Press Release

May 1, 2019

The Women's Committee of Central Park Conservancy Celebrates the 37th Annual Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon

Ladies from the Women's Committee pose in their spring hats.

Sharon Jacob, Sharon Teles, Elizabeth W. Smith, Alexia Leuschen, Cynthia Wagner, and Elaine Textor. Photo by Owen Hoffman via Getty Images

New York, NY — The Women’s Committee and Board of Trustees of the Central Park Conservancy hosted the 37th Annual Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon today in Central Park's Conservatory Garden (105th Street and Fifth Avenue). The event raised $4 million for the management and maintenance of Central Park.

Women’s Committee President Alexia Leuschen was joined by Central Park Conservancy President & CEO Elizabeth W. Smith, as well as Luncheon Co-Chairs Sharon Jacob, Sharon Teles, Elaine Textor, and Cynthia Wagner as they greeted over 1,200 supporters. Most of the guests wore glamorous and whimsical hats. Guests entered through the Vanderbilt Gate and enjoyed a cocktail reception in the French Garden. This was followed by the luncheon and awards presentation under a beautiful blue and green garden themed tent designed by Andrew Pascoe Flowers.

This year the committee honored Central Park Conservancy supporters and former Women’s Committee President Suzie Aijala, Women’s Committee Founder Norma T. Dana, and Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Patricia E. Harris for their extraordinary generosity and friendship. JPMorgan Chase & Co, served as the Corporate Chair.

The Benefit Committee and guests included Conservancy Board of Trustees Chairman Thomas L. Kempner, Jr., Michael Bloomberg, Shirin Christoffersen, Tracey Huff, Karen LeFrak, Gillian Miniter, Marcia Mishaan, Elyse Newhouse, Amelia Ogunlesi, Jenny Paulson, Yesim Philip, Lela Rose, Fiona Rudin, Lauren Santo Domingo, Christine Schwarzman, Brooke Shields, and Martha Stewart.

Guests received a signature umbrella from Wathne, Ltd. Whispering Angel Rosé was generously donated by Chateau d’Esclans. The event was catered by Abigail Kirsch Catering Relationships. Fabric for the tablecloths was provided by Scalamandré. Central Park Conservancy volunteer hats were designed and donated by Patricia Underwood.