Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy honors Barry S. Sternlicht, Regina Myer at 2016 Brooklyn Black Tie Ball

Record-Breaking, Sold Out Event Raises $1.1 Million

October 7, 2016 From Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy

Regina Myer, outgoing President of Brooklyn Bridge Park, was an honoree. Photo by Julienne Schaer

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Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy held its fourth annual Brooklyn Black Tie Ball and After Party this past Thursday, raising $1.1 million, a new record for the Conservancy.

The sold-out event hosted more than 800 guests at Pier 2 in the park and included a cocktail reception on the Promenade and a seated three-course meal. Guests enjoyed the magnificent Manhattan skyline and sweeping views of New York Harbor, which served as the backdrop for an evening celebration of one of New York City’s most spectacular waterfront parks.

After the ball, Conservancy Currents, the Conservancy’s young professionals group, hosted a ticketed after party including an open bar, snacks and dancing under the stars with DJ Herbert Holler from the Freedom Party.

Conservancy officials expressed pride that Brooklyn Bridge Park has fulfilled a vision of turning what was a neglected strip of waterfront 30 years ago into the verdant public space it is today, and provided the city with an extraordinary place to play, learn, connect and be inspired.

Proceeds from the ball will help keep the park vibrant, beautiful and growing and will directly support the Conservancy’s 500-plus free and low-cost activities and events.

More than 1 million Brooklyn Bridge Park visitors have enjoyed the Conservancy’s education, cultural, fitness, recreation and arts programs, organization officials said. In 2016 alone, they added, more than 170,000 people enjoyed an extensive lineup of events, including kayaking, waterfront workouts and environmental education classes.

At this year’s ball, the Conservancy honored noted humanitarian and business executive Barry S. Sternlicht, chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital Group and the founder of SH Group and 1 Hotels. With a commitment to changing the standard for socially responsible hospitality, Sternlicht will debut 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge early next year.

The Conservancy also paid tribute to Regina Myer, outgoing president of Brooklyn Bridge Park, “for her years of service and vision that helped to establish the park as a world-renowned destination.” Under her leadership, they said, 85 acres of inaccessible waterfront were transformed into a world-class park that now receives more than 4 million visitors annually.

“The annual Brooklyn Black Tie Ball has become a hallmark event for the Conservancy,” said Nancy Webster, executive director of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy. “We were elated to honor Barry Sternlicht and his philanthropic generosity and commitment to sustainability. His support will help ensure Brooklyn Bridge Park remains a world class waterfront public space filled with first-rate programming that all ages can enjoy.”

Myer said the ball “has become a wonderful autumn tradition at the Park and a great way to support the Conservancy’s programs that make [the park] such a special place.” She added that Sternlicht’s 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge “is going to be a great addition to the park and to the neighborhood.”

VIP guests included comedian and actor Wyatt Cenac, who emceed the event; Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Alicia Glen; and actress Keri Russell, among others.

—James Harney, Brooklyn Daily Eagle