The gala, according to press notes, hopes to raise "critical unrestricted funds for the park workers, maintenance, plant materials and emergency needs which collectively make the park a favorite retreat for New Yorkers."

In a previous statement actress Scott said, "I remember making out with a 21-year-old guy named Patrick, along the Hudson, right up there by 72nd Street when I was 15 (I told him I was 19, I don't think he cared either way). And there was only this little patch of green, which was all worn in from all the other kids making out there. All along the rest of the shore was trashed, destroyed, wasted. But kids like Patrick and me would travel up from downtown just for that patch of green, and the memories we could make there. I'm so happy we're giving our children a great, green, safe and clean place to make out...when they're old enough. Like 30."

In addition to the performance, the gala also features a live auction, hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, dinner and dessert.

Sherie Rene Scott received Tony nominations for Best Actress in a Musical and Best Book for Everyday Rapture. She was nominated for Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards for her performance in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Scott also starred in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, The Little Mermaid and Aida. (Scott will also be part of Playbill's Broadway on the High Seas 2 Cruise in December.) 

Previous Broadway performers who have lent their talents to support Riverside Park include Laura Benanti, Kelli O'Hara and Brian Stokes Mitchell. Tickets, priced $500 and $1,000 per person, are available by contacting Liz Hydes at (212) 370-8070 or [email protected].

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Founded in 1986, Riverside Park Fund is the park's non-profit conservancy organization.