MARDI BRAS 2024

Our tradition of celebrating Fat Tuesday of Mardi Gras at The Glass Onion goes back almost too far to count.  In addition to enjoying their authentic Cajun cuisine, we dress (and behave) appropriately, while 'Laissez les bons temps rouler'. (Letting the Good times roll).

www.ilovetheglass onion.com

While this Luncheon may be small in number of attendees, it is huge in spirit. This one had and will continue to have a special feature:  It honors our dear Hatsister, Carolyn Coker, who recently died from Gastric Cancer. She was preceded in death by all family members.  Fortunately she had a "Good Neighbor" to watch over her. A special Award was created in Carolyn's name, sponsored by State Farm of Mt. Pleasant. It was presented at this Luncheon (which was one of Carolyn's favorites).  Future recipients will be chosen from Organizations to which she belonged.

PRESENTATION OF THE AWARD

Susie motions for Archie to join her	Susie Vahala, Recipient
Susie's guests look over her Award	Archie, with Susie holding her Award
Susie's Husband	Susie's friend (now ours)

The Plaque reads:

THE CAROLYN JOUBERT COKER GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARD

Carolyn Joubert Coker was the poster child for the concept "When bad things happen to good people." She was a loving and lovely Daughter, Sister, Wife, and Mother.  Tragically she out lived all family members.  Carolyn was also a dedicated member of her Church and Garden Club, as well as an active member of The Daughters of The American Revolution and The Hat Ladies of Charleston. When she became ill with a terminal condition, like a good neighbor, SUSIE VAHALA was there.  This Award in Carolyn's name honors a "Good Neighbor" who sees a need, steps forward, and makes a difference in the life another in extraordinary ways, when there are no others. Sponsored by The Hat Ladies of Charleston and State Farm in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.

FOLLOWING THE LUNCHEON AND PRESENTATION, Susie wrote:

Hello Archie.  I just want to thank you for the wonderful Award.  I know you put a ton of time and extra effort to accomplish getting the Good Neighbor Award off the ground.  I feel so honored. and grateful.  I enjoyed lunch and appreciate your generosity in picking up the tab. What a wonderful group of Ladies.  I can see why Carolyn so loved The Hat Ladies.  Thank you so very much.

We also have a tradition whereby we carry the Mardi Gras theme into a collection called "Mardi Bras" to support the nonprofit Undergarment Society of Charleston.  It was created to provide teenagers and women in need escaping domestic violence, homelessness, and other obstacles, with basic but often overlooked necessities such as new bras and underwear. Here is our contributions this year.  It is not too late, however, for others to contribute.  See below.

Thank you:  Hi Archie and Hat Ladies. We adore you and thank you for your generosity and wonderful efforts to help us!  I'll come by this weekend for pick up. Again, thank you for everything you do! Kelly

Everyone is encouraged to go to:undergarmentsocietyinfo@gmail.com to learn how to donate $$$ and/or items.

Tell 'em The Hat Ladies sent you

Hats Around Town