Fundraiser: A Toast to Fort Tryon Park
The Fort Tryon Park Trust conservancy welcomed back our fundraiser the TOAST on Sunday, September 29, from 6PM-9PM in the Heather Garden and The Bonnefont, our newest partner in the park!
We welcomed all park lovers and supporters to enjoy this beloved festive evening in Fort Tryon Park and help increase the support for this one-of-a-kind, triple-landmarked historic park that offers so much opportunity for wellness of self, families, and community!
Honorees:
Dr. Colleen Koch – Group Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, New York Presbyterian Hospital
Dr. Koch oversees NYP Allen Hospital, NYP/Columbia, and NYP Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, focusing on patient care, safety, and community engagement. Before joining NYP in 2024, she was Dean of the University of Florida College of Medicine and held leadership roles at Johns Hopkins and Cleveland Clinic.
Dr. Koch has a deep connection to Fort Tryon Park and is passionate about the importance of green spaces for community health!
Detective (ret.) Haydee Pabey – Community Affairs, 34th Precinct
We are proud to honor Detective Haydee Pabey, a 25-year veteran of the NYPD who has dedicated her career to serving the community. Det. Pabey responded heroically to the 9/11 attacks and has spent 19 years as the Community Affairs Officer for the 34th Precinct, working to strengthen relationships between police and the diverse community of Washington Heights and Inwood. Her commitment to fostering trust and cooperation has made a lasting impact on the safety and unity of our neighborhoods. She is a devoted wife, mother, and a true leader in our community.
Nancy Bruning – Founding Board Member, Fort Tryon Park Trust & Forest Fitness
Nancy Bruning is a native New Yorker who fell in love with Fort Tryon Park after moving to northern Manhattan. With a background in urban public health and a master’s degree in the field, she has been instrumental in launching free outdoor exercise programs in Fort Tryon Park, including yoga, tai chi, and Forest Fitness. Nancy is also the author of “101 Things to Do on a Park Bench” and the creator of Green Gym Day, promoting fitness in public spaces. As a dedicated board member of the Fort Tryon Park Trust, she continues to lead fitness programs and champion community health initiatives year-round.
Artists:
Washington Heights Chamber String Quartet
✨ Mark Chien – Concertmaster
✨ Ashley Windle – Assistant Concertmaster
✨ Hannah Burnett – Guest Principal Viola
✨ Valeriya Sholokhova – Principal Cello
The Washington Heights Chamber Orchestra’s String Quartet will perform during the Heather Garden Wine Stroll. Hailed as “consistently fresh” by the New York Times and featured in TimeOut NY & Gothamist’s “Best Things to Do in NYC!” Don’t miss out!
Local favorite visual artist will exhibit his Fort Tryon Park art collection. 15% of all sales at the Toast will benefit the park.
Francis is a New York artist who brings the urban landscape to life through his evocative paintings. His art captures the soul of the city, finding beauty in everyday moments – whether it’s light cutting across a building facade or fog wrapping around familiar landmarks. Fort Tryon Park and the neighborhoods around it have been endless sources of inspiration for Francis, and his deep connection to Washington Heights shines through in every piece.
Ted Nash Trio featuring vocalist Kristen Lee Sergeant will perform at the Bonnefont. They both live in the Heights and Ted is a Grammy award-winner!
Hailed by Billboard for blending freedom with substance, Ted Nash is a leading jazz composer of the 21st century, known for his bold, intellectual approach. A co-founder of the Jazz Composers Collective and member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, his Grammy-winning album Presidential Suite sets iconic political speeches to music with creativity and social awareness.
Kristen Lee Sergeant is a singer, lyricist, and composer who brings dramatic musical experiences to life!
Her performances, deeply rooted in jazz and theater, take audiences on a journey through theme, story, and song. BroadwayWorld describes her shows as “the musical equivalent of a Martha Graham dance concert.” 🎭
Having graced the stages of Dizzy’s Club, Joe’s Pub, and Birdland Theater, Kristen’s artistry shines on four albums that can be found wherever music is streamed.
Sponsors:
We thank these wonderful sponsors.
Interested to sponsor and/or advertise?
You can gain visibility and recognition for your vital support of Fort Tyron Park, public green space and community!
Please email [email protected] to inquire about sponsorship of the Toast and advertising opportunities.
We look forward to coordinating with you and appreciate your investment in our work and park!
