On Monday, January 29th, the Playground Partners, a program of the Women’s Committee of the Central Park Conservancy, hosted their annual Winter Luncheon, raising over $310,000 for the maintenance of Central Park’s 21 playgrounds. The funds raised by Playground Partners and their Winter Luncheon are vital to keeping Central Park’s playgrounds a reprieve for New York children, families, and visitors alike, ensuring the safety and daily care of these cherished play spaces.
“We are thrilled to bring together those who love Central Park and understand the importance of supporting the meaningful work of the Central Park Conservancy,” said Jenny Price, President of the Women’s Committee of the Central Park Conservancy. “As we kick off the new year, the Women’s Committee has a wonderful calendar of events that will continue to help the Conservancy’s dedicated staff maintain and manage this beloved greenspace.”
The early afternoon event was generously supported by Presenting Sponsor Harry Winston, Inc. for a second year and Jimmy Choo as the Premier Sponsor. Over 350 guests mingled at the Mandarin Oriental while enjoying views of the wintry landscape of Central Park from the hotel’s unique vantage point.
A lively talk by Lydia Fenet, Founder & CEO of Lydia Fenet Agency, entertained and inspired attendees. As a globally recognized author, speaker, and charity auctioneer, Lydia shared insightful tips on the power of connecting with your most authentic self, and with the community around you. Lydia shared, “We use Central Park for moments of rejuvenation and gathering with community – including this event, where all of us in the room are here for one cause, and that’s Central Park. That’s what community is about – to have moments of connectivity. Central Park is that unifying force.”
“Central Park’s 21 playgrounds are some of the most cherished, and heavily visited, places in New York. The money raised by our Playground Partners is crucial to addressing the constant wear and tear that they receive, and to ensuring their upkeep for thousands of families to enjoy,” said Betsy Smith, President and CEO, of Central Park Conservancy. “I am grateful to Jenny and the entire Women’s Committee for their steadfast support of the Conservancy’s mission to care for the Park.”
Event Co-Chairs Anna Bender-Zeckendorf, Sarah Blais, Brooke Fadale, Gillian Harst, and Ji Park Kwak were joined by Playground Partners Co-Chairs Kate Lauprete and Stephanie X. Stamas. Women’s Committee President Jenny Price and Central Park Conservancy’s CEO Betsy Smith were joined by guests including Marisa Barone, Katherine Gage Boulud, Julia Dimon, Darice Fadeyi, Jocelyn Gailliot, Tracey Huff, Sharon Jacob, Amy Miller Madry, Karen Thornwell May, Melanie McLennan, MargoM. Nederlander, Barbara H. Scott, Megan Stackhouse, Sarah Wetenhall, Gigi Stone Woods, and Jaime Wynn.
