NEW YORK, NY(SMI-WIRE,10.16.17) – The stars aligned for the 19th annual Hudson River Park Friends Gala on Thursday evening, October 12, 2017. Hollywood legends Robert De Niroand Mike Myers, along with hundreds of Park supporters streamed onto Hudson River Park’s Pier Sixty as it transformed into a glittering and green wonderland, mirroring the 4-mile Hudson River Park.
 
The sold-out fundraiser raised nearly $200,000 more for the Park than last year’s gala, all benefiting the city’s premier riverfront Park, which, unlike city and state parks, is not supported by government funds for its operations and maintenance. This star-studded annual event helps ensure the Park’s vibrant future and continued growth.
 
The evening commenced at Hudson River Park's Carousel on Pier 62, where patrons enjoyed a dazzling waterfront fireboat show and festive pre-gala cocktails before the Cobra Performing Arts Marching Band led the lively procession of 1,000 guests into a grand dinner and program at Pier Sixty.
 
Mike Myers welcomed the crowd to the celebration and was on hand later that evening to help cheer on patrons during the auction. Seth Meyers, comedian and host of The Late Show with Seth Meyers, entertained the crowd after dinner and introduced philanthropist and former Mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg, who presented Academy Award-winning actor Robert De Niro with a dedicated Park bench for his steadfast support. Gala Co-Chair, Mike Novogratz took to the stage to honor Justin Sadrian, Managing Director at Warburg Pincus and Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of Hudson River Park Friends, followed by Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Alicia Glen, who celebrated Michael L. Corbat, CEO of Citi, for their generosity and commitment to the Park. Seth Meyers and Mike Myers kicked off the exuberant live auction where guests bid on exclusive experiences donated by Meyers, De Niro, Gloria Gaynor and long-time Friends Board Member and Park champion Martha Stewart.
 
Additional special guests included Power actress Katherine Narducci, model Coco Rocha, prominent elected officials Assemblyman Richard Gottfried, NY State Senator Brad Hoylman, and CIty Councilmember Corey Johnson.
 
Following the program, the elegant dining room opened to reveal a dance floor and raucous after-party where Grammy Award-winning recording artist Gloria Gaynor graced the stage while guests danced along to her iconic “I Will Survive” against the stunning backdrop of the Hudson River. The evening concluded with a set under the stars by DJ Bill Coleman. 
Hudson River Park Friends’ 19th Annual Gala was produced by Josh Woods Productions.  
 
 
About Hudson River Park
Hudson River Park, which extends from Chambers Street to 59th Street along Manhattan’s west side, is the longest waterfront park in the United States. This free, urban recreational oasis is home to award-winning skate parks, playgrounds, sports fields, gardens and nature exhibits, boating and maritime activities, art installations, and myriad year-round events that celebrate the diverse cultures and neighborhoods along its shores. The Park plays a critical role in protecting the Hudson River ecosystem, and though it receives no public operating funds from state and local government, its development has transformed four miles of decaying piers and parking lots into a premier New York City destination for local residents and visitors alike. The non-profit, Hudson River Park Friends helps to ensure the Park’s ongoing sustainability by serving as its primary source of fundraising, advocacy and support, working in concert with the Hudson River Park Trust, the city-state entity that oversees its design, construction, operation and maintenance.