By: Sarah Drake
On Wednesday, May 1st, the Central Park Conservancy Women’s Committee hosted its sold-out, annual Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon. The iconic and long-running event raised a record $4.6 million for the Conservancy’s crucial work to preserve and enhance Central Park for all New Yorkers and visitors.
With generous support from Presenting Sponsor Harry Winston, Inc., the annual spring luncheon celebrates Central Park and highlights the Conservancy’s mission to maintain and care for one of New York City’s most cherished outdoor spaces. The event was additionally supported by Corporate Sponsor JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Premier Sponsor St. John.
Women’s Committee President Jenny Price was joined by Central Park Conservancy President & CEO Betsy Smith, Chair of the Conservancy’s Board Tom Kempner, and Luncheon Co-Chairs ILA Paliwal, Jennifer Saul Rich, Barbara H. Scott, and Gillian Steel. Together, they welcomed over 1,350 guests to the tent in the Conservatory Garden.
Guests included Michael Bloomberg, Katherine Gage Boulud, Michèle Brazil, Bonnie Comley, Susan M. Donoghue, Jocelyn Gailliot, Anne Harrison, Grace Hightower, Sharon Jacob, Dustee Jenkins, Andy Lew, Amy Miller Madry, Susan Magrino, Stephanie March, Nelle Miller, Gillian Miniter, Margo M. Nederlander, Deborah Norville, Amelia Ogunlesi, Daryl Roth, Fiona and Eric Rudin, Christine Schwarzman, Jenna Segal, Kathleen Tait, Stefano Tonchi, Stellene Volandes, Sarah Wetenhall, and philanthropist Jean Shafiroff.
“The Women’s Committee is honored to support the critical work of the Central Park Conservancy, which includes the ongoing restoration of the Conservatory Garden. Thanks to the commitment of the Conservancy’s staff, our supporters and all Park visitors get to enjoy these beautiful gardens,” said Jenny Price, President of the Women’s Committee of the Central Park Conservancy. “Congratulations to Diane Schaub and the Conservancy’s Garden Staff for their tireless work managing and maintaining this cherished greenspace.”
“Raising a record $4.6 million from this year’s Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon is a testament to how special and beloved Central Park and the Conservancy remain to New Yorkers,” said Betsy Smith, President & CEO, Central Park Conservancy. “I am so grateful to Jenny and the entire Women’s Committee for their dedication to the Conservancy and to preserving the Park for millions of people to enjoy.”
The afternoon kicked off with a cocktail reception in the Italian Garden with guests admiring the fountain and recently renovated pergola. They also enjoyed tours of the restored English and French Gardens. These critical renovations are part of a large-scale, multi-year project, funded in part by the Women’s Committee.
Following, attendees dined with longtime friends and supporters of the Park. Honorees Diane Schaub, Central Park Conservancy’s longtime Curator of Gardens, along with the Conservancy’s Garden Staff, were celebrated for their dedication and extraordinary efforts to keep Central Park’s unique gardens spaces of beauty and solace for all visitors.
The chic, garden-themed tablecloth fabric was provided by Scalamandré, and each guest received a signature luncheon umbrella donated by Wathne, Inc.
Guests enjoyed sipping on Whispering Angel rose ́, courtesy of Château d’Esclans, and Robert Mondavi Sauvignon Blanc, donated by the Robert Mondavi Winery. Central Park Conservancy volunteer attire was generously provided by Tuckernuck, with hats designed and donated by Patricia Underwood. The luncheon was catered by Abigail Kirsch, with festive spring décor by Andrew Pascoe Flowers.
About the Central Park Conservancy
The Central Park Conservancy is a private, not-for-profit organization that manages Central Park and is responsible for raising the Park’s annual operating budget. The Conservancy’s staff of more than 300 is responsible for all aspects of the Park’s stewardship, from day-to-day maintenance and operations to continued restoration and rebuilding projects. Additionally, the Conservancy operates the Park’s visitor centers, provides public programs, and serves as a resource for other NYC parks and for public-private partnerships around the world. For more information, please visit centralparknyc.org.
About the Women’s Committee
The Women’s Committee is a community of Central Park philanthropists with a passion for preserving and enhancing Central Park. With a membership of 1,000, the Women’s Committee has provided invaluable support and raises critical funds for the general operations of the Park. Since its inception in 1983, the Women’s Committee has raised over $225 million and enables anyone to make a personal investment in the Park. For more information, visit centralparknyc.org/womenscommittee
About Harry Winston, Inc.:
Founded in 1932 in New York City, Harry Winston has established itself as a paragon of fine jewelry and luxury watchmaking. Known as the “King of Diamonds,” Mr. Winston’s innovative approach — where the gemstones rather than the metal settings determine the design of each piece — revolutionized fine jewelry and continues to define the brand’s essence. This pioneering spirit extended to the launch of Harry Winston Timepieces in 1989. In 2010, in line with Mr. Winston’s dedication to philanthropy, Harry Winston, Inc. initiated The Harry Winston Brilliant Futures™ Charitable Program, supporting prominent organizations across its global salon network. Today, the House of Harry Winston upholds its legacy of creativity, rarity, and uncompromising quality, with salons operating worldwide.
Published by: Holy Minoza
