Leonard Lauder, Chairman Emeritus, The Estée Lauder Cos., presented John Demsey, Executive Group President, The Estée Lauder Cos.,with The Battery Medal of Corporate Leadership, at The Battery Conservancy’s 23rd annual gala on June 19. The gala celebrated the beauty firm’s 15th consecutive year of support of The Battery’s revitalization efforts.

“What the Battery Conservancy has accomplished in terms of preserving and regenerating the landscape of Lower Manhattan is astonishing,” said John. “Their vision, along with their expertise in conservation and biodiversity, has made an indelible contribution to New York City, and their public garden is living proof of the transformative power of Beauty. This is something to which The Estée Lauder Companies has always been firmly committed, and I am truly honored to accept this recognition on their behalf.”

The historic parkland was transformed into an enchanted garden, created by Jo Malone London, and featured cocktails, dinner and moonlit dancing with DJ Alexandra Richards. Vogue called the event, “The Chicest Garden Party in New York.”

As champions of beauty, Lauder invested early in the vision to rebuild the park into a global leader for sustainable waterfront parkland. The park now features eco-conscious lawns, acres of horticulture, a popular SeaGlass Carousel and urban farm. Construction will begin soon to create Battery Playscape, a 1.4-acre sustainable and climate-responsible playground experience for both adults and children.

“Estée Lauder is an outstanding leader in corporate citizenship,” stated Warrie Price, Founder and President of The Battery Conservancy. “They understood and invested early in our passion to bring beauty and sustainability to New York’s birthplace park, in the city that gave birth to the Estée Lauder Companies. We are extremely grateful for their foresight and unprecedented generosity.”