If there’s one thing a certain echelon of New York women knows how to do, it’s lunch—and do so with an effortless blend of elegance and impact. On March 7, in the sun-drenched modernity of Tribeca 360°, the city’s most dynamic women gathered, not just for a fête of fashion and fine dining, but to wield their influence in the name of play.
The 9th Annual Hudson River Park Friends’ Playground Committee Luncheon was not your average midday affair. This was power in stilettos, philanthropy with a glossy blowout, a masterclass in how the modern woman makes the world turn with charm and checkbooks alike.
Hosted by the poised yet indomitable Abby Phillip, CNN anchor of NewsNight with Abby Phillip, and the ever-brilliant Laura Jarrett, Co-Anchor of Saturday Today and NBC News Senior Legal Correspondent, the event raised over half a million dollars for Hudson River Park’s athletic fields, playgrounds, and family programming.
The honorees were a testament to excellence. Two-time World Cup Champion and ESPN analyst Ali Krieger—who has shattered glass ceilings while keeping cleats firmly on the grass—stood alongside Uzma Rawn Dowler, Major League Baseball’s powerhouse Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President, who brings the game to the masses with intelligence and grace.
Representing the Downtown United Soccer Club was board member Emily Hunt, accepting the honor on behalf of the organization that fuels young athletes’ dreams in a city where open space is a luxury.
The guest list read like a who’s-who of media, fashion, and finance, each woman a force of nature in her own right. Ally Love, Allison Gollust, Selling the City’s Eleonora Srugo, and power brokers of politics like Manhattan Assembly Member Tony Simone and City Council Member Erik Bottcher added a distinct New York authority to the room.
With every air kiss and expertly poured glass of Champagne, these women were not just networking; they were building the future of play for the children of New York.
Now, let’s talk about where all this largesse is going. Hudson River Park—550 acres of urban sanctuary along the waterfront stretching from Chambers Street to 59th Street—is a lifeline for New Yorkers, a green escape where children can run, tumble, and thrive.
Unlike Central Park, Hudson River Park is not city-managed; it survives on the generosity of private donors, the relentless passion of its community, and, of course, the Playground Committee—an assembly of razor-sharp women who understand that play is not frivolous, but foundational.
Since its inception, the Committee has raised an astounding $7 million for the Park, ensuring that playgrounds are not just spaces but catalysts for creativity and growth. The newly unveiled Pier 97 playground, along with the lauded 4,000-square-foot Pier 26 Science Playground, are monuments to this commitment. These are not just jungle gyms; they are hubs of exploration where children can climb, slide, and marvel at the urban wilds surrounding them.
The afternoon reached its crescendo with a live auction featuring dazzling offerings: VIP experiences from Brunello Cucinelli, exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Saturday Night Live, coveted packages from The TODAY Show, and sports experiences from MLB, Brooklyn Nets, NY Liberty, and Gotham FC—each lot a testament to the gravitas of the Playground Committee’s mission.
Let us not forget the sponsors, the unsung heroes ensuring the longevity of these efforts. BLADE, Downtown United Soccer Club, Elliston Pediatrics, and Turner Construction Company stood as pillars of support, underwriting an initiative that bridges the gap between childhood and the boundless possibilities of play.
Women in silk dresses and power suits raised half a million dollars, and the city will be a little greener, a little more joyful, because they chose to gather and give. This was not just lunch. This was legacy-building wrapped in an afternoon of refined revelry.
In a world where spaces are shrinking and digital distractions loom large, the Hudson River Park Friends’ Playground Committee is making sure the next generation has room to run, dream, and play. That, darling, is the real power of a woman’s touch.
