Fast Facts

Who We Are:

• A global society of women approaching the age of 50 and beyond that connects and supports each other in their pursuit of fun, friendship, freedom and fulfillment. By maintaining a thriving social networking community and offering a variety of services and group experiences, the Red Hat Society revitalizes its members, helping them attain renewed confidence, pride and enthusiasm for life.
• RHS members wear full regalia that includes distinctive red hats and purple outfits if you are 50 or older, pink hats and lavender outfits if you are under 50.
• Our mission is to connect like-minded women around the world and to encourage them to have fun together. We are a vivacious society of women who celebrate life. Along the way, we develop strong bonds and caring friendships--at the same time raising the respect and visibility of women who are entering their next stage in life.

How It Started:

• It began with a simple gift. Sue Ellen Cooper gave a dear friend a copy of a poem encouraging women to don a red hat and purple outfit in the face of getting older. She also gave the friend a bright red fedora to celebrate the friend's 55th birthday in November 1997.
• The Red Hat Society officially formed April 25, 1998 when Sue Ellen Cooper and a group of five friends, known as The Founding Chapter of Fullerton, California, dressed in purple clothing and red hats and met for afternoon tea.
• Word quickly spread of these outings after a story appeared in Romantic Homes in July 2000. Since then, hundreds of articles have been published in regional newspapers and national magazines such as Good Housekeeping and Women's Day.
• Sue Ellen Cooper never set out to ignite an international phenomenon. She simply wanted to share her light-hearted attitude toward aging with a few girlfriends. In response to national news coverage, the Red Hat Society exploded.

Stats:

• Approximately 30,000 chapters exist in all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 25 foreign countries.
• It is estimated that each chapter averages 20-25 members.
• The Red Hat Society is made up of a diverse network of women including working women and retirees, grandmothers, golfers, attorneys, teachers, Olympians and entertainers.
• The Red Hat Society has licensing agreements with a dozen companies to produce quality merchandise available through the Red Hat Society Store and select retail stores throughout the United States. Product is identifiable by a tag bearing the official Red Hat Society logo.

Fun Facts:

• 2008 is the Red Hat Society's 10th birthday, which will be celebrated all year long with 4 conventions, 2 cruises, 2 outrageous birthday parties, a parade in London and many more surprises.
• Exalted Queen Mother Sue Ellen Cooper reaches more than 125,000 Red Hatters each week through the Friday Broadcast, a personal e-mail updating members with news from Hatquarters and escapades of Red Hat Society members around the world.
• Sue Ellen Cooper also sends a personal monthly broadcast to all Queens entitled Queen To Queen. This is a communique for all queens to share ideas and plans and to ask questions.
• HATS! The Musical premiered Oct. 11, 2006 at The New Denver Civic Theatre and has since launched in its fifth market.
• Red Hat Society Day is celebrated April 25th by official chapters worldwide.

Contact Us:

• Red Hat Society "Hatquarters":
  431 S. Acacia Ave., Fullerton, CA 92831
  Phone: 714-738-0001 or 866-FUN-AT50 (1-866-386-2850)
  Fax: 714-738-0005
  E-mail: info@redhatsociety.com