On April 25, 1998, something magical happened, and it all started with one red hat.

The Red Hat Society is the largest women's playgroup in the world, and this year they are celebrating their 10th year, according to http://www.redhatsociety.com.

"The Red Hat Society began as a result of a few women deciding to greet middle age with verve, humor and elan. We believe silliness is the comedy relief of life, and since we are all in it together, we might as well join red-gloved hands and go for the gusto together. Underneath the frivolity, we share a bond of affection, forged by common life experiences and a genuine enthusiasm for wherever life takes us next," said Sue Ellen Cooper, Red Hat Society founder.

Inspired by the poem "Warning" by Jenny Joseph, the Red Hat Society came together and said, "When I am an old woman I shall wear purple with a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me."

Without any rules, except a minimum age of 50 and the required red hat and purple outfit, the society was built with the fundamental goal of having fun.

Clara Schafer, leader of a Bismarck-Mandan society, Ladies with Pizazz, said the Red Hat Society is a wonderful social group that keeps her out and about meeting new people. "It has allowed me to do things I've never done before," she said.

Schafer and four of her sisters and sister-in-laws started the first active Red Hat Society chapter in Bismarck-Mandan in 2002, and she said today Bismarck and Mandan have about 23 different chapters. Her chapter consists of 40-45 women.

"We meet once a month for lunch, and we try to do as many activities as possible. We have participated in Red Hat functions in Moorhead and Medora, and we have gone to different plays and movies," said Schafer. In January, she also went to Las Vegas for a Red Hat Society event where she said they attempted to break the world record for Can Can dancing, unfortunately they fell short.

Another member of Ladies with Pizazz, Schafer's sister-in-law Vivian Schafer, said being a part of the Red Hat Society means getting together with some really good friends to have fun. "The members of our chapter have grown really close, it's become a good family atmosphere," she said.

Ladies with Pizazz also has made donations to Pam's House, Tracy's Sanctuary House and Ruth Meiers Hospitality House, according to Clara Schafer.

They also do a lot of community work, said Vivian Schafer. "We have sponsored soldiers in Iraq, dealt with homeless and environmental issues, and in September we will be hosting a Red Hat Society fashion show in Bismarck with Red Hat Amore'," she said.

But for the Ladies with Pizazz, the society has done more than just provide them with fun.

"Every month, one gal in the group comes up and thanks me for allowing her to join," said Clara Schafer. "And she tells me about how much of a life saver it has been for her."

The Red Hat Society brings together those people who don't usually get out and about doing activities. It's a way for people to become part of a group and we all really enjoy it," Vivian Schafer said.

The group also has been a life saver for Clara Schafer. "I don't feel quite so old," said with a giggle. "And our group has given life a lot more meaning."