Mad Hatter in the Media

Nfocus: Best Parties 2025

Nfocus: Mad Hatter Gala Brings Style, Song and Support to the Sexual Assault Center

photos by Kenley Mariah Photography

Oct. 30 2025 - Well-hatted ladies and gentlemen arrived at the Conrad Nashville for the annual Mad Hatter gala benefiting the Sexual Assault Center. The evening is dedicated to uplifting those who’ve experienced sexual violence and raises crucial funds for survivor advocacy, therapy, a 24/7 safe clinic and more. The evening kicked off with a Champagne toast on the terrace. With perfect September weather, it was easy to linger over glasses of bubbly and enjoy the evening. Co-chairs Libby Callaway, Lauren Casamassima and Anastasia Krajeck mingled with the crowd of VIP donors. Just before the doors opened for the main event, sisters Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer took the stage and performed hit songs, including “Into My Arms” by Nick Cave.

WSM4: Nashville Non-Profit Breaks Fundraising Record...

October 8th, 2025 - The Sexual Assault Center (SAC) of Nashville also broke a fundraising record at its 33rd annual “Mad Hatter” at the Conrad Nashville hotel. The nonprofit raised $483,000, which is enough to provide rape kits for 42 survivors and support a full year of therapy. “It was the most successful one ever!” said SAC President Rachel Freeman. “Our initial goal was $375,000.” Sexual Assault Center offers evidence-based counseling, advocacy services and operates the on-site SAFE clinic – which provides forensic exams and support for victims of sexual assault.

News Channel 5: Sexual Assault Center fundraiser educates, raises money, sheds light on how to support survivors

September 7th, 2024 - The Sexual Assault Center, or SAC, hosted the 'Mad Hatter' fundraiser Saturday night. Its goal was to raise $360,000 to invest back into the sexual assault survivor community. The proceeds will fund survivors' therapy, rape kits, and other services. It will also go towards SAFE bar training, so staff at bars around Nashville can intervene if needed. At Saturday's fundraiser, attendees were able to have an "immersive experience" to learn about survivors' stories. A photographer asked survivors to choose where and how they wanted to be photographed to take control of their narrative. Those photographs were then portrayed, along with audio recounting their experiences. The idea was to educate, allow survivors to feel seen, and encourage the community to support the SAC mission.

NFocus: The Sexual Assault Center Celebrates its 32nd Annual Mad Hatter Gala

September 26th 2024 - On a beautiful September evening, guests gathered at the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville for the 32nd annual Mad Hatter gala. The Sexual Assault Center’s signature event raised record-breaking funds for the organization and drew several-hundred attendees.  “The generous and giving spirit of the Nashville community is truly unmatched,” said SAC president Rachel Freeman. “This year’s Mad Hatter gala raised record funds to grow SAC’s impact across Middle Tennessee.” Funds raised at the event cover services like rape kits, crisis support, therapy, emergency relief and safe bar training — which helps local bar owners and staff members identify and intervene in situations where there’s a risk of sexual assault. “Thank you to this incredible community for supporting our mission to end sexual assault and support survivors,” Rachel added. 

Nfocus: Best Parties 2024