The Hudson River Park Friends Gala 2017
Nearly one-thousand dedicated supporters gathered together to celebrate the continued growth and revitalization of New York City’s Hudson River Park.
Last week, I attended the 19th annual Hudson River Park Friends Gala held at Chelsea Piers. The Hudson River Park is considered the largest open space project in Manhattan since Central Park. At four miles long, it is the longest waterfront park in the country and attracts millions of visitors each year. I am very proud to be on the Board of Hudson River Park Friends - an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to the completion, care, and enhancement of the space, and the designated fundraising partner of the Hudson River Park Trust.
If you’re ever in the New York City area, I hope you will stop to visit the Hudson River Park - you will see why it is so special. Here are some photos - enjoy.
-
- The evening’s festivities began with cocktails on the Pier, then a sit down dinner, an awards presentation and an auction, followed by dessert and a special musical performance. The New York Fire Department put on a nice water show on the Hudson River for all of us to see.
-
- It was a beautiful, still night for a lovely gathering on the Pier. Several large illuminated balls, such as this one, were strategically placed to keep the area well lit after dark. (Photo by 8SP_Simon Luethi)
-
- The dinner was held at Pier Sixty – a short walk from the cocktails venue at Pier 62.
-
- Here I am with Sequential Brands Group CEO, Karen Murray, and Sequential FP & A Director, Dana Spitler. Everyone loved Dana’s suit.
-
- Here I am with former New York City mayor, Michael Bloomberg. (Photo by 8SP_Simon Luethi)
-
- And here I am with Michael, and business partners at Youngwoo and Associates, Margerette Lee and Young Woo. (Photo by 8SP_Simon Luethi)
-
- Comedian, writer, and television host, Seth Meyers, and I, posed for this quick photo – it is always fun getting together with Seth. (Photo by 8SP_Simon Luethi)
-
- Our dinner’s first course included this olive oil poached shrimp.
-
- Actor, comedian, and screenwriter, Mike Myers, made some opening remarks to the audience. (Photo by 8SP_Simon Luethi)
-
- President and CEO of the Hudson River Park Trust, Madelyn Wils, also addressed the guests. (Photo by 8SP_Simon Luethi)
-
- Canadian model, Coco Rocha, helped guide the festive dinner program. (Photo by 8SP_Simon Luethi)
-
- Michael Corbat, CEO of Citi, was among those honored for his devotion to and work for the park. (Photo by 8SP_Simon Luethi)
-
- Board Chair of Hudson River Park Friends, Michael Novogratz, spoke about how the park has become an indelible part of New York City. (Photo by 8SP_Simon Luethi)
-
- Here is Michael with Diana Taylor, Chair of the Hudson River Park Trust Board of Directors. (Photo by 8SP_Simon Luethi)
-
- An auction was held to raise money for the Hudson River Park. Lydia Fenet served as auctioneer – she is very lively. All proceeds from the auction directly benefit the park’s maintenance, beautification and operational needs. (Photo by 8SP_Simon Luethi)
-
- I always enjoy attending this event every year. As part of the auction, I donated a visit to Skylands, my home in Maine – complete with a personal tour by me, and a two-night stay at the nearby Asticou Inn. (Photo by 8SP_Simon Luethi)
-
- Seth also donated to the auction – inside access to Late Night with Seth Meyers and a meet and greet with the host. (Photo by 8SP_Simon Luethi)
-
- Actor, producer and director, Robert De Niro, was another Honoree. A park bench was dedicated to the actor. (Photo by 8SP_Simon Luethi)
-
- As part of the auction, Robert donated two premier passes to the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival, which he co-founded in 2002. (Photo by 8SP_Simon Luethi)
-
- The audience was very fun and energetic. We stood for many of the evening’s speakers. (Photo by 8SP_Simon Luethi)
-
- Michael took to the podium and spoke about the park’s importance to him. (Photo by 8SP_Simon Luethi)
-
- Connie Fishman is the Executive Director of Hudson River Park Friends. (Photo by 8SP_Simon Luethi)
-
- Here I am joined by Michael and Madelyn. (Photo by 8SP_Simon Luethi)
-
- After dinner and the program, the evening finished with a musical performance – this year, by American singer, Gloria Gaynor, best known for the disco era hit “I Will Survive”. (Photo by 8SP_Simon Luethi)
-
- It was a very lovely evening for all. I encourage you to visit New York City’s Hudson River Park. It is a spectacular space. (Photo by 8SP_Simon Luethi)
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
