Big doins. On Monday, January 30th, the Playground Partners of Central Park Conservancy’s Women’s Committee held its Annual Winter Luncheon, raising over $310,000 to maintain the beloved Park’s 21 playgrounds.
The funds raised by Playground Partners and their Winter Luncheon are vital to keep Central Park’s playgrounds a reprieve for New York children, families, and visitors alike, ensuring the safety and daily care of these cherished play spaces. The early afternoon event was generously supported by Presenting Sponsor Harry Winston, Inc. for a second year and Jimmy Choo as the Premier Sponsor.
A lively talk by Lydia Fenet, Founder & CEO of Lydia Fenet Agency, entertained and inspired attendees. As a globally recognized author, speaker, and charity auctioneer, Lydia shared insightful tips on the power of connecting with your most authentic self and with the community around you.
Women’s Committee President Jenny Price and the Central Park Conservancy’s CEO Betsy Smith were joined by Event Co-Chairs Anna Bender-Zeckendorf, Sarah Blais, Brooke Fadale, Gillian Hearst, and Ji Park Kwak, as well as Playground Partners Co-Chairs Kate Lauprete and Stephanie X. Stamas.
The mission of the Central Park Conservancy Playground Partners is to maintain the quality and cleanliness of Central Park’s 21 playgrounds. The funds they raise go directly towards the preservation, care, and daily inspection of these play spaces. For more information on Playground Partners, please visit centralparknyc.org/playgroundpartners.
Down in Palm Beach, Findlay Galleries, the iconic family-owned art business founded in 1870, hosted a kickoff cocktail reception for supporters and friends of Lighthouse Guild’s upcoming annual Visionary Evening Dinner at Club Colette on February 26, 2024. The gala evening will honor philanthropist/art collector, Beth DeWoody; renowned photographer, Firooz Zahedi, and Palm Beach Symphony’s Maestro Gerard Schwarz.
Nearly 100 guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and feasted their eyes on works of art by Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masters, including “Spirit of Belvoir,” a special exhibition of paintings of the historic landmark castle in England, painted by Contemporary British Impressionist, Charles Neal.
James Borynack, CEO and Chairman of Findlay Galleries welcomed the guests and introduced Marc Rosen, Founder of the Palm Beach Friends of Lighthouse Guild, who offered words of thanks, and introduced Dr. Calvin W. Roberts, President and CEO of Lighthouse Guild.
“When I look at the beautiful paintings here, I realize how grateful I am for the gift of sight, and cannot think of a better location to continue Lighthouse Guild’s “Salute to the Arts” campaign,” said Dr. Roberts, who thanked reception hosts Borynack and his partner, Adolfo Zaralegui, and Jackie Weld Drake for hosting the Annual Tea in December. He expressed Lighthouse Guild’s delight in honoring DeWoody, Zahedi and Schwarz at the Visionary Dinner that will feature a live performance by Cabaret artists, Billy Stritch and Seth Sikes.
Dr. Roberts highlighted Lighthouse Guild’s evolution into becoming a leading provider of comprehensive services for people who are blind or visually impaired, and emphasized its commitment to utilizing and leveraging technology and Artificial Intelligence to enhance productivity and foster independence among those it serves.
After the cocktail reception, Borynack and Zaralegui hosted a by-invitation dinner for major donors at Club Colette.
Lighthouse Guild is dedicated to providing exceptional services that inspire people who are visually impaired to attain their goals. The organization provides coordinated care for eye health, vision rehabilitation, behavioral health and technology as well as related services. Its podcast series, “On Tech & Vision with Dr. Cal Roberts” offers information and insights about technological innovations that remove barriers for people who are blind or visually impaired. For more information, visit Lighthouseguild.org
