Last Thursday night, we celebrated a milestone event: Hudson River Park’s 20th Anniversary Gala. Bringing together more than 1,000 of HRPK’s most enthusiastic supporters and honored leaders, attendees rejoiced in how far our waterfront has come in two short decades and toasted to the exciting future that lies ahead—all while raising $3.2 million dollars to support our west side backyard.
We’re grateful to our presenting sponsor, RXR, and to all who attended and supported us in making our 20th Anniversary Gala a momentous success. A special thank you to all who have donated to our 20th Anniversary Fund—it’s not too late to make your mark on this major Park milestone!
This year’s #HRPKGala began with cocktails at Hudson River Park’s scenic Pier 60 in Chelsea Piers. HRPK Sunset on the Hudson favorites, Manhattan Samba’s high-energy percussionists and performers danced the crowd into dinner, where elegant décor greeted guests as they took their seats.
The evening’s dinner program abounded with moments of laughter, song and jubilation. Host Jay Leno kept us entertained throughout the evening as we celebrated the incredible transformation Hudson River Park has achieved in its first twenty years. We celebrated our three esteemed honorees—Award-winning Actor, Claire Danes; Deputy Mayor of the City of New York and Vice Chair of Hudson River Park Trust, Alicia Glen; and Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of RXR Realty LLC, Scott Rechler—whose remarks inspired the crowd and paid homage to the Park.
Natalie Merchant captivated the room with a soulful and emotional performance, invoking her love of the Hudson River, and a lively auction led by Lydia Fenet brought cheers from the room as bidders competed for lots from Martha Stewart, Jay Leno, the Whitney Museum and more. We closed out the evening with a striking tribute to the Park piers’ earlier years as House of Gorgeous voguers took to the dancefloor—a fitting finale to an evening of unparalleled celebration!
We are fortunate to benefit from such a generous and dedicated Park community—donors, Friends, advocates, volunteers and Park patrons. It’s your support that helps ensure that HRPK remains beautiful, safe, clean and green, enhancing the lives of New Yorkers for many decades to come.
Want a closer look at our 20th Anniversary Gala celebration? Check out our #HRPKGala Gallery!
