The Women’s Committee and Playground Partners of the Central Park Conservancy hosted their first-ever "Play for the Park" round-robin tennis tournament. The spring benefit raised $155,000 to support the daily upkeep and ongoing care of Central Park’s 21 playgrounds, which provide New York children and families safe and accessible areas to play.
Participants, outfitted in head-to-toe tennis gear from the event’s sponsor, Tory Sport, entered the courts at Central Park’s Tennis Center through a fresh flower arch created by Lewis Miller Design. Following a morning breakfast and meet-and-greet with tennis professional and broadcaster Patrick McEnroe, players were welcomed by Yesim Philip, Women’s Committee President, and Tournament Director Georgy Chukhleb.
Event co-chairs Katherine Birch, Shirin Christoffersen, Kat Dines, Kristen Durkin, Jackie Keber, Heather McAuliffe, Yesim Philip, Jenny Price, and Amy Tarr were joined by over 90 players of all levels who participated in friendly matches in two sessions. Players included Virginia Apple, Allison Aston, Leslie Brille, Kate Davis, Lise Evans, Emma Frelinghuysen, Tracey Huff, Blair Husain, Liz McCreery, Liz Peek, and Renee Rockefeller. Betsy Smith, President & CEO of the Central Park Conservancy, stopped by to cheer on the players.
