QotM – Toni Gilbert – January 2025

Meet Toni Gilbert, January’s Queen of the Month!

The Red Hat Society is built on laughter, friendship, and flair, and this month’s honoree, Toni Gilbert—affectionately known as Queenie—embodies these values in every way. From her whimsical sense of humor to her tireless dedication as a Red Hatter, Toni's journey inspires us all.

Born in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, and raised on the northwest side of Chicago by her mom, Toni later moved to Columbus, Ohio, at age 30, where she planted roots and cultivated friendships that have blossomed through the Red Hat Society.

Toni’s life is filled with love, laughter, and a touch of serendipity. She was married to her beloved husband, John, for nearly 40 years. Their story began with a $5 bet—John’s friend wagered that she wouldn’t accept his dinner invitation. Not only did John lose that bet, but he also won Toni’s heart. Sadly, John passed away last July after a battle with dementia, but their enduring love remains a testament to their bond. "We held hands almost constantly during the last four months of his life," Toni shared. Her story reflects resilience, devotion, and the power of love.

Toni’s career highlights include working at Wendy’s corporate office as an Executive Assistant in the Marketing Department, where she even met the legendary Dave Thomas. Her eclectic hobbies include solving jigsaw puzzles, building Legos, and creating games—activities that bring joy to her and her Chapterettes alike.

Toni’s journey with the Red Hat Society began with a thoughtful gift: a red hat for her 50th birthday. She joined in 2003, became a Queen in 2004, and hasn’t stopped since! Walking into her first RHS event and seeing the sea of unique hats left her speechless. Now, she creates themed games for her Chapter, the Ladies of the Ritz, and says, “My gals tolerate my whimsical nature!”

For Toni, the RHS is a way of life. She treasures moments like meeting Sue Ellen Cooper at the Atlanta Convention and being nominated for Hatter of the Year in Indianapolis. Her list of accomplishments is as dazzling as her red hat collection:

• Hosting a Red Hat Resale event every other year.
• Coordinating an annual Hoot at the Brats & Craft Fest.
• Leading Ohio’s Queen’s Council and a monthly Bunco Club.
• Organizing “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” an annual event with up to 268 attendees.
• Publishing the "Calendar of Events" newsletter for the Eastern U.S. since 2016.

Toni's dedication as an RHS Ambassador shines through her work to grow the organization and create opportunities for women to connect and thrive. Toni carries wisdom from her mother: "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Her approach to life is simple but profound: “Life is too short not to be silly. You can always find good in a bad situation.”  For Toni, being a Hatter means friendship. "You can walk into an event not knowing anyone and leave with 10 new best friends," she says. She encourages her Chapterettes to embrace joy and silliness, reminding them that laughter is the best gift. Toni even keeps a clown nose in her purse to spread cheer wherever she goes!

Toni’s passion for hatting is undeniable, and she describes it as another hobby. Her personalized license plate—“HATS!!”—even features a taped-on red hat to transform the disability symbol into a Hatter.

Queen Toni, you are an inspiration to us all. Your enthusiasm, creativity, and heart exemplify the Red Hat Society’s spirit. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, Queenie! Keep spreading your laughter and light!