Published September 19, 2024
Whether under the extravagantly themed spring hats of Hat Day or beneath the twinkling lights at Field to Table, the spirit of celebration and purpose shines through. These two annual fundraising events unite the community over food, drinks and nature, all supporting the Conservatory’s mission to elevate the quality of life through enriching educational, cultural and social experiences.
Hat Day, more formally known as Les Chapeaux dans le Jardin, is a vibrant spring luncheon that celebrates fashion and nature while raising money for the Conservatory’s pre-K and K-12 education programs—which create opportunities for thousands of young people of all ages and backgrounds to explore, engage and connect with the natural world.
Debra Hadley and Bruce Harkey
Photo Credit: Rick Buchanan
Field to Table takes place in late summer and features a social cocktail hour in the beautiful Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus, with dinner following in the Grand Mallway. Each year, Field to Table raises critical funds to support the Conservatory’s community outreach, education and access programs.
To create memorable and impactful events like these, the Conservatory relies on the leadership and dedication of volunteer event chairs. This year, Hat Day was chaired by Debra Hadley, and Field to Table was chaired by Jessica Joseph. Both women brought their unique visions and expertise to the planning and execution of the events, ensuring they not only met but also exceeded expectations.
Left to right: Laura Rosene, Nancy Russo, Pamela Gregory, Debra Hadley
Photo Credit: Rick Buchanan
Debra reflected on the honor and challenge of being asked to lead such an iconic event. “One of the things that is different about Hat Day versus other high-profile charitable events in [Columbus] is that there is no committee for the event – it’s just the chair and two staff members making all the decisions and coordinating everything that needs to happen.” Working closely in partnership with Conservatory members, Jessica Fagan and Naomi Merino, made her experience “an absolute joy.”
Jessica Joseph detailed the scope of her role, explaining, “[We organize] a committee of Women’s Board members and key Conservatory staff to plan and execute every aspect of the event, from the Cocktail Party in the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus to the dinner menu and decor, to the grand finale entertainment,” she explained. Despite the scale of the event, Jessica emphasized the collaboration among everyone involved, stating, “Without the dedication of our Field to Table Committee…the event would not be such a success.”
2024 Field to Table Committee
Photo Credit: Mackenzie Nagel Photography
Both chairs are deeply connected to the Conservatory’s mission. Debra’s involvement spans many years, having co-chaired the first-ever Field to Table event in 2009. “It’s amazing to see how much the Conservatory has grown and changed over that period of time. When I first became involved, there was no Community Garden Campus, no Wells Barn, no Caretaker’s Cottage, no Children’s Garden…” Chairing Hat Day this year felt like a personal full-circle moment for her, with both events serving as “bookends” to her long history with the Conservatory. Jessica’s journey began when her daughter attended Nature School in 2018. “I formalized my involvement by joining the Women’s Board in 2020 and had the privilege of serving on the Field to Table Committee in 2021. It has been so rewarding for me to help give back to an organization that not only has given my family so much, but also the community.”
Despite challenges that may arise in organizing such significant events, the sense of collaboration and dedication shines through. Jessica shared, “Field to Table is a special and lovely experience…it feels good to know that the money raised goes directly towards the Conservatory’s important outreach, education and access programs.”
Left to right: Jessica Joseph, Christine Farquhar, Lesley Schaab
Photo Credit: Mackenzie Nagel Photography
As guests enjoy the thoughtfully planned details and the unique experiences each event offers, the effects resonate throughout the community, nurturing the Conservatory’s mission and enhancing our educational and outreach initiatives. Debra and Jessica expressed immense pride in the success of this year’s events. We “far exceeded our financial goal,” Debra said of Hat Day. Jessica echoed this sentiment, noting how Field to Table remains a vital fundraiser for the Conservatory, having raised over $5.1 million since its inception.
Thanks to the devoted leadership of these volunteer chairs and generous support from partners and donors, these events help ensure the future of the Conservatory’s programs. Their success is a testament to the collaborative essence and shared commitment that drives our mission forward.