On November 20, the Central Park Conservancy Gala brought together over 400 guests for an enchanting evening in the heart of Manhattan. With unseasonably warm weather and vibrant autumn leaves still on display, attendees relished the chance to stroll through the park before arriving at the event’s elegant tent at Rumsey Playfield near 72nd Street.
The gala, led by Betsy Smith, president and CEO of the Conservancy, along with co-chairs Evelyn and David McCabe, Melanie and Matthew McLennan, Gillian and Sylvester Miniter, and Mo Sakurai and Harry Taylor, embraced this year’s theme: Fortune’s Fête. The night was brimming with celestial and mystical purple elements, from astrological-inspired decor to interactive experiences. Guests indulged in creative touches like crystal ball-shaped desserts that revealed chocolate cake inside and lined up for palm readings, hoping to glimpse their fortunes in love, luck, and success.
Fortune’s Fête guests spotted under the tent and on the dance floor included Eric Goldie, Jeremy Batsoff, Bonnie Comley, Stewart F. Lane, Muffy Potter Ashton, Amanda Taylor, Nev Snook, Zach Weis, Kelly Kushnir, Sarvin Parifi, Samantha Cucciniello, Jeff Hirsh, Brittany Beyer Harwin, Zachary Harwin, Megan Melbourne, Leslie Feldman, Anne Heitner, Kenneth Heitner, Betsey Smith, Luke Laumann, Eoghan Keenan, Elyse Newhouse, Alessia Fendi, and Fe Fendi among others.
Harry Winston, Inc. sponsored the evening, and the gala raised over $1.2 million to further the Conservancy’s mission of preserving Central Park as a peaceful haven. “The Fall Gala is an opportunity to celebrate the bond Central Park creates within our city,” said Smith. “It’s a night to appreciate this treasure that enriches many lives. Our many patrons under tonight’s tent are our honorees, and we thank you!”
Following a dinner and cocktails provided by William Grant & Sons, the Young Associates took the reins with a spirited dessert-and-dance party, co-chaired by Zachary Weiss and others. The night concluded with an exclusive after-party at the newly opened Casa Tua in The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel, leaving guests with memories of an evening filled with joy and generosity, all to support New York City’s beautiful Central Park.
