May 03th, 2024

NYC Hat Luncheon

On May 1st the weather was a perfect 75 degrees and sunny for the 42nd Annual Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon which was held in the Park’s Conservatory Garden on 105th Street and Fifth Avenue. Socialites donned theirfinest fascinators and raised $4.6 million, at the famed luncheon, better known among the upper crust as “the hat lunch.” Guests at the chic event included Gillian and Sylvester Miniter, Serena Miniter, Elyse Newhouse, Emilia Fanjul, Missie Rennie Taylor, Laurie Tisch, Eleanor and her daughter Anna Kennedy, Danielle Rollins, Susan Magrino, Catherine Carey, Kathy Prounis,Sharon Hoge, Mary Bryant McCourt, Ann Van Ness, Kamie Lightburn, Muffie Potter Aston, Fe Fendi, Karen Klopp, Janna Bullock, designer Lela Rose, Peggy Siegal, Mark Gilbertson, Margo Nederlander, Katherine Gage Boulud, Ramona Singer, Robyn and her daughter Caroline Joseph, and “Law &Order” star Stephanie March, among others. Former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who hits the event annually, didn’t wear a hat for the occasion, but sang the praises for the park.

Shannon, Here’a little history provided by David Patrick Columbia, published in today’s New York Social Diary...

It is set behind the Vanderbilt (entrance) Gate that originally was made for the Cornelius Vanderbilt II’s mansion that covered the west side of the block (where Bergdorf Goodman and van Cleef & Arpels are located today). And the actual luncheon is held under a massive white tent on the central lawn. This is an important fundraiser because it finances the general upkeep of the Park as well as developing the various aspects of this beautiful center of the city. The woods rightin the middle of town.

Before the Women’s Committee was created by Phyllis Cerf Wagner, Norma Dana, Maggie Purnell, and Jean Clark back in 1983, the Park had been in a long developing state of neglect and general lack of interest. We now in the new century have got used to seeing how impeccably the Park is maintained for everyone. We can even take it for granted because of the work the Committee maintains and even develops. All from the initial efforts of four women.

Photo Credit: Annie Watt