Playground Partners, a program of the Women’s Committee of the Central Park Conservancy, hosted its Annual Family Party to celebrate and support Central Park’s 21 playgrounds. The event raised over $ 475,000 in crucial funds to maintain and care for these beloved play spaces, the mission of the Playground Partners. The Annual Family Party was generously supported by longstanding lead sponsor, Nordstrom.
“Keeping Central Park’s playgrounds safe, clean, and accessible for New York City’s children and families is vital for the health and happiness of New Yorkers and visitors alike,” said Women’s Committee President Tracey Huff. “We are honored to support and care for these special spaces where millions of families can create precious, lifelong memories.”
“Ensuring Central Park’s 21 playgrounds are well-maintained and available for the community to enjoy is critical to the vibrancy of New York City,” said Betsy Smith, Central Park Conservancy President & CEO. “We are grateful for the continued dedication and hard work of the Women’s Committee and Playground Partners.”
Event co-chairs, Alana Frankfort, Sherry Lee, Lizzy Quick, Lauren Kay Soufleris, Megan Stackhouse, Whitney Rouse Teach, and Samantha Lynch Zmijewski, Grandparent Chair, Patti Fast, Playground Partners Co-Chairs and Vice Chair, Kate Lauprete, Stephanie X. Stamas and Melanie McLennan, along with Women’s Committee President Tracey Huff, and Central Park Conservancy’s President & CEO, Betsy Smith, were joined by guests including Anna Bender-Zeckendorf & Will Zeckendorf, Kat Dines, Kara Gerson, Adrienne Israel, Stephanie Korey Goodwin, Stacey Kwon, William Macklowe, KarenMay, Liz Peek, and Elizabeth Pyne Singer.
Along with new Activity Sponsors, Candy Zoo and Wonder, the family-friendly event featured an array of local vendors to engage and delight the many attendees. Families enjoyed entertainment, activities, and treats generously provided by A La Mode Shoppe, Ballet Hispánico, Beads by Bav, Charmspring, Chess at Three, Craft Studio, Evereden, Fastbreak Sports, Flutter Butter Bakery, iCAMP, New York Empire Baseball, Kids In Sports, Piano Buds in a Pod, Soccer Stars & Amazing Athletes, and USTA Eastern. Resident Kid DJ for the Brooklyn Nets, DJ Annie Red, returned with her interactive dance party. Guest gifts were donated by Paravel.
Image credit: Deonte Lee, Matteo Prandoni, Madison Voelkel/BFA
