SHAWNEE, Feb. 11, 2025 – The Pioneer Library System Foundation invites the community to enter Wonderland at the 4th Annual Mad Hatter Tea Party fundraiser on Saturday, March 28. The event returns to the Shawnee Public Library, transforming the space for an evening of food, specialty cocktails and mocktails, live entertainment, raffle packages, and the popular “Maddest Hat” contest.
Inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, the Mad Hatter Tea Party celebrates imagination, creativity, and community while raising funds to support the Pioneer Library System’s Pottawatomie County libraries. Guests will enjoy lively entertainment, interactive surprises, and a hands-on Maker Lab experience where creativity takes center stage.
Past events have featured appearances by the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts, and the White Rabbit—and this year’s Wonderland character will remain a surprise until the night of the event.
“We love bringing a little Wonderland magic into the library,” said Carmen Wolf, event co-chair. “Part of the fun is not knowing exactly who you’ll meet when you arrive, and all of it helps support our Shawnee, Tecumseh, and McLoud libraries.”
Attendees are encouraged to wear their most extravagant hats to compete for the title of Maddest Hat, with a prize awarded for the most creative design. With live music, immersive details, and surprises around every corner, the evening promises an unforgettable trip to Wonderland.
While proceeds from the Mad Hatter Tea Party specifically support Pottawatomie County libraries, the Pioneer Library System Foundation also advances library programs and services across the system that benefit community members of all ages.
“The Foundation’s work goes far beyond any single event,” said Amanda Johnson, Foundation board member and event co-chair. “We support programs across the system, including the Summer Learning Challenge and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, that help families and learners of all ages connect with their library.”
The Mad Hatter Tea Party is made possible by the generous support of sponsors, including First United Bank, Avedis Foundation, and other community partners.
Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available for those who wish to be part of this memorable evening in support of local libraries. Learn more at plsfdn.org or by calling 405.801.4521.
About the Pioneer Library System Foundation
Founded in 2010, the Pioneer Library System Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting literacy and a love of learning throughout Pioneer Library System communities. Through donor support, the Foundation helps expand programs and outreach beyond what public funding can provide and has generated more than $2.8 million for library initiatives.
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