September 16, 2026
Glen Island Harbour Club | 6:00pm
To pay by check or for an invoice, contact us at nancy@thewpf.org
Download the ‘Parks are Essential’ Gala invitation here
“Parks are Essential” annual gala provides opportunities to recognize remarkable vision and leadership in our community and celebrate the dedication to, and support of, Westchester Parks Foundation (WPF) by individuals, businesses, family and friends who help our Westchester County parks grow and flourish. All of the funds raised will benefit WPF’s programs and services focused on preserving, enhancing and beautifying our county parks.
Kathleen O’Connor
Former Commissioner, Westchester County Parks, Recreation & Conservation
Lifetime Achievement Award
RXR
Business Impact Award
The Romita Family
Philanthropy Leadership Award
During this special evening we will honor an outstanding professional, business, and
family that support our organization and Westchester County’s parks and open spaces:
A special thank you to our Gala Reception & Anniversary Committee
CO-CHAIRS
Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson,
Thompson & Bender
Jane Solnick,
White Plains
Matt Berger
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services – New York Properties
Ellen Bloom,
NewYork Presbyterian
Vanessa Cardoso
Thalle Industries
Will Carroll
Dalkia Solutions
Tom Cohn
Sigmund Cohn Corp
Steve Gifford,
Mohegan Park Contractors, Inc.
HONOREE EVENT CAPTAINS
Judith Allen
Lifetime Achievement Award
Greg Maugeri
Business Impact Award
The Romita Family
Philanthropy Leadership Award
Marsha Gordon,
Business Council of Westchester
Joseph Graziose,
RXR
Jan Johnsen
Johnsen Landscapes & Pools
Lauren Kroell
Sustainable Westchester
Grace Lampugnale
Cappelli Organization
Christina Lange
Pleasantville
Kelly MacBride
Cappelli Organization
Seth Mandelbaum
McCullough, Goldberger and Staudt, LLP
Carolyn Murphy
Financial Marketing Consultant
Kathleen O’Connor,
Westchester County Parks Recreation & Conservation
Glenn Pacchiana
Thalle Industries
Anthony Rizzuto,
Pell Wealth Partners
Michael Romita,
Westchester County Association