The Women’s Committee of the Central Park Conservancy hosted the second iteration of its newest event, the Central Park Mahjong Social, at the Park’s Chess & Checkers House. The gathering, generously supported by Premier Sponsor, fashion brand Amanda Uprichard, welcomed over 250 players of all skill levels for an afternoon of friendly competition, raising over $105,000 to support the Conservancy’s daily care and maintenance of Central Park.
“Mahjong is a game of skill, strategy, and thoughtful decision-making, and those same qualities are reflected in the work of the Women’s Committee,” said Women’s Committee President Barbara H. Scott. She added, “Our members bring that spirit of collaboration and strategy to their philanthropy, coming together to raise the essential funds that help maintain the Park.”
"The Conservancy is grateful for the continued efforts of the Women's Committee, which helps ensure that spaces like the Chess & Checkers House remain open and welcoming to all," said Betsy Smith, President & CEO of the Central Park Conservancy. "The dedicated members of this group have found wonderful new opportunities to connect and contribute to an essential public resource for New Yorkers, and their support is integral to our work maintaining Central Park's 843 acres year-round."
Event Chairs, Tracey Huff and Neda Navab, Host Committee members, Suzie Aijala, Hana Bitton, Inge C. Brafman, Blythe Brock, Allison Davi, Jill Davis, Adrienne Israel, Joyce Kwok, and Hope Rothschild, along with gameplay supervisors Kristen Fealy, Jill Pila, and Jennifer Shufro, were joined by supporters and friends of the Conservancy, including Stacey Bronfman, Ainsley Earhardt, Jessica Guff, Dustee Jenkins, Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Kate LaGere, Elyse Newhouse, Annie O’Grady, Sharon Teles, and Amanda Uprichard.
The event was also supported once again by its inaugural Park Play Partner, The Mahjong Line, who donated custom Conservancy-themed mats and lent the colorful mahjong sets. Between rounds at the historic structure’s game tables, participants enjoyed wines provided by Archer Roose and sweets by William Poll Gourmet Foods.
Guests departed with curated gift bags and door prizes featuring items from Premier Sponsor, Amanda Uprichard, and Park Play Partner, The Mahjong Line, along with BonBon, A Swedish Candy Co., and Greek Goddess Gourmet.
The Chess & Checkers House was built in 1952 to offer visitors of all ages a space to play games. Through the Conservancy's work, the octagonal brick pavilion and its surrounding area were restored and made accessible in 2023, continuing its longstanding tradition as a free, open-to-the-public resource. The invaluable work of the Women’s Committee generates critical funds to support the continued care of spaces like these.
Image credit: Deonté Lee/BFA
