Have you ever been to Hudson River Park? It 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.
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. Last week, hundreds of dedicated supporters gathered to celebrate the Park’s continued growth and its many members, visitors, volunteers, staff, and partners at the annual Hudson River Park Gala. The event raised more than $2.5 million to support the Park’s initiatives and care. The evening included cocktails followed by dinner, a live auction, and a musical performance at Manhattan's Chelsea Piers overlooking the Hudson River. It was a beautiful evening and a successful event.
Enjoy these photos.
I am a big supporter of Hudson River Park. When my grandchildren were younger, my family and I spent lots of time enjoying its playgrounds and waterfront views. I am also on the Board of Hudson River Park Friends – an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to the development, care, and enhancement of the space, and the designated fundraising partner of the Hudson River Park Trust. (Photo courtesy HRPF)
Hudson River Park includes 550 land and water acres of reconstructed piers, an Estuarine Sanctuary, display gardens, expansive lawns, athletic fields, playgrounds, dog runs, esplanades, public sculptures, and relaxing sitting areas along Manhattan’s West Side.(Photo courtesy HRPF)
Millions of visitors come to Hudson River Park each year to enjoy its waterfront views and public spaces. (Photo courtesy HRPF)
Hudson River Park continues to evolve. Pier 97 is now open. Hudson River Park’s northernmost pier brings 2.5 acres of open space for recreation and lounging to Manhattan’s West Side. Celebrating this major milestone brought together local leaders, the teams responsible for the project, and the community whose input was instrumental in informing the pier’s features and design.
Every year, I make it a point to attend the Hudson River Park Gala in New York City. It is a fun evening and an important fundraising event to support the Park’s operations and public programming, including its year-round educational, environmental, sustainability and cultural programs.
The Gala began with cocktails and oysters by the Carousel at Pier 62. Guests were then led by this jazz band and dancing group from The Juilliard School to Pier Sixty for dinner and the evening’s program. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Friends of Hudson River Park)
I attended this year’s gala with several longtime friends and colleagues including Kevin Sharkey and my attorney, Larry Shire.
Dinner started with Shrimp Jardinière with golden beets, grilled asparagus, ruby grapefruit, carrot purée and citrus gastrique.
Also sitting at my table – Daisy Schwartzberg Toye and Heather Kirkland.
Executive director of Hudson River Park Friends, Connie Fishman, addressed the audience and thanked everyone for attending. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Friends of Hudson River Park)
The Gala honored several supporters including second-generation restaurateurs Miles Pincus and Alex Pincus, Co-Founders of Grand Banks and Crew. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Friends of Hudson River Park)
Our entrée was Branzino Provençal served with lemon fennel leek confit, citrus gastrique, cauliflower purée, artichokes, kale, and maitake mushrooms.
Another honoree was the Terminal Warehouse Development Team. Here is David Levinson, Chairman & CEO of the real estate investment and development business, L&L Holding Company, which he co-founded with Robert Lapidus, accepting the team’s award. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Friends of Hudson River Park)
Madelyn Wils is the former president of the Hudson River Park Trust. She also spoke to the audience. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Friends of Hudson River Park)
Dessert was a tray of family style sweets for each table.
Gabriel Butu hosted the evening’s live auction and paddle raise.
After dinner, guests were treated to an unforgettable performance by Andy Bell of Erasure, who sang Oh L’Amour, Chains Of Love, A Little Respect and Victim of Love. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Friends of Hudson River Park)
Here I am with Andy Bell and his husband, Stephen Moss. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Friends of Hudson River Park)
And here I am with Kevin in front of the step-and-repeat banner. Kevin also lives near the Park and enjoys its gardens and spaces whenever he can. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Friends of Hudson River Park)
Before leaving, Kevin, Daisy, Dr. Daniel Belkin, and fashion designer, Suzie Kondi, and I take some fun photos with our paddles. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Friends of Hudson River Park)
It was a successful and fun evening for all. The event raised more than $2.5 million dollars for the Park. I encourage you to visit New York City’s Hudson River Park. Are you in the area this weekend? It is a spectacular space.