Women’s Committee President Tracey Huff, Sharon Jacob, Judy Hart Angelo, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Fall officially commenced on September 22, 2025, with the autumnal equinox, but it really felt like the season had finally arrived on Thursday, October 9. It was a glorious day with clear blue skies, and a noticeable chill was in the air.
It could not have been a more ideal setting for the Women’s Committee of the Central Park Conservancy’s annual Fall luncheon, one of the city’s most anticipated philanthropic traditions of the season.
AnaFlavia Leibowitz, Cedric Claude, photo by Yvonne Tnt, Matt Borkowski for BFA.com
The event, attended by more than 500 guests (mainly women), raised a record-breaking $490,000 in crucial funds for the Park’s maintenance, management, and restoration. The afternoon was generously sponsored by South Flagler House, a waterfront residence in South Florida by Related Ross.
“The Fall Luncheon is a reflection of what makes Central Park so special—community, generosity, and a deep appreciation for beauty,” – Betsy Smith, President of the Central Park Conservancy.
Atmosphere, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Among the distinguished guests were Central Park Conservancy President Betsy Smith, Women’s Committee President Tracey Huff, event Co-Chair Lucinda Bhavsar, and past Co-Chairs Gillian Miniter, Fe Fendi, Sharon Jacob, Jenny Price, Stephanie Hessler, Rankia Cohen, Bonnie Comley, and Margo Nederlander.
Melissa Crandall, Jane Oberle, Mimi Crawford, Kat Dines, Heather McAuliffe, Charlotte Snyder, Kate Lauprete, Sevda Kleinman, Grace Jachmich, Marisa van Bokhorst, photo by Yvonne TntMatt Borkowski
The Women’s Committee, now 1,000 members strong, is a shining example of the power of collective action. Their vital role in sustaining Central Park through fundraising and volunteer efforts has raised more than $200 million for the Park’s general operations and landmark restoration projects since its founding in 1983.
Left, Marilyn Kirschner with a woman channeling Diane Keaton
Its philanthropic impact can be seen throughout the Park—from the reconstruction of the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center to the two-time renovation of Safari Playground, the re-creation of the historic urns at Bow Bridge, and the ongoing restoration of the Conservatory Garden.
Box lunches set on Central Park tablecloths Scalamandre, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
As always, this is a festive afternoon held at four iconic locations throughout Central Park, a scene straight out of a fairytale. The large outdoor “picnic” with themed table arrangements, set beneath a canopy of golden and crimson leaves, was a sight to behold. Tables were dressed in seasonal florals and set with artfully prepared boxed luncheons.
Darice Fadeyi, photo by Yvonne Tnt, Matt Borkowski for BFA.com
The “Central Park” tablecloths, by Scalamandre, added a touch of elegance and are available for sale. Following the seated luncheon, guests from all of the luncheon locations were invited to gather at Bethesda for a post-lunch drink and mingling, plus a fun photo-op from their sponsor. I was a guest of Sharon Jacob, and her table of 20 was located on the west side of Bethesda Terrace. Sharon is undeniably “the hostess with the mostess.”
Rebecca Holland and Sharon Jacob are both wearing Dries Van Noten, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
There was no electricity at the outdoor event; therefore, no coffee or tea service was available. When I casually mentioned that I would “kill” for a cappuccino, Sharon took out her phone and ordered three (for herself, Ladies of Madison Avenue’s Joshua Kamei, and me). It arrived promptly and piping hot, from Sant Ambroeus on Madison Avenue!
I’m always interested in seeing what women who are not involved in fashion (movers, shakers, philanthropists, civic leaders) actually wear. They want to look good and dress according to their lifestyle, needs, and the occasion, but they are not slaves to fashion.
Lulu Sezercan Dalkanat, Blakely Griggs, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
There is so much talk about seasons not mattering in fashion anymore, but you could not tell from the well-heeled crowd in attendance, many of whom were happy to embrace the cooler weather and the fall season with their autumnal attire. Hence, there was an abundance of traditional fall colors (rusts, browns, tans, camel, burgundy, forest green).
Many women wore leopard prints and fur, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Several women wore leopard-print coats or jackets, while others opted for fur or fur-trimmed pieces. And no, they were not faux. Even though it was day, several guests opted for shine or highly embellished looks with sequins and beads.
If there was one designer more represented than others, it was Dries Van Noten, a perfect choice for those who want to stand out.
