Westchester Parks Foundation (WPF) located in Mount Kisco, New York, will host its 47th anniversary gala titled Parks Are Essential on Wednesday, Sept. 15 at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle, New York, from 6 to 9 p.m. All funds raised at the gala will benefit the many WPF programs and services that preserve, enhance and beautify Westchester County Parks, in particular its Volunteer Program. Since 2015, more than 25,000 members of the community have contributed over 76,000 hours of service to Westchester’s parks.
The evening will recognize the visionary leadership, commitment and dedication to the community by honorees Distinguished Volunteers Mike, Haruko, Nada and Joe; PepsiCo; and the Westchester County Board of Legislators, all of whom support WPF and parks in Westchester.
“WPF is made up of a community of park advocates and volunteers, so it is fitting this year that we are honoring groups that are the backbone of our success,” said Seth Mandelbaum, chair of the Westchester Parks Foundation Board of Trustees. “Their unwavering assistance helps us carry out our mission of investing in, advocating for and enhancing the over 50 parks of the Westchester County Parks system.”
For their many hours of service dedicated to the beautification and stewardship of Westchester County Parks Mike, Haruko, Nada and Joe will receive the Community Partner Award. They have been serving the parks and mission of Westchester Parks Foundation selflessly over hundreds of hours per year from Silver Lake to Tibbetts Brook Park, at Pitch In for Parks and Camp Morty and in the Parks office.
The Business Impact Award will go to PepsiCo for its sponsorship of the Westchester Parks Foundation’s Clean River Project. PepsiCo volunteers dedicate many hours on a regular basis since 2022 to ensure that trash in the Bronx River is removed. A longtime partner of WPF across many initiatives, the company has been a community leader in Westchester County and globally for decades, contributing to advancing the potential of sustainable and innovative programs around the county.
The Special Recognition Award will be presented to the members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators for their commitment to supporting the needs and improvement of the Westchester County Parks System and Department. The Board of Legislators has consistently worked hand-in-hand with the administration of Westchester County and the leadership of the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department to advance long-awaited capital improvements and support needed initiatives to ensure that Westchester County parks serve the needs of the millions of users that enjoy them each year.
Westchester Parks Foundation is a 501(c)(3) A not-for-profit, philanthropic organization, which provides private support to preserve the county’s park system and improve the quality of life in county’s communities
For more information and to purchase tickets, call 914-231-4600.
