Broadway and The Park 2026- Inside the Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon
The annual Central Park Conservancy Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon once again brought leaders together.
The annual Central Park Conservancy Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon once again brought together leaders from philanthropy, business, fashion, and the Broadway community for one of New York City’s most elegant and meaningful spring traditions. Held in the heart of Central Park, the 2026 luncheon celebrated this year’s distinguished honorees while raising more than $5 million to support the ongoing care and preservation of the world-famous park.
Under the leadership of Betsy Smith, the luncheon has become one of the city’s premier fundraising events. Smith and her staff were praised by former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Martha Stewart, and others throughout the afternoon as gracious hosts and remarkable fundraisers whose dedication continues to strengthen the Central Park Conservancy's mission. Since its founding, the Conservancy has overseen the restoration, maintenance, and stewardship of Central Park, ensuring the historic urban oasis remains vibrant and accessible for millions of visitors each year.
The Broadway community was especially well represented at the luncheon, reflecting the close relationship between New York’s cultural institutions and the city’s green spaces. With so many theater professionals living and working in Manhattan, the health and beauty of Central Park are deeply connected to the quality of life that sustains the theater industry.
Among the theater and Broadway VIPs attending were Fiona Rudin (Tony Award-winning Producer), Bonnie Comley (Tony Award-winning Producer), Jenna Segal (Tony Award-winning Producer), Irene Gandy (Tony Award-winning Producer), Anita Durst (ChaShaMa Founder), Sydney Beers (Executive Producer of Roundabout Theater Company), Christine Schwarzman (Tony-winning producer), Bevin Ross (Executive Director of The Drama League), Anki Leeds (American Theatre Wings Board), Michelle Xing Martello (Drama League Board), Stewart F. Lane (Co-owner of The Palace Theater), Diana Prince (BroadwayHD) and Margo Nederlander.
Photos by Rob Rich
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