May 03th, 2023

At The Central Park

The Central Park Conservancy Women’s Committee Celebrates the 41st Annual Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon

Cherished Spring event raised over $4.3 million in support of Central Park.

On Wednesday, May 3rd, the Central Park Conservancy’s Women’s Committee hosted their sold-out, annual Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon, raising $4.3 million to support the Conservancy’s enduring mission to maintain the Park as a respite for all New Yorkers and visitors.

The iconic event, generously supported by Presenting Sponsor Harry Winston Inc., is a celebration of Central Park and shines a spotlight on the public’s support of the Conservancy’s work to maintain and care for the Park. The event was also 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, as well as Luncheon Co-Chairs Kathryn Beal, Kristy Korngold, Melanie McLennan, and Suzy Welch, who welcomed over 1250 guests to the tent in the Conservatory Garden.

“The Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon is a celebration of Central Park and of the Central Park Conservancy’s mission to protect it every day of the year,” said Betsy Smith, President and CEO, Central Park Conservancy. “I am grateful to Jenny and the entire Women’s Committee for their steadfast work and support of the Conservancy and for making this annual luncheon as impactful for the Park as ever.”

The afternoon kicked off with a convivial reception in the Italianate Center Garden with guests gathering around the fountain and pergola. Following, attendees dined with longtime friends and supporters of the Park. This year, former Women’s Committee President, Yesim Philip, the Conservancy’s historian emerita, Sara Cedar Miller, and longtime Conservancy supporter Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, represented by Ira Millstein, Barry Wolf, and Eoghan Keenan, were honored for their exemplary commitment to the organization.  "The Women’s Committee provides invaluable support for the Central Park Conservancy’s essential work in preserving New York’s most iconic landmark,” said Jenny Price, Women’s Committee President. “Congratulations to this year’s honorees Yesim Philip, Sara Cedar Miller, and Weil, Gotshal & Manges for their continued advocacy of the Conservancy.”

Guests included Michael Bloomberg, Misty Copeland, Katie Couric, Mariska Hargitay, Patti Harris, Anne Harrison, Nina Garcia, Alexia Leuschen, Andy Lew, Amy Miller Madry, Nelle Miller, Gillian

Miniter, Margo M. Nederlander, Amelia Ogunlesi, Christine Schwarzman, Martha Stewart, Stellene Volandes, and Ali Wentworth.

The Women’s Committee, in partnership with the Central Park Conservancy, is a community of philanthropists with a passion for preserving and enhancing Central Park. For nearly four decades, the Women’s Committee has raised funds for the reconstruction of major Park landmarks, including the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, the re-creation of the urns at Bow Bridge, and the restoration of the Conservatory Garden.

The chic, garden-themed fabric for the tablecloths was provided by Scalamandré and each guest received a signature luncheon umbrella donated by Wathne, Inc. Whispering Angel rosé was generously donated by Château d’Esclans. Central Park Conservancy volunteer hats were designed and donated by Patricia Underwood. The luncheon was catered by Abigail Kirsch Catering Relationships, with festive spring décor by Andrew Pascoe.

Photos by AnnieWattAgency.com

Photo on the cover: Susan Magrino, Martha Stewart

Photos below:

Jenny Price, Melanie McLennan, Suzy Welch, Kristy Korngold

Kathryn Beal

Sarvin Tarifi, Amy Miller Madry

Barry Wolf, Karen Wolf

Jamee Gregory

Tiffany Gardner

Heather Delaney

Anna Kennedy, Eleanora Kennedy

Sharon Jacob

Fe Fendi, Alessia Saracino Fendi

Lara Meiland-Shaw

Sarah Wetenhall, Nick Mele

Katherine Gage Boulud

Sara Beltran, Caterina Heil

Ali Wentworth,  Mariska Hargitay

Sylvester Miniter, Gillian Miniter

Emilia Saint-Amand, Sheila Labrecque

 Muffy Miller

Crystal McCrary

Natalie Stange,  Katrina Robinson

Lu-Shawn Thompson, Tricia Lee

Maggie Gold Seelig, Alison Bernstein

Ranika Cohen, Shana Gary

Sharon Teles, Mariko LeBaron, Arlety Bowman

Katie Peek Tochilin,  Liz Peek

Racquel Oden,  Karen Phillips

Amelia Ogunlesi, Tina Shang Storper

Nina Yacavino, Andrew Yu

Mary Bryant McCourt, Stephanie Pistille, Hayden Hosford