The Women’s Committee of the Central Park Conservancy hosted its ever-popular annual Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon. The event, named in honor of Central Park’s visionary designer, raised a record-breaking $5.4 million in support of the nonprofit organization and civic institution responsible for managing and caring for Central Park. The sold-out luncheon was generously supported by Presenting Sponsor Harry Winston, Inc.; Corporate Sponsor JPMorganChase, and Premier Sponsor Tuckernuck.
Notable attendees included Michael Bloomberg, Martha Stewart, Maury Povich, Stacey Bendet, Nell Diamond, Rebecca Hessel Cohen, Ramona Singer, Gillian Hearst, Christine Schwarzman, and Sarah Wetenhall.
For more than four decades, the Women’s Committee—a 1,000-member philanthropic group dedicated to the mission of the Central Park Conservancy—has been a driving force in preserving and enhancing Central Park. Though its fundraising efforts, the Committee supports the Conservancy’s essential work to maintain and care for the Park year-round, as well as the restoration of key landmarks, including, most recently, the restoration of the historic Concert Ground Benches, as well as the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, the re-creation of the urns at Bow Bridge, and the restoration of the Conservatory Garden, completed in 2025, where this annual luncheon is held.
Women’s Committee President Tracey Huff joined Luncheon Co-Chairs Kate Davis, Darice Fadeyi, Stephanie Hessler, and Erin Isikoff Klatskin, alongside Central Park Conservancy President & CEO Betsy Women’s Committee President Tracey Huff joined Luncheon Co-Chairs Kate Davis, Darice Fadeyi, Stephanie Hessler, and Erin Isikoff Klatskin, alongside Central Park Conservancy President & CEO Betsy Smith and Board Chair Tom Kempner, to welcome guests to the Conservatory Garden in celebration of this year’s honorees, longtime Conservancy Trustees, Judy Hart Angelo and Janet Ross.
“There’s something incredibly special about gathering in the Conservatory Garden each spring surrounded by the very landscape we’re working to protect. This luncheon is a celebration of community, generosity, and a shared belief that Central Park should continue to inspire and serve all New Yorkers. I’m so proud to see our Women’s Committee coming together and breaking records to make this a reality,” said Tracey Huff, Women’s Committee President.
“The Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon brings together a community of dedicated philanthropists who share a deep commitment to Central Park and its future. The funds raised directly support the care of the Park’s 843 acres, from its landscapes and historic features to the essential, everyday work of our staff that keeps it beautiful, safe, and accessible,” said Betsy Smith, President and CEO, Central Park Conservancy. “This extraordinary support from the Women’s Committee helps ensure that Central Park continues to serve and inspire New Yorkers for generations to come.”
During the cocktail reception, guests sipped Château d’Esclans’ iconic Whispering Angel rosé —celebrating its 20th anniversary—as well as the Reserva Chardonnay courtesy of Terrazas de los Andes. They were treated to Women’s Committee docent-led tours of the Conservatory Garden, and enjoyed an elegant photo moment designed by Harry Winston, Inc. Luncheon tables were adorned with vibrant floral tablecloths provided by Scalamandré, which also inspired the design of the event’s signature umbrellas, generously donated by Wathne, Inc. Conservancy staff wore hats by Patricia Underwood, and were outfitted by Tuckernuck, who also gifted custom, Park-inspired cocktail napkins to each guest. Catering was provided by Great Performances, with seasonal floral arrangements by Andrew Pascoe Flowers.
As one of the Conservancy’s longest-running and most important annual traditions, the luncheon continues to celebrate philanthropy, civic pride, and the enduring cultural significance of Central Park.
Image credit: Matteo Prandoni/Madison Voelkel/Deonte Lee/BFA.com and Sean Zanni/PMc/Getty Images
