Hudson River Park continues to be one of the most vibrant spaces in New York City. I encourage you to visit the next time you're in the area - you will see why it is so special.
Last week, more than 800 dedicated supporters gathered to celebrate the park’s growth and near completion at the 21st annual Hudson River Park Gala. The event was held at Cipriani South Street and featured a delicious dinner and live auction. This year, it raised three-million dollars to support the Park’s operations and public programming, including its more than 550 year-round educational, environmental, sustainability and cultural programs. The evening also honored three individuals for their dedication to the Park - former New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, Chef David Chang and actor, director and artist, Lucy Liu. 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.
Enjoy these photos.
Here I am at the 21st annual Hudson River Park Gala. I am a very big supporter of the Hudson River Park – my family and I have spent lots of time enjoying its playgrounds and waterfront views. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
The Gala was held on the second floor of the former Battery Maritime Building – the historic ferry terminal to Governors Island. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
This is the large receiving hall. Hundreds of supporters were in attendance. It is always so nice to see such a large and enthusiastic crowd. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
Cipriani South Street is the latest addition to the Cipriani collection of New York City Landmark properties. One of Manhattan’s finest examples of Beaux-Art design, the building’s complex includes this Great Hall that seats up to 800 guests. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
In this photo – Board Chair of Hudson River Park Friends, Michael Novogratz, and his wife Sukey Novogratz, and Hudson River Park Friends Vice-Chair, Scott Lawin. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
Here, the event producer, Josh Wood, poses with Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
Chef and Honoree, David Chang, stops for this photo with his wife, Grace. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
Lydia Fenet was the evening’s auctioneer. She is Christie’s leading charity auctioneer and the author of the book, “The Most Powerful Woman in the Room Is You: Command an Audience and Sell Your Way to Success.” (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
The dinner’s entree included Chilean sea bass alla Carlina, rosemary “smashed” potatoes and a bundle of asparagus with leeks.
Our dessert was a delicious lemon meringue with mixed berries tart.
Here I am congratulating Michael Bloomberg. On his left is Honoree Lucy Liu and on his right is Michael’s longtime girlfriend and Chair of Hudson River Park Trust Board of Directors, Diana Taylor. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
Actress Sandra Bernhard hosted the Hudson River Park Gala this year. She welcomed the guests and thanked everyone for attending. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
Michael also addressed the audience and spoke about the importance of the Park and its loyal supporters. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
One by one, each of the three Honorees was called to the stage to speak about their devotion to and work for the park. Here is Michael Bloomberg. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
Followed by David, distinguished chef and founder of Momofuku. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
Honoree Lucy Liu also took to the stage. Behind her is a “four seasons wall” featuring flowers in the colors of winter, spring summer and fall. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
After dinner, an auction was held to raise money for the Hudson River Park projects. Lydia Fenet led a very lively auction. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
Lydia also called me up to promote my auction item – a breakfast prepared by me and a horseback ride with me at my Bedford, New York farm. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
The evening was enjoyed by all who attended. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
Here I am with Michael and David.
To close the evening – a performance from Jake Shears and his band, Scissor Sisters. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
The Hudson River Park Gala was a huge success raising three-million dollars for the Park’s programming. If you want to know more about the HRP, please go to the web site linked above. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)