Keytt Lundqvist and Alex Lundqvist attend the Hudson River Park Friends 2025 GALA. Photo Credit: Cindy Ord, Getty Images for Friends of Hudson River Park.
On Thursday, October 9th, the 2025 Hudson River Park GALA was held at the Pier 62 Carousel in New York City.
This journalist participated in in-person red carpet interviews prior to the event, and subsequently covered the “Midnight Garden” GALA, which took place at Pier Sixty.
This year’s honorees included Bruce Mosler, the Chairman of Global Brokerage at Cushman & Wakefield, as well as Deputy Mayor Robert K. Steel, who is the Vice Chair of the Hudson River Park Trust.
This annual GALA brings together Park supporters for one unifying purpose: to keep the Park beautiful, green and growing.
The evening celebrated the hardworking Park staff whose dedication keeps Hudson River Park vibrant and thriving.
This year’s benefit event was able to raise $2.7 million to support the Park’s 550+ free events and programs, the maintenance of its landscapes and gardens, STEM education and marine science research, habitat restoration and the care of the Park.
Several of this year’s notable attendees and guests included former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, HRPK Friends Chair Diana L. Taylor, Patti Harris and Mark Lebow, Michelle Collins, actress Jill Hennessy, Keytt and Alex Lundqvist, Kelley Heyer, and Peloton instructor Matt Wilpers, among others.
Background on the Hudson River Park
Hudson River Park is one of the longest riverfront parks in the United States and an important outdoor recreational area for countless New Yorkers.
The Park plays a critical role in protecting the Hudson River ecosystem and is committed to educating residents on the local habitat and environment.
Hudson River Park is not a city-run park; it relies on private donations and earned income for its operations, maintenance, and countless free public programs.
Jill Hennessy at the Hudson River Park GALA. Photo Credit: Cindy Ord, Getty Images for Friends of Hudson River Park.
Actress Jill Hennessy
On being a part of the Hudson River Park GALA, Hennessy said, “It’s funny because I am here at least four times a week. I am usually go jogging in this park, and looking at all the yachts going around, and I love it.”
“This park has — selfishly — given me so much. You can walk here and meet people from all over New York City and all over the world. I always run into people that I know and love,” she noted.
On the importance of this cause, Hennessy said, “It is important to support institutions in this city that everybody can share from whatever background they are from. It strengths the spirit of community in New York City; it’s so important.”
“From tonight, I hope people get a sense of unity; they joy of being a New Yorker and getting together with other New Yorkers,” Hennessy added.
Matt Wilpers at the Hudson River Park GALA. Photo Credit: Cindy Ord, Getty Images for Friends of Hudson River Park.
Matt Wilpers — Peloton instructor and social influencer
On being a part of the Hudson River Park GALA, Wilpers said, “It feels awesome to be here. I am always excited for this event every single year. I’m a big fan of Hudson River Park; I get to enjoy this beautiful landscape every single week living on the West Side here, so this is a fun event.”
On the importance of this cause, Wilpers said, “This is where I live and I get to enjoy it with my family and friends. It’s so good for the city, and this is super important.”
“It is always important to know that a lot of what we see is privately funded; it is not publicly funded by the state, which is something I didn’t know. It takes all of us to chip in to make this part of the city beautiful,” Wilpers explained.
“It is a really good community event that we should all be a part of and worth contributing to,” he added.
When asked how Peloton is going, Wilpers exclaimed, “I love it! Peloton is going great. It’s fun to do walks at Hudson River Park, and I’m always stoked when people are doing my classes. That’s awesome… I appreciate it!”
Connie Fishman — Executive Director of Hudson River Park Friends
Connie Fishman serves as Executive Director of Hudson River Park Friends.
“It’s always such a thrill to see our park neighbors, donors and loyal supporters at the annual Gala celebrating the wonderful blue and green spaces of Hudson River Park,” Fishman said.
“The Park has added so much to the city and to the quality of all of our lives,” she noted. “It truly deserves to be the center of our attention for this one special evening.”
NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa at the Hudson River Park GALA. Photo Credit: Cindy Ord, Getty Images for Friends of Hudson River Park.
Iris Rodriguez-Rosa — New York City Parks Commissioner
Iris Rodriguez-Rosa is the New York City (NYC) Parks Commissioner.
“It is absolutely wonderful to be able to be here,” Rodriguez-Rosa said. “The Hudson River Park Trust does amazing work. We have them as partners with New York City Parks, so as the Parks Commissioner, I am very honored and proud to have them as partners.”
“This cause is important because you are talks about being able to generate funds to be able to continue the great labor and the great work that is done,” she noted.
“I want people to understand how important it is, and for them to continue to be supportive of this effort,” Rodriguez-Rosa added.
Alex Lundqvist — Swedish model
“It is amazing to be here,” exclaimed Swedish model Alex Lundqvist. “I love West Side Park. It’s incredible, and I come here every chance I get. I was told that it is the most-visited park, which I understand! This is where you get the best sunsets here in New York City. What can’t you do at Hudson River Park?”
“Why not make this park even better? It’s useful for everyone… it is one of the most visited parks in the world,” he observed. “It’s a place where everyone can enjoy their time to the fullest.”
“I hope this event brings a lot of donations to Hudson River Park,” Lundqvist concluded.
To learn more about Hudson River Park, visit its official website and follow its Instagram page.