Look Back by Patrick McMullan: The Hat Luncheon Frederick Law Olmsted Awards

Andy Warhol once said, “If you don’t know Patrick McMullan, you ought to get out more.” Here, McMullan shares a photo history of the Women’s Committee of the Central Park Conservancy’s signature event, The Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon, always the highlight of the Spring’s social season. This benefit, founded in 1983, is fondly known as the Hat Luncheon because the city’s chicest ladies don their most fabulous chapeaux. McMullan has covered this luncheon since its inception and has picked a few of his favorite photos from the 2005 to 2021 events. This glamorous lunch, attended by over 1,200 park lovers, raised over 2.8 million last year towards the care, restoration, and enhancement of the park. To date, the Women’s Committee has raised more than 195 million for NYC’s urban oasis. This year’s luncheon will be held in May. I suggest you buy your tickets early as this stellar afternoon always sells out. centralparknyc.org