The Women’s Committee of the Central Park Conservancy hosted its annual Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon, raising over $4.3M in support of the Central Park Conservancy, the nonprofit organization and civic institution responsible for managing Central Park.
This sold-out Luncheon, one of the City’s most anticipated—and stylish—philanthropic events, was generously supported by Presenting Sponsor Harry Winston, Inc.; Corporate Sponsor JPMorganChase; and Supporting Sponsor Oscar de la Renta.
The Women’s Committee, in partnership with the Central Park Conservancy, is a community of philanthropists passionate about preserving and enhancing Central Park. For more than four decades, the Women’s Committee has raised significant funds for both the daily care of Central Park, as well as the reconstruction of major Park landmarks, including the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, the re-creation of the urns at Bow Bridge, and the recently completed restoration of the Conservatory Garden.
Women’s Committee President Tracey Huff joined Luncheon Co-Chairs Ranika Cohen, Bonnie Comley, Jenna Segal, and Julia Power Weld, along with Central Park Conservancy President & CEO Betsy Smith, and Chair of the Conservancy’s Board Tom Kempner. Park supporters gathered in Central Park’s Conservatory Garden to toast this year’s honoree, Jenny Price, including Katherine Birch, Michèle Brazil, Michael Bloomberg, Katherine Gage Boulud, Kathryn Chenault, Rebecca Hessel Cohen, Kate Davis, Fe Fendi, Gillian Hearst, Grace Hightower, GailIcahn, Sharon Jacob, Scarlett Johansson, Alexia Leuschen, Susan Magrino, Gillian Miniter, Marcia Mishaan, Margo Nederlander, Elyse Newhouse, Amelia Ogunlesi, Jenny Paulson, Christine Schwarzman, Barbara Scott, Priya Shukla, Martha Stewart, Anne Stringfield, SarahWetenhall, and Gigi Stone Woods.
“Each year on the first Wednesday in May, we gather to celebrate our beloved Central Park and raise critical funds for its care. The Women’s Committee is dedicated to preserving and maintaining this exceptional landmark for all who enjoy it. We are pleased to honor my predecessor, Jenny Price, whose commitment to the Park exemplifies the spirit and mission of the Committee,” said Tracey Huff, Women’s Committee President.
“Raising $4.3M at this year’s sold-out luncheon is a powerful indicator of how deeply New Yorkers cherish Central Park and are willing to support the Conservancy’s mission to protect it,” said Betsy Smith, President & CEO, Central Park Conservancy. “We are deeply committed to investing in Central Park and New York City, and I am so grateful to the Women’s Committee and all our supporters for helping ensure the Park remains a vibrant, welcoming space for all.”
During the reception, guests admired the Conservancy’s recently completed, multi-year restoration of the Conservatory Garden while enjoying wines provided by Château d’Esclans and Terrazas de los Andes. Undertaken by the Conservancy to preserve the Garden’s beauty and ensure its enduring vibrancy, the restoration introduces newly planted crabapple trees, accessible entrances and pathways, and a modern infrastructure system designed to mitigate flooding along Fifth Avenue.
Luncheon tables featured floral tablecloths provided by Scalamandré, and signature umbrellas in a new spring color were donated by Wathne, Inc. The Conservancy’s staff were elegantly outfitted by Tuckernuck and wore hats by Patricia Underwood. Catering by Abigail Kirsch Catering and seasonal arrangements by Andrew Pascoe Flowers added the perfect touches to the day’s festivities.
Image credit: Matteo Prandoni & Deonté Lee/BFA, and Sean Zanni & Patrick McMullan via Getty
