In 10 years, the Red Hat Society has evolved from a few friends who donned red hats and purple outfits in the spirit of having fun at 50 and beyond, into a powerhouse organization that has close to 40,000 chapters in more than 25 countries.
“When I turned 50, I felt there was still such a vibrant life ahead of me,” said Sue Ellen Cooper, founder and president of the society. “I never would have thought that giving one friend a festive red hat to celebrate her 50th birthday would catch fire the way it did. But clearly this gesture symbolized something to older women — that the second phase of life is ripe with potential for living life to its absolute fullest.”
Fifty-plus women from all walks of life join the society, and they make new connections through local, national, and international gatherings, activities, and a members-only online community.
The society also works with other organizations.
It’s collaborating with the American Heart Association in celebration of its 10th anniversary in order to promote the importance of heart health among women. Its Hatters Have Heart campaign seeks to raise awareness about this issue and urge women to take care of themselves.
The growth of the organization is due mainly to the large number of baby boomer generation women turning 50. Boomer women makeup more than half of society membership.
The society includes women under 50 as members to encourage intergenerational connections and new bonds. These women, called "Pink Hatters," also enjoy gathering locally, nationally, and internationally in a spirit of friendship.
Any woman can become a member of The Red Hat Society by signing up at www.redhatsociety.com, or calling Hatquarters at 866-FUN-AT50 or (866)-386-2850.
