Hudson River Park Friends’ Playground Committee Luncheon returned for its ninth year on Friday, March 7, 2025, rallying New York’s philanthropic and athletic communities for an afternoon of giving. Held at Tribeca 360°, the event raised over $500,000 in support of Hudson River Park’s athletic fields, playgrounds, and children’s programs—a testament to the power of community-driven generosity.
Hosted by CNN Anchor Abby Phillip and NBC’s Laura Jarrett, the luncheon honored Ali Krieger, Uzma Rawn Dowler, and the Downtown United Soccer Club for their outstanding contributions to youth sports and community engagement.
“It’s truly special to be recognized alongside so many individuals and organizations that care deeply about making play, fitness, and open space accessible to all."Krieger, the two-time World Cup Champion, NWSL Champion, and ESPN Analyst.
Attendees included Ally Love, Allison Gollust, Eleonora Srugo (of Selling the City), New York State Assembly Member Tony Simone, and NYC Council Member Erik Bottcher, among others. The event featured a live auction, hosted by Caitlin Davis, with exclusive prizes from Brunello Cucinelli, Saturday Night Live, The TODAY Show, MLB, Brooklyn Nets, NY Liberty, and Gotham FC.
The Playground Committee, led by Co-Presidents Wendy Amsterdam, Jenny Miller Dutton, and Jill Simpson, continues to champion the preservation and enhancement of Hudson River Park’s play spaces, sports courts, and fields. To date, their efforts have helped raise $7 million, funding everything from renovations and maintenance to family-friendly programming and environmental education.
“Young athletes in New York City face a constant challenge when it comes to finding space to play. The funds raised at this luncheon directly impact our ability to provide safe, well-maintained fields and courts for practice, play, and competition.”Victor Rivera, Director of Youth Engagement at Hudson River Park
Hudson River Park, spanning 550 acres from Chambers Street to West 59th Street, is a privately funded green space, making philanthropic contributions vital for its upkeep. Recent additions, like the newly opened Pier 97 playground, demonstrate the Playground Committee’s impact, ensuring that New York’s children have access to state-of-the-art play areas.
With another successful luncheon behind them, Hudson River Park Friends and its Playground Committee continue to set the bar for community-driven support of public spaces. As New York’s demand for athletic facilities and green spaces grows, the commitment of donors, honorees, and supporters ensures that Hudson River Park remains a premier destination for play, sports, and exploration.
For more information on how to support Hudson River Park and its initiatives, visit www.hudsonriverpark.org.
Hudson River Park Friends’ Playground Committee Luncheon returned for its ninth year on Friday, March 7, 2025, rallying New York’s philanthropic and athletic communities for an afternoon of giving. Held at Tribeca 360°, the event raised over $500,000 in support of Hudson River Park’s athletic fields, playgrounds, and children’s programs—a testament to the power of community-driven generosity.
Hosted by CNN Anchor Abby Phillip and NBC’s Laura Jarrett, the luncheon honored Ali Krieger, Uzma Rawn Dowler, and the Downtown United Soccer Club for their outstanding contributions to youth sports and community engagement.
“It’s truly special to be recognized alongside so many individuals and organizations that care deeply about making play, fitness, and open space accessible to all."Krieger, the two-time World Cup Champion, NWSL Champion, and ESPN Analyst.
Attendees included Ally Love, Allison Gollust, Eleonora Srugo (of Selling the City), New York State Assembly Member Tony Simone, and NYC Council Member Erik Bottcher, among others. The event featured a live auction, hosted by Caitlin Davis, with exclusive prizes from Brunello Cucinelli, Saturday Night Live, The TODAY Show, MLB, Brooklyn Nets, NY Liberty, and Gotham FC.
The Playground Committee, led by Co-Presidents Wendy Amsterdam, Jenny Miller Dutton, and Jill Simpson, continues to champion the preservation and enhancement of Hudson River Park’s play spaces, sports courts, and fields. To date, their efforts have helped raise $7 million, funding everything from renovations and maintenance to family-friendly programming and environmental education.
“Young athletes in New York City face a constant challenge when it comes to finding space to play. The funds raised at this luncheon directly impact our ability to provide safe, well-maintained fields and courts for practice, play, and competition.”Victor Rivera, Director of Youth Engagement at Hudson River Park
Hudson River Park, spanning 550 acres from Chambers Street to West 59th Street, is a privately funded green space, making philanthropic contributions vital for its upkeep. Recent additions, like the newly opened Pier 97 playground, demonstrate the Playground Committee’s impact, ensuring that New York’s children have access to state-of-the-art play areas.
With another successful luncheon behind them, Hudson River Park Friends and its Playground Committee continue to set the bar for community-driven support of public spaces. As New York’s demand for athletic facilities and green spaces grows, the commitment of donors, honorees, and supporters ensures that Hudson River Park remains a premier destination for play, sports, and exploration.
For more information on how to support Hudson River Park and its initiatives, visit www.hudsonriverpark.org.
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