Hudson River Park Friends Raises Nearly $400,000 at 7th Annual Playground Committee Luncheon

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 03: Connie Fishman speaks onstage during the Hudson River Park Friends 7th Annual Playground Committee Luncheon at Current at Chelsea Piers on March 03, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Hudson River Park Friends)

Hudson River Park Friends hosted their 7th Annual Playground Committee Luncheon on March 3rd at the Current at Pier 59 in New York City. 

This year’s luncheon theme was Stay Wild and was hosted by Al Roker, the Weather Anchor of NBC’s Today, and honored actress and author Jill Kargman and Zara Terez Tisch, the Founder, and CEO of Terez. They were both acknowledged for their accomplishments as parents and leaders in their communities; while actively engaging and supporting Hudson River Park and its initiatives. Hudson River Park is not a city park and is privately funded through donations and community support. Events like this help fund the upkeep and overall maintenance needed to keep Hudson River Park flourishing. The park is 550 acres of green land surrounded by water and enjoyed by millions of New Yorkers. 

At this year’s luncheon, there was a live auction led by Harry Santa-Olalla, which featured premier restaurants within Hudson River Park, such as City Winery and Grand Banks. As well as popular sports bundles that include meeting the pros at the US Open and the ultimate New York Sports Fan package. These auctioned experiences helped Hudson River Park Friends raise nearly $400,000, which will help fund 550+ free programs and events. In addition to the auction, members from the committee announced the openings of new amenities at Pier 57, the reopening of Chelsea Waterside Park, and the grand openings of Gansevoort Peninsula and Pier 97. These additions will bring nearly eight acres of new green spaces to people in New York City. 

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