Jon Hamm, Norah Jones are celebs at waterfront gala at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Heights-Based Activist Hank Gutman Honoree, Chairs BK Navy Yard

October 3, 2017 Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Jon Hamm. Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP

Share this:

Just a few yards away from the outdoor public basketball courts with the best views in the city, a gala on Thursday night will celebrate the best and brightest — and most generous donors — who have helped build Brooklyn Bridge Park into what it is today.

The fifth annual Brooklyn Black Tie Ball and After Party, hosted by Emmy Award-winning actor Jon Hamm and featuring a performance by nine-time Grammy-winner Norah Jones, will take place on Pier 2 and will include a cocktail reception on the promenade and a seated three-course meal.

Guests will enjoy this extraordinary event with the magnificent Manhattan skyline and sweeping views of New York Harbor as the backdrop.

Fulfilling the Conservancy’s vision for turning a neglected strip of waterfront into a verdant public space more than 30 years ago, Brooklyn Bridge Park has provided New York City with an extraordinary place to play, learn, connect and be inspired.

This year, the Conservancy will honor two individuals who have contributed to the vitality of the local environment and to Brooklyn Bridge Park.

The Conservancy will honor Douglas Durst, chairman of The Durst Organization, for his longstanding commitment to sustainability and the environment.

In 1999, The Durst Organization built the nation’s first sustainable skyscraper at 4 Times Square, followed in 2008 by the first LEED Platinum high-rise office tower, and The Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park. Douglas’ philanthropic endeavors have included serving as a director of The New School, The Trust for Public Land, Project for Public Spaces, The Roundabout Theatre and Primary Stages.

In addition, he co-founded the New York Water Taxi and served as chairman of Friends of Hudson River Park.

The Conservancy will also honor Hank Gutman, chairman of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, who has been deeply involved in the effort to build Brooklyn Bridge Park since his appointment to the board of the original Brooklyn Waterfront Local Development Corporation in 1998.

He is a past board member of Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy and currently serves on the board of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation.

“We are thrilled to honor Douglas Durst and Hank Gutman at our fifth annual Brooklyn Black Tie Ball,” said Executive Director of Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy Nancy Webster. “Both men have made lasting impressions on the city through their commitment to public parks and to the New York waterfront — causes near and dear to the Conservancy.”

“Congratulations to this year’s honorees Hank Gutman and Douglas Durst who have been strong supporters of the Park and Brooklyn,” added President of Brooklyn Bridge Park Eric Landau. “We want to recognize Nancy Webster and her entire team for another great event.”

After the Ball, the Conservancy Currents, the Conservancy’s young professional group, will host a ticketed, high-energy After Party, which will include open bar, snacks and dancing under the stars with DJ Herbert Holler from The Freedom Party.

Proceeds from the Brooklyn Black Tie Ball will help keep the park vibrant, beautiful and growing; directly supporting the Conservancy’s more than 600 free and low-cost activities and events.

For more information, visit brooklynbridgepark.org.