Background on the Hudson River Park<\/p>\n
Hudson River Park is one of the longest riverfront parks in the United States and an important outdoor recreational area for countless New Yorkers. <\/p>\n
The Park plays a critical role in protecting the Hudson River ecosystem and is committed to educating residents on the local habitat and environment. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
![\"Jill](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Jill-Hennessy.jpg\")
Jill Hennessy at the Hudson River Park GALA. Photo Credit: Cindy Ord, Getty Images for Friends of Hudson River Park.<\/p>\n
Actress Jill Hennessy<\/p>\n
On being a part of the Hudson River Park GALA, Hennessy said, \u201cIt\u2019s 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.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cThis park has \u2014 selfishly \u2014 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,\u201d she noted.<\/p>\n
On the importance of this cause, Hennessy said, \u201cIt 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\u2019s so important.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom tonight, I hope people get a sense of unity; they joy of being a New Yorker and getting together with other New Yorkers,\u201d Hennessy added.<\/p>\n
![\"Matt](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2240183270-1201x800-5b2df79.jpg\")
Matt Wilpers at the Hudson River Park GALA. Photo Credit: Cindy Ord, Getty Images for Friends of Hudson River Park.<\/p>\n
Matt Wilpers \u2014 Peloton instructor and social influencer<\/p>\n
On being a part of the Hudson River Park GALA, Wilpers said, \u201cIt feels awesome to be here. I am always excited for this event every single year. I\u2019m 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
On the importance of this cause, Wilpers said, \u201cThis is where I live and I get to enjoy it with my family and friends. It\u2019s so good for the city, and this is super important.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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\u2019t know. It takes all of us to chip in to make this part of the city beautiful,\u201d Wilpers explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a really good community event that we should all be a part of and worth contributing to,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
When asked how Peloton is going, Wilpers exclaimed, \u201cI love it! Peloton is going great. It\u2019s fun to do walks at Hudson River Park, and I\u2019m always stoked when people are doing my classes. That\u2019s awesome\u2026 I appreciate it!\u201d<\/p>\n
Connie Fishman \u2014 Executive Director of Hudson River Park Friends<\/p>\n
Connie Fishman serves as Executive Director of Hudson River Park\u00a0Friends<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s 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,\u201d Fishman said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Park has added so much to the city and to the quality of all of our lives,\u201d she noted. \u201cIt truly deserves to be the center of our attention for this one special evening.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Iris Rodriguez-Rosa \u2014 New York City Parks Commissioner <\/p>\n Iris Rodriguez-Rosa is the New York City (NYC) Parks Commissioner. <\/p>\n \u201cIt is absolutely wonderful to be able to be here,\u201d Rodriguez-Rosa said. \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis 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,\u201d she noted.<\/p>\n \u201cI want people to understand how important it is, and for them to continue to be supportive of this effort,\u201d Rodriguez-Rosa added.<\/p>\n Alex Lundqvist \u2014 Swedish model<\/p>\n \u201cIt is amazing to be here,\u201d exclaimed Swedish model Alex Lundqvist. \u201cI love West Side Park. It\u2019s 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\u2019t you do at Hudson River Park?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not make this park even better? It\u2019s useful for everyone\u2026 it is one of the most visited parks in the world,\u201d he observed. \u201cIt\u2019s a place where everyone can enjoy their time to the fullest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI hope this event brings a lot of donations to Hudson River Park,\u201d Lundqvist concluded.<\/p>\n To learn more about Hudson River Park, visit its official website<\/a> and follow its Instagram page<\/a>.<\/p>\n \t\t\t![\"NYC](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2240184852-1201x756-1cb3974.jpg\")
NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa at the Hudson River Park GALA. Photo Credit: Cindy Ord, Getty Images for Friends of Hudson River Park.<\/p>\n