Matt:
I've been monitoring these conversations and I'm beginning to see mounting interest in the mysterious "Hat" and the idea of a "quantity" order.
I also spoke with Bill David about this, early on after reading your first posting.
The idea might be to have the Chapter order a large enough quantity (say, 150-250) to enjoy a wholesale pricing and in turn offer them for sale directly to the membership or the public via the website. Perhaps we could even embroider the "EAA Chapter 582" name to the back or some such thing.
Sales of these could easily be handled via the internet and through our website.
As a Chapter supported item we could alleviate you directly from any financial burden of the production.
I have this topic slated for discussion at Thursday's October Membership meeting. Hopefully you will be in attendance, to offer any additional thoughts and insight you may have.
I would love to see this hat that "drips awesomeness" brought to the floor for a vote of reproduction and adopted by the Chapter as a fundraiser.
Tom
President, EAA Chapter 582