The stormy forecast may leave you wondering if spring will ever arrive. But as Mother Nature prepares her wrath, our region’s most comprehensive children’s charity is starting the countdown to Derby season. Kosair for Kids volunteers spent this 100th day before the first Saturday in May preparing hats for their Hats On for Healing auction. The fourth annual event will fill the Olmsted with hundreds of designer hats and shoppers not only looking for a great buy, but also to help our community’s most vulnerable children.
”Two things make Hats On for Healing so special,” explained Susan Keller, Kosair for Kids Volunteer. “Nowhere else can one find this variety of hat styles and designers in one place ahead of Derby, and you’re helping protect children from abuse and neglect by taking part in this awesome auction.”
Whether through the Face It Movement, which they formed in 2013, or by funding forensic pediatricians, physicians, healthcare providers, and non-profits specializing in prevention and intervention, Kosair for Kids has played a role in reducing instances of abuse and neglect. Proceeds from this year’s Hats On for Healing auction benefit the Kosair Kids Child Abuse Prevention Fund.
“Our coalition of nonprofits, physicians, and healthcare providers specialize in child abuse prevention and intervention. We advocate for policy change in the child welfare system and expand awareness and education for childcare providers,” explained Kosair for Kids Senior Director of Events and Branding, Marki Hartlage. “You may not be thinking about that when you’re shopping in-person with your friends, or online, but you can find that perfect look for Derby and know that by doing so you’ve made a difference in a child’s life.”
There’s something extra special this year. Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles donated the hats she wore to last year’s Kentucky Derby. Anyone interested can bid on her hats now, at www.kosair.org/hats. That’s also where you can purchase tickets for the event at the Olmsted, 5:30 p.m., March 12.
Contact Kosair for Kids Sr. Vice President of Communications Chris Williams with any questions. You can reach Chris at (502) 814-9910 (office), (502) 693-2492 (mobile), or cwilliams@kosair.org.