The Red Hat Society Fantasia in Red hosted its annual appreciation lunch on May 13. The annual luncheon began because of the generosity of a stranger.
“Several years ago we were at a restaurant with red hatters,” said Red Hat Queen Mother Lois Winston. “To our surprise a man picked up the ticket for all of our lunches, so we said we have got to do something to show our appreciation. So we decided we would have a luncheon once a year to show our appreciation to all those who have been good to us.”

This year’s luncheon included sponsors and supporters for their annual Kids and Kite Day, and the staff at the Hartman Park community center.

“Ms. Gregory and all her staff have been so good to us, so we pulled them in,” said Winston.

Winston is credited with having the original idea for Kids and Kite Day.

“I had an idea in my head that for one of our activities, we would all go down to metro center and fly kites,” said Winston.

Lois then thought better of the idea. She then “pitched the idea to Brenda, and she just took the idea and ran with it.”

At the event, Tennessee state Rep. Brenda Gilmore was praised for her efforts and dedication to Kids and Kites day and the ongoing health of Nashville.
Arturo Clavijo, an executive with CVS Pharmacy sponsoring Kids and Kite Day, presented her an award.

“We just to show our appreciation to Brenda for her dedication to healthy living in the Nashville area, and congrats for five years of Kids and Kites,” said Clavijo.

“When Brenda brought up the idea that we were going to be helping to fight childhood obesity, I thought ‘this is perfect’ [This is] near and dear to my heart, and every year we want to do more and be able to participate. Next year’s Kids and Kites day promises to be bigger and better.”