Imagine my surprise to hear that a hat I had designed for a charity auction brought $5,000.00!  I was so shocked upon hearing the price that I almost drove off the road! It was quite an evening.

The event was the AHC Opening Gala at Churchill Downs, in the 4th Floor Suite.  The beneficiary of the evening was Angelheart Arabians in Lexington, Kentucky.  The organization focuses on aiding children with chronic illness by working with horses.  Tracey, the Executive Director, suggested that I do the hat in black, white and silver.  She suggested doing a classic design.  The hat style is one that I call Holly at Churchill, so I guess it was fitting that the hat did so well at Churchill!

Kim Jarvis with the Arabian Horse Celebration was responsible for promoting the hat and also getting the amazing photo of it that you see below.  Her lovely daughter modeled it.  So as you can see, it was a group effort!  The event staff at Churchill was a pleasure to work with, so professional and helpful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the things I love most about my business is the unusual projects and clients that I get to work with.  Back in June, I was in the Atlanta Airport waiting to board a flight, when I get a phone call from Tracy Kujuwa from Angel Heart Arabians.  She asked if I would work with them and design a hat for the Arabian Horse Celebration.  I said quickly said yes, because I adore Arabian horses and also, loved what Angel Heart does.  The organization works with critically ill children and horses, using riding and working with the horses to help heal bodies and spirits.

We decided that the hat needed to be a large, statement making hat using black, white and silver colors.  I decided to do the classic Audrey/Holly Go Lightly look with lots of feathers and a huge silver silk flower.  The hat was done and I had to get it to Tracy.  We found out that we had similar history, both being farmers daughters who became vegetarians and also worked in the music business.

This summer has been a very hot one.  Tracy was busy with horse shows, i.e. riding horses in sweltering 100 degree heat while dressed in riding attire.  We both had sick, critically ill animals and had to address those issues.

A month later, we finally met and had lunch, along with Kim Jarvis from the Arabian Horse Celebration.  It was a fun lunch and I walked away feeling lucky to work with Kim and Tracy.  The Arabian Horse Celebration event was September 18-22 in Louisville, Kentucky at Freedom Hall.

Tracy was unable to attend the night of the event.  I was there but ended up leaving early.  The hat auction was to be a “live auction” and I was too nervous to stay and watch the bidding.  What if no one bid on the hat that I hard worked so hard to create?

I was driving home on I-64, just crossing the Kentucky River, when my phone rang.  It turned out to be very good news!  The hat that I was nervous about, fearing no one would bid on, brought $5,000 at the live auction!  I was thrilled for Angel Heart and slightly relieved!