City Parks Foundation (CPF) is the only independent, nonprofit organization to offer park programs throughout the five boroughs of New York City. We work in over 750 parks citywide, presenting a broad range of free arts, sports, and education programs, and empowering citizens to support their parks on a local level. Our programs and community building initiatives reach more than 600,000 people each year, contributing to the revitalization of neighborhoods throughout New York City.
Annual Special Events
City Parks Foundation hosts several special events each year that raise funds to support our free citywide programs in parks. The annual events are listed below.
Tennis Benefit at the US Open – August 30, 2011
Co–chairs Billie Jean King and John McEnroe welcome guests to the US Open Tennis Championships for the 14th annual CityParks Tennis Benefit. Guests enjoy a cocktail party, silent auction, and dinner with a live auction before they watch the evening’s matches. The benefit raises funds for CityParks Tennis, our free instructional program that brings over 8,000 children to city tennis courts each season.
Annual Gala – October 6, 2011
The Annual Gala is City Parks Foundation’s largest fundraising event, attended by City officials, corporate leaders, and longtime supporters of the organization. Join us at Gracie Mansion as we celebrate the important work of the Foundation and honor this year’s recipient of the New York City “Parks and People” Award.
Seniors Fitness Benefit – Spring 2012
In support of CityParks Seniors Fitness, Board Members David Pinter and Virginia Wade host a special cocktail reception at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill. The reception features a live auction, raffle, and special musical performances, including a set by renowned guitarist Woody Mann. All proceeds support CityParks Seniors Fitness, the only program in the city’s parks to offer free fitness lessons and social experiences to New Yorkers over 60.
Run for the Parks – Spring 2012
Held in Central Park each April, the Run for the Parks consists of a 4–Mile Race and Kids Races, followed by a post–race reception with food, music, and activities for runners and spectators. More than 8,000 adults and 400 kids registered to run in this hugely popular event, considered the kickoff of the running season.
Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament – Spring 2012
New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg welcomes participants to the Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament at the Pelham Bay & Split Rock Golf Courses in the Bronx. Foursomes compete for best overall score as well as for prizes in skills contests before they attend a post–tournament reception. Proceeds from The Mayor’s Cup support CityParks Golf, a unique program for youth providing free instruction by golf professionals in New York City parks throughout the five boroughs. The program serves nearly 3,200 kids annually and continues to grow.
SummerStage Gala – Summer 2012
This event captures the unique spirit of summertime in the city with an outdoor cocktail party, dinner, and a concert at Central Park SummerStage, City Parks Foundation's renowned outdoor performing arts venue. All proceeds from this event support CPF's free arts programming citywide, which total more than 1,200 free performances annually.
In all of its programming and activities, City Parks Foundation partners with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to improve neighborhood parks and the communities they serve.
