Friends Launches Second Decade by Raising More Than $580,000

Friends of Hudson River celebrated the start of its second decade at a riverfront gala last night which raised more than $580,000 to help fund the organization’s ongoing efforts to complete, sustain and protect Hudson River Park.

The event began with a preview reception in the soon-to-open Chelsea section of Hudson River Park at 22nd and 23rd Streets, followed by dinner at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia headquarters in the Starrett-Lehigh Building. The new section of the Park, scheduled for public opening later this month includes a Lynden Miller designed garden, an original carousel featuring animals, birds and insects from the Hudson Valley corridor, a skate park, and wide waterside esplanades with a large lawn and seating areas. See Photos

“This annual event helps us raise the funds and build the community support needed to help complete and protect Hudson River Park,” said Friends of Hudson River Park Executive Director A. J. Pietrantone. “It’s important for us all to come together to see how far we’ve come - - from a virtually abandoned and dangerous eyesore, to one of the most beautiful and welcoming urban Waterfront Parks in the entire United States. It’s equally important to take stock of what will be required to complete the five-mile long Park, and ensure it is delivered to each neighborhood and also sustained as a preeminent public space for all time.”

This year’s Gala honored Lynden Miller for her contributions of thoughtful design and restoration to many of the public gardens in and around New York City; Skanska for their distinctive and attentive construction of much of Hudson River Park and other public spaces; and Friends’ Board Co-Chair, Ross Graham, for her years of dedication and service to the New York State Senate, Manhattan’s West Side, and to Friends of Hudson River Park.

Martha Stewart served as Honorary Chair for the event, and Bette Midler and Douglas Durst were the dinner Co-Chairs. ABC News correspondent Deborah Roberts hosted the evening.

The Park will be 80% complete by the end of the 2010. When all construction is completed, Hudson River Park will require an additional $3 to 5 million a year beyond current projected revenues to meet its operational needs.

Friends of Hudson River Park is dedicated to protecting, completing, and sustaining the entire Hudson River Park through advocacy, coalition building, and fundraising. Founded in 1999, we represent thousands of individual and organizational members committed to securing the $200 million needed to complete this world-class park, and supporting its ongoing operations and development. When finished, this five-mile Park will extend uninterrupted along Manhattan’s West Side Waterfront from 59th Street to the Battery.