Hudson River Park’s Annual Gala has become a signature fall event and this year’s celebration turned out to be the best one yet. Hudson River Park, a true New York treasure, turned 21 years old this year. Celebrities and philanthropists alike gathered to celebrate the occasion and raised over $3 million for the completion of the park and its 550+ year-round educational, environmental, sustainability and cultural programs.
The lush night was the first official event at the newest Cipriani location, Casa Cipriani. The Italian maison took over a historic Maritime building, built in 1909 to serve as a ferry terminal. The second floor of the stunning beaux art building was completely transformed for the occasion and turned into a park, with tons of greenery, flower and a light show that took the 800 guests through the scenery of the four seasons of the year.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 17: Michael Bloomberg (L) and Lucy Liu attend the Hudson River Park Annual Gala at Cipriani South Street on October 17, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Hudson River Park)
Honorees Michael Bloomberg and Lucy Liu spoke fondly of the time they enjoy spending at the park with their families while David Chang praised the incredible work of the foundation and in rejuvenating the whole West Side.
“It’s hard because in New York City you’re in your apartment, it’s so much smaller than everywhere else and there’s no backyard, there’s no area to play in. This is an amazing opportunity to generate a generation of people who understand the outdoors,” said actor and philanthropist Lucy Liu on the red carpet. “New York is obviously a very cosmopolitan city and one of the wealthiest cities in the world so the fact that people would come here tonight and give back is an enormous benefit for the entire city and community.” She also shared more about her past “I grew up in a very low income house so I feel honored to be a part of this and honor children.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 17: David Chang attends the Hudson River Park Annual Gala at Cipriani South Street on October 17, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Hudson River Park)
“Hudson River Park is one of the most vibrant and beautiful places in the city, and it’s growing greener and greater every single day thanks to the Trust and all of you,” said Michael R. Bloomberg as he accepted his honor. “When you go home tonight, look in the mirror. If you’ve supported Hudson River Park, you can smile knowing that you’ve made a difference for everyone in this city, and you’ve made a difference for yourselves.
City parks and open space improve our physical and psychological health, strengthen our communities, and make our cities and neighborhoods more attractive places to live and work. Numerous studies have shown the social, environmental, economic, and health benefits parks bring to a city and its people. Hudson River Park has also served as an important catalyst for economic development and job creation. Over the past decade, it has attracted $3 billion in new construction at 94 new buildings in adjacent neighborhoods. The inspiration for numerous waterfront parks, city- and nation-wide, Hudson River Park represents the next great era in the history of urban parks — the birth of the waterfront park.
The evening was presented by Alexandria Real Estate, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Centaur Properties, Chicago Title Insurance Company, Hudson Yards, Lalezarian Properties, Midtown Equities and Newmark Knight Frank. The Gala was produced by JWP. Sandra Bernhard was the host and Jake Shears performed.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 17: Tyler Cameron attends the Hudson River Park Annual Gala at Cipriani South Street on October 17, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Hudson River Park)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 17: David Chang attends the Hudson River Park Annual Gala at Cipriani South Street on October 17, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Hudson River Park)
