Hudson River Park Friends hosted their annual Gala on October 13th at Pier Sixty in Hudson River Park.
The evening celebrated the continuous donations and help from people within the community who keep the park flourishing. This year’s Gala raised $2.6 million, which supports the park’s 250+ free events and programs. As well as the maintenance of landscapes and gardens and the future care of new park areas under construction including Gansevoort Peninsula and Pier 97, which will add another eight acres of open green space to New York City in 2023.
The entire event was hosted by comedian and talk show host Michelle Collins who kept guests entertained throughout the night. In addition to the dinner and the live-action, Hudson River Park Friends took time to honor Hudson yards, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, and Michael E. Novogratz, who was the first recipient of the Chair’s Leadership Award for his decade-long service to the group. There was also a special performance by Mavis Staples to end the night
Organizations like Hudson River Park Friends are important to the sustainability of the park’s overall growth and maintenance, all donations raised are redistributed into the park. The 550 Fund offers support to Care for Every Acre, to help the Park’s public education, free performing arts programs, environmental sustainability, and horticulture maintenance. The entire event was filled with people sharing their appreciation for the organization and the individuals who help in preserving the park’s beauty.