acted graciously, carried themselves with dignity, dressed with pride and supported the community and its citizens." (Terri Duel, South of Broadway Theater)