The Central Park Conservancy - Evening In The Garden
New York City is the greatest city in the world -- at least in my eyes. However, New York would quickly lose its status as number one if it weren’t for Central Park. This 842.6 acre park in the center of Manhattan is home to ballfields, tennis courts, handball courts, playgrounds, ice skating rinks, boat rentals, swimming pools, running trails, and more. When I think about my fondest memories in New York, having picnics and people watching in Central Park with my friends comes to the forefront of my mind. Central Park fosters community, physical activity, and serves as a needed escape from the concrete jungle that is New York City.
On Wednesday, June 19, over 500 New Yorkers ventured to the Central Park’s Conservatory Garden to attend the14th annual Evening in the Garden, the flagship summer benefit hosted by the Greensward Circle, the Central Park Conservancy’s network of young professionals. The event raised over $100,000 in support of the Conservancy’s mission to restore, maintain, and enhance Central Park.
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 is responsible for all aspects of the Park’s stewardship, from day-to-day maintenance and operations to continued restoration and rebuilding projects. The Conservancy also 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. The Greensward Circle is a group of philanthropists committed to preserving Central Park for future generations through annual support.
Every aspect of the evening was a display of excellence. Delicious dishes were served, my personal favorite was the modern South Asian street food provided by The MasalaWala. Dessert was provided by the infamous Georgetown Cupcakes and Dorée’s Spirited Sorbet Scoops from Erv’s on Beekman. The little rain that fell that night only enhanced the experience, the mist made the gardens appear even more lush and mystical. The fog covered park coupled with the live jazz created a dream like experience.
The Evening in the Garden was a picturesque event, filled with mouthwatering food and drink, excellent music, and wonderful outfits. Most notably, however, Evening in the Garden helps maintain New York’s most celebrated park by bringing together young philanthropists.
Photo credit: Neil Rasmus/BFA.com
