Ladies who lunch raise big money for the things that really matter!
The annual Hudson River Parks luncheon celebrated a decade of festive afternoons with the beloved Playground Committee luncheon and turned a day of fun into a remarkable effort to make NYC amazing by raising $500K for the cause.
Honored during the day were the phenomenal women Melissa Ben-Ishay, Catherine Holstein and Kelly Molinari.
“I promise I will keep showing up for this city, for this community and for every single moment that deserves to be a little sweeter,” said Ben-Ishay, founder of Baked By Melissa. She was honored for her contributions to the region as she complimented the on-going efforts of Hudson River Parks.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 06: Martha Hunt (2nd L), Lauren Pratapas Legittino (2nd R) and guests attend the Hudson River Park Friends 10th Annual Playground Committee Luncheon at Tribeca 360 on March 06, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Friends of Hudson River Park)
The day was the ultimate glow up and saw guests shinning and rising to the opportunity to help the worthy cause.
Hosted by CBS News’s Naomi Ruchim, Hudson River Park Friends honored Melissa Ben-Ishay, CEO & Co-Founder of Baked by Melissa and New York Times Bestselling Author; Catherine Holstein, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of KHAITE; and Kelly Molinari, Vice President, U.S., Public Affairs, L’Oréal Groupe, the day at Tribeca Rooftop will contribute to the significant efforts of the foundation.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 06: (L-R) Amy Molinaro and Kelly Molinari attend Hudson River Park Friends 10th Annual Playground Committee Luncheon at Tribeca 360 on March 06, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Friends of Hudson River Park)
Notables like Martha Stewart, Martha Hunt, Aditi Banga, Daisy Toye, New York City Council Member Gale Brewer, Eleonora Srugo, State Senator Erik Bottcher, Gillian Del Zotto, Ilana Wiles, Krista Nickols, Kristin Kumar, Maria Dueñas Jacobs, Melissa Gottesman, Rebecca Jarvis, District Leader Robert Gottheim, Sarah Blakley-Cartwright, New York State Assembly Member Tony Simone, Vanessa de Viel Castel and others gathered to make the day a moment in the books for Big Apple philanthropy.
They came to play and they played big with a live auction hosted by Caitlin Davis that saw funds swimming in to the organization.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 06: (L-R) Bari Yukelson and Melissa Ben-Ishay appear onstage during the Hudson River Park Friends 10th Annual Playground Committee Luncheon at Tribeca 360 on March 06, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Friends of Hudson River Park)
Playground Committee Co-Presidents are Jenny Miller Dutton and Jill Simpson were there as well to glow it up and inspire individual partygoers to support one of the most important causes in Gotham.
Luncheon Co-Chairs: Caroline Bliss Spencer, Valerie Doherty, Hayan Kim Lee, Lauren P. Legittino, Becca Mignanelli, Hanna Richheimer, Naomi Ruchim, Cassandra Ryan and Alexis Tarlow were also on site and helped emphasis the mission statement that proves time and time again to support the community in the most profoundly positive way imaginable.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 06: A view of atmosphere during Hudson River Park Friends 10th Annual Playground Committee Luncheon at Tribeca 360 on March 06, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Friends of Hudson River Park)
Funds raised will help the Park continue to grow and illuminate the lives of millions, including supporting the five innovative playgrounds that promote movement, creativity, imagination and learning. Their popularity means constant upkeep, including the 4,000-square-foot Pier 26 Science Playground where children can climb, slide, and be inspired by wildlife and Hudson River habitat. This much-lauded amenity was made possible with the help of the Playground Committee and a $3.5 million fundraising campaign undertaken by Hudson River Park Friends.
The Playground Committee Luncheon’s Park Sponsors were Hudson Square Properties, L’Oréal Groupe and Turner Construction Company. Gift Bags were sponsored by Elliston Pediatrics and the event’s Models & Bottles were sponsored by Doherty Enterprises and Tombolo. Guests also enjoyed aura readings from Ignite Your Aura and organic aromatherapy blending from Scentonomy.
For more information on how you can be a part of this incredible cause, please visit HERE.
