More than 1,200 parents and children gathered together on a warm and sunny day at Central Park’s beloved Heckscher Playground on Wednesday, May 22, for the Playground Partners 27th Annual Family Party, hosted by the Women’s Committee of the Central Park Conservancy. Generously sponsored by Nordstrom, the family-friendly fundraiser featured a lively afternoon of interactive games, music, and entertainment. The event raised $350,000 to support Playground Partners’ mission to keep Central Park’s 21 playgrounds safe, clean, and well-maintained.
Today Show co-anchor, author, and journalist Jenna Bush Hager and husband Henry Hager served as the 2019 Honorary Chairs. Party Co-Chairs were Ashley M. Carlson, Austen Cruz, Margo M. Nederlander, Susannah Rose, and Sarah J. Wetenhall. Playground Partners Co-Chairs Whitney Mogavero and Elizabeth Villar were joined by Women’s Committee President Alexia Leuschen and Elizabeth W. Smith, President & CEO of the Central Park Conservancy.
Benefit Committee members and notable guests included Katherine Birch, Anne Black, Shirin Christoffersen, Sana Clegg, Ainsley Earhardt, Amandine Freidheim, Samantha Gellert, Gillian Hearst, Lauren Kenny, Karen LeFrak, Clémence von Mueffling, Stefano Tonchi, Chris Wanlass, Gigi Stone Woods, and Margaret Zakarian.