Summer 2008: Hats Off to ... Goorin Hat Tree Foundation

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A recent, multi-box delivery to The Foundation drew curious staff out of their offices to take a peek at the intriguing contents – vintage, retro and contemporary men’s and women’s hats created with unexpected fabrics and bold style, hats to amply stock our free hat bank for cancer patients. The gracious donor? Goorin Brothers, Inc., and the Goorin Hat Tree Foundation. In 2007, this 112-year-old hat company based in San Francisco, California, began contributing more than 24,000 hats to 80 organizations in 30 states across the country. Now, The Foundation is very proud to become one of the fortunate recipients. 

Ben Goorin, owner of Goorin Brothers, Inc., says the company has always had a tradition of charitable giving. Since the death of Goorin’s brother-in-law to cancer, Goorin Brothers has found particular comfort in donating their fabulous, street-smart hats to organizations that work directly with cancer patients. Goorin’s generosity in the form of look-good, feel-good hats help counter the impact of hair loss during chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

The first weekend in April, at the close of National Young Adult Cancer Survivor Week, The Foundation passed along its good fortune to participants of our fifth Young Adult Cancer Survivor Retreat. Representing ten states, twenty young adults (20- to 35-year-olds) converged on NaCoMe Conference Center for a weekend of walks by the creek, storytelling, games, shared experiences and artistic endeavors. Goorin’s hats were a hit among this vibrant crowd. The participants sported souvenir camouflage messenger bags, also compliments of Goorin, that were filled to the brim with goodies from many generous contributors.

Cool hats for cool people from cool friends…Goorin Brothers has joined the ranks of our treasured friends who enable The Foundation to make a tremendous difference in the lives of cancer survivors. Hats off to you, Goorin Brothers!

Our heartfelt thanks to those listed below, whose generous time, resources, and energy once again ensured the success of our Young Adult Cancer Survivor Retreat:

The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation Young Professionals’ Board/Fusion ‘08

Tennessee Oncology Group LLC

Sarah Cannon Cancer Center

Baptist/St.Thomas Hospital

The Minnie Pearl Cancer Research Network

Planet Cancer

American Cancer Society Hope Lodge

Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

Gilda’s Club

Leukemia/Lymphoma Society

I’m Too Young For This!

Tennessee Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition

Association of Oncology Social Workers

Next Step

NaCoMe Conference Center

The Phillips Foundation

Center for Reproductive Health

Goorin Brothers, Inc.

Rodney Cearley

Mary Linehan

Sheila Bates

Lauren Beasley

Cristy Tice

Megan Ingram

Luke Gregory

Wild Oats Market/Michael Martin

David Spigel, M.D.

Sewn-N-Love

Jamie Vasquez, M.D.