A little dash of disco fun at the Hudson River Park Friends 2026 Gala helped dazzle the fundraising affair as it raised $2.2 million for essential park care and park programs.
Pier Sixty turned into a mecca of fun and fundraising with a 70s themed event on Oct. 8. as the annual beloved gala celebrated the four-mile-long oasis in the neighborhood. Three decades of waterfront transformation were honored with the financial support that will proudly go toward the Park’s 400+ free events and programs, the maintenance of its landscapes and gardens, STEM education and marine science research, habitat restoration and critical Park maintenance.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 08: On The Move Entertainment performs onstage at the Hudson River Park Friends 2026 Gala at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers on October 08, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Friends of Huson River Park)
Grooving to the beat of the 70s era helped set the fun tone for the soiree that danced up the revitalization that Hudson River Park has brought to Manhattan’s far West Side. Guests gathered in where they enjoyed cocktails, dinner, and the evening’s program. Citi; Gansevoort Square Partners: Douglaston, Kinwood, MDRDV and CetraRuddy; and Ryan Serhant, Founder & CEO of SERHANT were all honored at the dazzling party.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 08: Anthony Shorris (2nd R) presents an award to Steven Charno (C) during the Hudson River Park Friends 2026 Gala at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers on October 08, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Friends of Hudson River Park)
“It’s always such a joy to gather with hundreds of our most generous and passionate Hudson River Park supporters at our annual Gala,” said Connie Fishman, Executive Director of Hudson River Park Friends. “I’m incredibly grateful to our outstanding Honorees, dedicated Board of Directors and amazing Friends’ donors, whose generosity and support made the evening an extraordinary success and truly one to remember.” Eri
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 08: (L-R) Michael Bloomberg and Diana Taylor attend the Hudson River Park Friends 2026 Gala at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers on October 08, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Friends of Hudson River Park)
Additional attendees included Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Diana Taylor, Ronny Chieng, Congressman Jerry Nadler, New York State Senator Erik Bottcher, Daisy Toye, Emilia Serhant, Jennifer Fisher, Kelley Heyer, Evan Lazarus, and others.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 08: (L-R) Hannah Pham, Ronny Chieng, Noreen Doyle and Jeffrey LeFrancois attend the Hudson River Park Friends 2026 Gala at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers on October 08, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Friends of Huson River Park)
Auctioneer Gabriel Butu energized the evening’s fundraising with a spirited cash call and live auction. Highlights included a luxurious seven-night stay in a private Tuscan villa for up to eight guests, two nights in the Hudson River Suite at Faena New York with luxury amenities including a spa experience, and an hour-long, one-on-one or group learning session with Gala Honoree Ryan Serhant to learn the pitch, negotiation and closing tools he uses to run SERHANT.
Other offerings from the auction included one-of-a-kind experiences, such as a party for ten at the Captain’s Table aboard the Sherman Zwicker – the historic wooden schooner home to Grand Banks, a seven-night stay — surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean — on the beautiful island of Lampedusa, two nights with dinner at the Canoe Place Inn & Cottages — once a Hamptons haven for icons from the Roosevelts to Babe Ruth, a timeless John Hardy Icon Chain bracelet and more.
Gala Co-Chairs for the evening include Diana L. Taylor & Michael R. Bloomberg, Kara & Patrick Dennis, Emily Yoder & Morgan Johnson, Sarah & Sean Lambert, Erica & Sam Martini and Krista & Mike Nickols.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 08: Erik Bottcher attends the Hudson River Park Friends 2026 Gala at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers on October 08, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Friends of Hudson River Park)
The 2026 Gala Host Committee includes Susanna B. Aaron & Gary Ginsberg, Anthony Borelli, Kaija & Peter Braus, Ben Brown, Euxhenia Hodo, Mark Krivelevich, Brandon Price, Julia E. Schmidt, Haley & David Schwartz, Ronald A. Treveloni, Jr. and David Zussman.
The 2026 Gala Honorary Committee includes Matt Bomer and Simon Halls, Andy Cohen, Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy, Lea DeLaria, Hugh Jackman, Lucy Liu, Desi Lydic, Hannah Pham and Ronny Chieng, Martin Short and Martha Stewart.
Hudson River Park Friends is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the completion, care, enhancement and ongoing sustainability of Hudson River Park. Serving as the Park’s designated fundraising and advocacy partner, Hudson River Park Friends generates necessary private support to guarantee that this vital destination for millions of park lovers continues to flourish and grow. For more information about Hudson River Park, please visit hudsonriverpark.org.
