The Playground Partners, a program of the Women’s Committee of the Central Park Conservancy, hosted their Annual Family Party. The event, which has been held for more than 30 years, took place at Hecksher Playground, and raised over $535,000 in essential funds for the maintenance and daily care of the 21 playgrounds in Central Park. The Conservancy’s longtime partner, Nordstrom, generously supported the afternoon fundraiser, returning as Principal Sponsor.
Each year, the Annual Family Party celebrates and supports the Playground Partners’ mission to provide all New York children with safe, clean, and accessible play areas. Central Park’s playgrounds, enjoyed annually by millions, embody the highest standards of safety, innovation, and creativity. The funds raised allow the Central Park Conservancy to continue its daily care of these beloved spaces.
"Seeing families come together to celebrate the Conservancy's long-term commitment to the care of Central Park's playgrounds is truly heartwarming," said Jenny Price, President of the Women's Committee of the Central Park Conservancy. "The Women's Committee is deeply grateful to our generous members and sponsors for their ongoing support of the Conservancy's work."
The Annual Family Party’s afternoon of entertainment included an exciting range of sports, magic, music, and games, all fit for the family. Principal Sponsor Nordstrom treated kids to a Jibbitz shoe charm bar hosted by Crocs, as well as a sparkly crafting activity with Super Smalls. The 2024 Activity Sponsors were the New York Islanders and the Islanders Children’s Foundation, who organized a hockey activity, and Nuna Baby Essentials, who supported the stroller parking. This year’s main stage featured Kid Resident DJ for theBrooklyn Nets, DJ Annie Red, along with GRAMMY-award winner Tim Kubart.
"Central Park's 21 playgrounds are a source of joy, recreation, and relaxation for children and families across New York City," said Betsy Smith, President and CEO, Central Park Conservancy. "The support provided by the Playground Partners ensures that the Conservancy can continue to care for and maintain these cherished spaces so future generations of Park visitors can enjoy them for many years to come."
Kids and families enjoyed a variety of donated activities including arts and crafts with The Craft Studio, baseball with New York Empire Baseball, and basketball with Fastbreak Sports. Additional offerings were donated by A La Mode Shoppe, Chess at Three, Emilia George, iCAMP, Juliette & Ella’s Playdate, Kids in Sports, Piano Buds in a Pod, and Super Soccer Stars.
Event Co-Chairs Stuart Baldwin, Sugie Hong Bruttomesso, Adrienne Israel, Joyce Kwok, Ellen Matthias, Shannon H. Robinson, and Elizabeth Pyne Singer, were joined by Grandparent Chair Karen Thornwell May, Playground Partners Co-Chairs Kate Lauprete and Stephanie X. Stamas, Women’s Committee President Jenny Price and Central Park Conservancy’s CEO Betsy Smith.
Guests included Judy Hart Angelo, Katherine Birch, Katherine Gage Boulud, Mimi Ritzen Crawford, Kat Dines, Ainsley Earhardt, Gillian Hearst, Tracey Huff, Sharon Jacob, Dustee Jenkins, Meghan Klopp, Lucinda May, Heather McAuliffe, Melanie & Matthew McLennan, Gillian Miniter, Megan Stackhouse, Anna Bender- Zeckendorf & Will Zeckendorf, and Chris Wanlass.
Image Credit: Matteo Prandoni, Matt Borkowski Darian DiCianno/BFA
