Central Park is a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively. Spanning 843 acres in the very heart of Manhattan, New York City’s busiest borough, it offers a rare and restorative escape from the city’s relentless pace. The Central Park Conservancy works to maintain this urban oasis, ensuring that the park remains a verdant haven that generations of New Yorkers know and cherish. Last night, that commitment was celebrated at the Conservancy’s annual gala—this year reimagined as the “Central Park Supper Club,” and generously sponsored by Harry Winston, Inc.—which raised an impressive $1.35 million to support ongoing conservation efforts.

Guests were treated to an evening of elegance and entertainment, enjoying cocktails and spirits courtesy of William Grant & Sons, alongside wines provided by Copper Cane Wine & Spirits. Onstage, Tony Danza delivered timeless jazz standards, including “That’s All” and “The House I Live In,” while Stella Cole captivated the audience with renditions of “Moon River” and “Anything Goes.” Culinary delights by Abigail Kirsch Catering and the imaginative decor of DeJuan Stroud, Inc. transformed the evening into a full sensory experience, one that honored both the beauty of the park and the dedication of its supporters.

“Each year, this evening is a joyful moment that brings together the extraordinary community who champions and celebrates Central Park,” says Betsy Smith, President and CEO of the Conservancy. “For more than four decades, the Conservancy’s work has been made possible by New Yorkers who believe in caring for this cherished greenspace.” Her words underscored a simple truth: the park’s vitality is inseparable from the people who love it.

As the old adage goes, it’s the people who make the place. Nowhere is that more true than in New York City, and nowhere more emblematic than Central Park: a living, breathing testament to the city’s heart and spirit.