Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation Makes Historic $20M Commitment for the High Line at the Rail Yards and the Park’s Endowment for Long-Term Operations

We are pleased to share exciting news: the Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation has made a $20 million commitment to the High Line, which is the largest single private contribution to a public park in New York City’s history. This unprecedented pledge, made by Barry Diller and Diane von Furstenberg, will support our fundraising efforts to transform the final, undeveloped section of the High Line at the West Side Rail Yards and help build an endowment for the park’s long-term maintenance and operations.

In 2005, when the High Line was a beautiful design on paper, many people said it was an impossible dream. Barry, Diane, and their family stepped forward at that crucial moment with visionary support that helped catalyze the construction of the first section of the High Line.

Later, during the turmoil of the financial crisis in 2008 and 2009, they stepped forward again to make sure that the second section of the High Line could be built to the same standards of design and to begin an endowment for the park’s long-term operations.

Now, understanding the importance of our mission to secure the entire historic High Line at the West Side Rail Yards, and to build our endowment, they have come forward once again to meet the High Line’s most pressing needs.

With this pledge, the Diller – von Furstenberg family has donated a total of $35 million to the High Line, demonstrating their leadership in preserving and transforming the High Line into a public park to be enjoyed by New Yorkers for generations to come.

Visit our Web site to learn more about this historic gift, and read about it in the New York Times.

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The Important Role Friends of the High Line Members Play

This extraordinary commitment will support the expansion of the High Line and help ensure its security for the future, but the day-to-day operations of the park continue to depend on the sustaining support of our neighbors and friends.

As part of our agreement with the City of New York, each year we must raise the essential private funding to support 90% of the High Line's operating budget. Every gardener, custodian, maintenance worker, technician, greeter, docent, and program staffer is employed thanks to support from our members. When you give to Friends of the High Line, you are helping us make sure that this special public space is always maintained and operated at the high standards we have come to love.

We wish to thank all of our members and supporters for their vision in building the High Line, their wisdom in securing its stability for the future, and their ongoing generosity in sustaining it today.

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Opening Tomorrow: Sue de Beer’s Haunt Room

Halloween is just a few days away. To mark the occasion, we are opening a new public art installation by Sue de Beer tomorrow on the High Line. Haunt Room is an interactive structure designed to induce haunted feelings with infrasound, an audio tone below the threshold of human hearing.

Join us on Friday, October 28 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM for hot cider and festivities to celebrate the opening. Costumes are encouraged!

BEWARE
Infrasound exposure may also temporarily induce feelings of drowsiness, extreme sorrow, pressure in the ears, loss of concentration, and disorientation.

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Upcoming Events and Happenings

We have new opportunities for you to stay connected with the High Line.

ZOMBIE ALERT
Take note New Yorkers: the High Line is good for much more than a leisurely afternoon walk. The park tops New York Magazine’s list of places to take long-term refuge in the event of a zombie apocalypse. Plan ahead to stay safe!

HALLOWEEN PARADE
Families are invited to join us on Sunday, October 30 at 12:00 PM for the first-ever Halloween parade and pumpkin patch on the High Line. Learn more.

HALLOWEEN HOURS
The High Line will be closing at 6:00 PM on Monday, October 31 due to anticipated crowds related to the Village Halloween Parade. Learn more.

HIGH LINE CANDY SHOP
La Newyorkina has turned her food cart on the High Line into a Mexican-inspired candy shop. Stop by her cart on the High Line at West 16th Street at to try spicy hot chocolate and homemade candies.

NEW PODCAST
Josh and Robert were recently on The Leonard Lopate Show on WNYC 93.9, talking about the inside story of the High Line. Listen to or download the podcast to hear the interview.

BOOK SIGNING
Join us at Coach’s store on Madison Avenue on Wednesday, November 30 at 6:00 PM to purchase our new book and get it signed by Josh and Robert. A portion of the proceeds during the event will benefit the High Line.

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Best of the Blog, Facebook, and Twitter

Here are the past few weeks’ most popular items from the High Line Blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

	High Line Blog New Videos: the Past, Present, and Future of the High Line at the West Side Rail Yards
	Facebook New photos from the Social Soup Experiment, our first communal meal on the High Line.
	Twitter Fall foliage has arrived on the High Line. A photo of the fiery sumacs and purple aromatic asters near West 14th Street.

Follow the High Line and stay connected.

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Give Monthly: Become a Highliner

Highliners are a core group of members who provide essential sustaining support to the park each and every month.

When you join the Highliners with a monthly pledge, you will support the park in the most effective way possible. Your gift will be automatically charged to your credit or debit card each month, reducing paper and administrative costs, and allowing more of your support to go directly to the High Line.

You’ll also be recognized with great benefits, including special recognition in member listings, a subscription to our seasonal newsletter, and our High Line member tote when you join before 12/31!

Make your pledge and become a Highliner today!

Not ready to give monthly? Your special support of the High Line is also greatly appreciated.