Chairman’s Circle

Chairman's Circle members help ensure that visitors of all ages and walks of life will forever enjoy the Park as we know it today — an urban oasis for relaxation, recreation, and learning in the heart of New York City.

This dedicated group of supporters are the life-blood of Central Park, providing a significant portion of the Conservancy's annual funding through unrestricted gifts of $25,000, $50,000, and more.

See Chairman's Circle Members

Join the Chairman's Circle

Message from Thomas L. Kempner, Jr., Chair

  • The Chairman’s Circle is the philanthropic leadership of the Central Park Conservancy. Members of this extraordinary partnership understand what the Park means to our 42 million annual visitors and to the economic vigor of New York City. I am most grateful to this committed group of Park benefactors whose generosity ensures the current and future well-being of this American treasure.

Chairman's Circle Member Benefits

  • Private tour with Conservancy President & CEO, Elizabeth W. Smith

  • Invitation to an exclusive annual holiday party at the home of the Conservancy Chair

  • Invitation to a private dinner in Central Park, for members at the $50,000 level and above

  • VIP reserved seating at Shakespeare in the Park and pre-performance cocktails and picnic dinners*

  • Invitations to signature gatherings such as: Conservatory Garden Cocktail Party, New York Philharmonic reception and reserved seating, Annual Skating Party, Private behind-the-scenes events featuring Park experts and special guest lecturers

  • Advanced access to tickets for The Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon, the Women’s Committee’s signature annual event

  • Complimentary tickets for official Central Park tours and programming

CHAIRMAN'S CIRCLE MEMBER EVENTS

Upcoming Events

Autumn Walking Tour & Reception:
Restoring the Waterways and Wildscapes of the Park's North End
October 15, 2025

Bi-Annual Family Portrait Day
October 18, 2025 (Rain Date: October 19)
Reservations are first come, first served

Regional Planning Association Gala Honoring the Davis Center with “Project of the Year” Award
October 23, 2025

Marathon Breakfast
November 2, 2025

Explore Green Infrastructure & Bird-Friendly Design at the Davis Center
In partnership with the New York Bird Alliance
November 6, 2025

Grand Opening Celebration of the Gottesman Ice Rink
At the Davis Center
November 14, 2025

2025 Annual Gala: The Central Park Supper Club
November 19, 2025
Ticketed benefit event

Central Park Holiday Lighting Event
December 4, 2025

Holiday Celebration, Hosted by
Board Chair Tom Kempner & Kitty Patterson Kempner
December 17, 2025

State of the Park Presentation with Betsy Smith,
Conservancy President & CEO
January 2026 on Zoom

Annual Skating Party
February 2025 (TBA)

To learn more about the Chairman's Circle, please contact Deema Salem Syed at [email protected] or 212.446.2240.