Panama hat miners of the California Gold Rush traveled to California via the Isthmus of Panama and Pacific Mail Steamship Company. In 1906 , U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt visited the construction site of the Panama Canal and was photographed wearing a Panama hat, which further increased the hats' popularity. Although the Panama hat continues to provide a livelihood for thousands of Ecuadorians, fewer than a dozen weavers capable of making the finest "Montecristi superfinos" remain. Production in Ecuador is dwindling, due to economic problems in Ecuador and competition from Chinese hat producers. The tamsui hat was a straw hat made in Formosa
Hats Off for Cancer receiving hats contact the President or National Hat Drive Coordinator. The hats collected through donations or hat drives are then distributed to hospitals, camps, and organizations worldwide. Hats Off for Cancer has received awards including: • Home Depot Hometown Hero 2009 • Charming Shoppes' Voices 2006 Award • New Jersey Joint Resolution for Prudential Spirit of Community Award • Hunterdon County Board of Chosen Freeholders Commendation • New Jersey Woman's Business Award • Youth Advocate of the Year Award – American Cancer Society • Youth Advisory Council Award • USAA National Volunteer Service Award Hats Off for Cancer Hats Off