GALA
THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025
MANDARIN ORIENTAL
INNOVATION IN SPORTS, FITNESS & PLAY FOR ALL
Kimberly A. Burd
STRONGLY EFFECTIVE QUIETLY &
(just like Al)
— Barrie R. Zesiger —
ASPHALT GREEN BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIR
Caroline Hribar
VICE-CHAIR
Christa A. D’Alimonte
TREASURER
Paul Sherrington
SECRETARY
Robert Milam
MEMBERS
Kimberly A. Burd
Justin Derfner
William S. Eakins
Kirsten J. Feldman
Rowdy Gaines
Andrea Wenner Hollander
Aloysee Heredia Jarmoszuk
Samuel J. Jemal
David Levin
David Mitnick
Lia Neal
Thomas Newman
Andrew J. Nussbaum
Damon Pazzaglini
John A. Porges
Travis Rundlet
Patricia A. Saunders
Locky Trachsel
Barrie R. Zesiger
HONORARY BOARD
Robert R. Cross
EMERITUS BOARD MEMBER
Albert L. Zesiger
FOUNDERS
Annette Cross Murphy
George E. Murphy, MD
ASPHALT GREEN GALA COMMITTEE
Kimberly A. Burd
Christa A. D’Alimonte
William S. Eakins
Tim Hinchey III
Caroline Hribar
Aloysee Heredia Jarmoszuk
Jeremiah Kane
Rebecca Lisica
Robert Milam
Lia Neal
John A. Porges
Paul Sherrington
June Slowik
Locky Trachsel
Fiona Wong
Barrie R. Zesiger
WELCOME
Dear Friends of Asphalt Green,
This has been a year of incredible growth for Asphalt Green. Our groundbreaking Wave Makers Initiative helped children in all five boroughs learn to swim. We launched inclusive sports and aquatics classes to ensure everyone has a place to play at Asphalt Green. We helped reopen a neglected pool at River East Elementary School in East Harlem and turned it into a community aquatics hub. Our competitive teams reached new heights of success, ranking among the best programs in the country, producing collegiate and professional athletes, and—once again— seeing one of our own earn the title of Olympian. And we became official operators of Major R. Owens Health and Wellness Community Center in Crown Heights, giving us the opportunity to supercharge one of the most spectacular recreational facilities in all of New York City.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from this remarkable year, it’s that bringing sports, fitness, and play to all will always be a team effort. Asphalt Green has changed the lives of countless New Yorkers, only because of the generosity and dedication of our friends and supporters. We cannot thank you enough for the impact you continue to make on our community.
But we’re not done yet.
As we look ahead, we will continue to explore ways to deepen our impact and reach even more people. Our work won’t be over until every New Yorker can access the transformative benefits of physical activity. Thank you for your partnership and support of those efforts. Together, we are creating a stronger, healthier, and more connected New York City through the power of sports, fitness, and play for all.
In good health,
Jordan Brackett Chief Executive Officer
Caroline Hribar Board Chair
ORDER OF FESTIVITIES
OPENING REMARKS
CAROLINE HRIBAR, Board Chair
SPECIAL PROCLAMATION
HON. JULIE MENIN, New York City Council Member
REMARKS FROM OUR CEO
JORDAN BRACKETT, Chief Executive Officer
ZESIGER AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
PRESENTED TO KIMBERLY A. BURD
Asphalt Green Board Member & Advocate for Children with Medically Complex Diseases
BY TIM HINCHEY III
Inaugural Zesiger Award of Excellence Recipient
WITH REMARKS FROM JOHN PORGES
Asphalt Green Board Member
FUND A CAUSE AND A TOAST
CHRIS CASSELS , Director of Basketball
ADAM PEREZ , Director of Soccer
DAVID RODRIGUEZ , Senior Director of Aquatics
ABOUT TONIGHT’S HONOREE
KIMBERLY A. BURD
Asphalt Green Board Member & Advocate for Children with Medically Complex Diseases
Kimberly A. Burd is a native New Yorker and longtime advocate for children with disabilities and complex medical diseases. After completing her master’s from Pace University, she worked as a special education teacher for the New York City Department of Education on the Lower East Side and separately worked in the special events’ corporate division at Condé Nast Publications.
In 2015, Kimberly joined the Foundation Board of Advisors at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where she began supporting CHOP’s work to transform pediatric healthcare in the Philadelphia region and worldwide. Three years later, Kimberly’s son Baron was diagnosed with a form of Mitochondrial Disease. The impeccable care Baron received at CHOP inspired Kimberly’s journey to becoming a leading advocate for children with complex medical diseases, particularly children with
Mitochondrial deficiencies. She joined the Mitochondrial Medicine Frontier Advisory Board at CHOP in 2021.
Making connections is one of Kimberly’s strongest attributes as an advocate. In 2023, Kimberly orchestrated a partnership between Tribeca Prep and Asphalt Green to host an inclusive swim program that proved so successful, that it was rewarded with a $200,000 grant to bring sports and fitness to children with diverse needs in the New York City area. Kimberly has also created a lasting partnership between Asphalt Green and CHOP, who together have hosted educational events that highlight important topics including sports medicine and nutrition for the Asphalt Green community.
Above all, Kimberly cites her biggest accomplishment as being a mother to Baron.
ASPHALT GREEN CONGRATULATES KIMBERLY A. BURD ON RECEIVING THE 2025 ZESIGER AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR HER COMMITMENT TO BRING SPORTS, FITNESS, AND PLAY TO ALL.
IN MEMORIAM
ALBERT L. ZESIGER
This year, the Asphalt Green community mourned the passing of long-time Board member and dear friend, Al Zesiger, who died at the age of 95. Along with his wife, Barrie, Al’s impact on the organization and the City of New York cannot be overstated.
Al was an avid runner, who completed 18 marathons, but an injury pushed him from running to swimming. At a time when the best facilities were found in private clubs, Al conceived of a world-class, Olympicsized swimming pool accessible to all New Yorkers. With his vision and support, the Asphalt Green’s AquaCenter was built. Since then, Asphalt Green has taught more than 100,000 people to swim, given away more than $40 million in free swim lessons, and produced multiple Olympians.
Most importantly to Al, the organization became, and remains, a center for excellence and inclusion, transforming lives and building community through sports,
fitness, and play for all. Al believed deeply that excellence was possible at any age and that cardiovascular fitness was essential to a long and happy life. Al will continue to inspire our work to bring excellent sports, fitness, and play programs to all New Yorkers. In his memory, we will continue to build a world where everyone can enjoy the transformative benefits of physical activity.
OUR IMPACT
Making Sports, Fitness, and Play More Accessible Across New York City
$1.2 MILLION+
We provide more than $1.2 million in scholarship funding annually
14,000+
Students who achieved the CDC recommended daily exercise through our Recess Enhancement Program this fiscal year
$187,000+
camp scholarships awarded
100,000
people who have learned to swim at Asphalt Green since its founding
32,500+
Total people served through our community programs this fiscal year
1,000
400+
Free older adult memberships provided this fiscal year
60,000
Total free swim lessons forecasted for our Wave Makers Initiative next year
Children who gained access to organized sports through our Community Sports Leagues this fiscal year
26/51
Asphalt Green hosts programming in half of NYC’s 51 Council Districts
FUND A CAUSE
Asphalt Green is a 501(c)(3) organization. 100% of funds donated through the paddle raise will benefit Asphalt Green’s mission and the following programs.
GIVE THE JOY OF CAMP TO A CHILD
$10,000 1 1
For decades, Asphalt Green’s renowned Summer Day Camp program has helped kids discover new passions, connect with peers, and stay active during school break. Through swimming, sports, arts & crafts, and special events, kids develop values of community, confidence, independence, energy, kindness, and respect. With the gift of camp, you can give a child an unforgettable summer with lessons that will last a lifetime.
SCHOLARSHIP ACROSS ALL PROGRAMS
$5,000 2
Asphalt Green breaks down barriers through scholarships that amount to over $1 million annually, expanding access to high-quality sports, fitness, and play programs that help people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities get the CDC recommended amount of exercise. By donating to our scholarship fund, you can give someone an active and healthier life—a gift that never stops giving.
TRAVEL EXPENSES FOR A SCHOLARSHIP ATHLETE
3
4
Asphalt Green scholarships also offer talented young athletes equitable access to the pursuit of their chosen sport. In addition to the widely acknowledged mental and physical health benefits of sports, studies have also shown that sports participation conditions athletes for achievement off the field of play too. To date, many Asphalt Green scholarship recipients have gone on to compete in college and beyond. By funding an AGSC scholarship, you can ignite a young soccer player’s career and open doors that will benefit them for a lifetime. $2,500
SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY SPORTS LEAGUES
$1,000
Sponsor a school to give middle school students the gift of being on a competitive team! According to the Aspen Institute’s Project Play Report, kids involved in youth sports score 40% higher on test scores, are 15% more likely to go to college, and go on to receive 7-8% higher earnings than their peers. Asphalt Green’s free and low-cost Community Sports Leagues put middle school students with limited access to organized sports into the game. Today, you help countless students form life-long friendships and achieve success inside and outside the fields of play.
HELP A CHILD ENJOY OUR INCLUSIVE SPORTS PROGRAMS
5
6
$500
Provide a semester of Playground Pathways class to help a child with special needs develop their foundation of physical skills. According to the CDC, 76% of children and adolescents with disabilities do not meet the 60 minutes or more of physical activity daily recommendation. In recent years, Asphalt Green has extended its commitment to accessibility by adding a wide selection of inclusive classes and adaptive programs. With highly trained staff, programming is focused on building social and physical skills in a sensory-friendly space. Today, your generosity can help children with support needs participate in sports, fitness, and play programs.
RAISE A PADDLE IF YOU LOVE ASPHALT GREEN!
$250
Asphalt Green has helped New Yorkers of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities live healthy lives and find community for over 50 years. Your donation can help us continue to be a place of connection, health, and wellness for years to come.
MURPHY AWARD FOR INNOVATION
ABOUT THE MURPHY AWARD FOR INNOVATION
Named after Asphalt Green founders Dr. George E. and Annette Cross Murphy, the Murphy Award for Innovation honors their legacy, beginning with their innovative vision to reshape the Upper East Side community. In 1972, The Murphys led an effort to preserve the abandoned Municipal Asphalt Plant at York Avenue and 90th Street, before forming a charitable organization to renovate the plant and create Asphalt Green. Over 50 years later, Asphalt Green now stands as a premier destination for athletes of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. The Murphy Award for Innovation is awarded to an Asphalt Green employees who best exemplify the Murphys’ commitment to introducing innovation.
INAUGURAL INNOVATION AWARD RECIPIENTS
Kaity Buzby-Liburd Director of Customer Experience
Jules Leitermann Director of Program Outcomes and Analysis
Abraham Vazquez
Senior Director of Marketing
Ned Weiss
Assistant Technical Director Asphalt Green Soccer Club
MURPHY AWARD FOR INNOVATION
PROJECT: NEW SURVEY AND OUTCOME TOOLS
Kaity Buzby-Liburd, Director of Customer Experience
Jules Leitermann, Director of Program Outcomes and Analysis
Abraham Vazquez, Senior Director of Marketing
A cross-departmental collaboration among Abraham, Jules, and Kaity led to the development of a comprehensive survey and outcome tool that can be used across all of Asphalt Green’s business units. This allows the organization to easily and efficiently track departmental business performance, strategic plan progress tracking, participant skill assessments, sentiment assessments, and net promoter scores. Prior, departments used multiple platforms for surveys and data collection, which resulted in inconsistent and incomplete data stored across multiple areas.
Abraham, Jules, and Kaity’s project exemplifies Asphalt Green’s emphasis on innovation, teamwork, and collaboration. Their work will strengthen Asphalt Green’s commitment to excellence and extend the impact of our programs throughout New York City.
PROJECT: AGSC MICROSOFT DATAVERSE ENVIRONMENT
Ned Weiss, Assistant Technical Director
Asphalt Green Soccer Club
As the assistant technical director of Asphalt Green Soccer Club, Ned practices his passion for soccer and community service by helping countless young athletes grow and achieve at Asphalt Green.
This year, Ned built an intricate AGSC Microsoft Dataverse to streamline enrollment, roster management, and player evaluations. His work has helped AGSC accommodate more athletes, identify top athletic talent, and support AGSC player development.
Ned is an incredible testament to Asphalt Green’s focus on data and impact and is a deserving recipient of this year’s Murphy Award for Innovation.
WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR DONORS
TITLE SPONSORS ($100,000)
The George E. and Annette C. Murphy
Charitable Fund
PLATINUM SPONSORS ($50,000)
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz Foundation
Barrie R. Zesiger
GOLD SPONSORS ($25,000)
Kimberly A. Burd
Christa A. D’Alimonte & Hobart Flint
Guerrerio Family Foundation
Caroline Hribar & Mallon Fitzpatrick
The Levin Family
Darcy & Andy Nussbaum
June & Jeb Slowik
Locky & Scott Trachsel
SILVER SPONSORS ($15,000)
Anonymous
Ascent Real Estate Advisors, LLC
Lewis Black
Blavatnik Family Foundation
Ranika Cohen
Justin Derfner
Islanders Children’s Foundation
Milam Family
Rene & Jack Salzman
Safety Facility Services
Tribeca Prep
La Famille Vernhes
Joanna Wang and Family
Joanne Wuensch & Paul Sherrington
BRONZE SPONSORS ($10,000)
Anonymous
BFC Partners
The Brearley School
Cutter Entertainment
Samuel J. Jemal
Sevda & Blake Kleinman
Thomas Newman & Samantha Schreiber
Savills
Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi
GREEN SPONSORS ($5,000)
Shawn Basler
Lisa & Chris Casciato
Doyle Security Services, Inc.
Trevor, Antoinette and Aria Freeman
Holly Fogle
Aloysee Heredia Jarmoszuk
J.A. Faccibene & Associates, Inc.
Andrea & Aaron Kanter
Dina & Frank Oswald
Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP
Fleur Sohtz
UHY Advisors, Inc.
Michael Zuppone
WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR DONORS
$1,000+ DONORS
Alford / South Family
Anonymous (6)
Aspiris
Atlantic, Tomorrows Office
Bank of America Private Bank
J.D. Beaird
Zachary Beim & Lisa Bebchick
Greg Blatt
Amy & Jordan Brackett
Cabaret Rentals
Cory and Oren Cahlon
Capelli Sports
CCS Fundraising
Stephen Chang
The Chiang Family
Sam Choi
Convent of the Sacred Heart School
Derek Cox
Renée A. Davis & Jonathan Bruno
Ann Brookman Dey
Evergreen Mechanical Corp.
Fredrica Ford
Saroya Friedman-Gonzalez
Cindy Gavin
Leigh Harlan
John H. Healey & Paula J. Olsiewski
Kirsten & Michael Healy
Elisheva Hirshman Finston
Jonathan Horowitz
Houlihan Parnes Realtors, GHP
Office Realty and Houlihan Parnes
Properties
Joshua Karlin
Sarah Knox
Courtney Lee-Mitchell
Stew Leonard, Jr.
Jonathan Lewinsohn
Rebecca Lisica
Heidi Miskin
National Environmental Chemical Corp
Erika & Matt Norton
David O’Leary
Vicken Pamoukian
Jon Ecker, Peace of Mind Technologies
Christian Pichlmeier
Timothy Rankin
Banu Roso
Tibi Salerno
Pat and Paul Saunders
Karen Scowcroft
Lee Selby/Superselby
Colleen Stranzl
Carol Tweedy
TYR Sport, Inc.
Thomas Ugast
Linda Ventresca
Tom & Elizabeth Walsh
Melanie Wright
Zog Sports
The Zollar Family Fund
Jillian & J.L. Zrebiec
Zubatkin Owner Representation, A Cumming Group Company
THANK YOU,
for being the leader in adaptive programming, where ALL truly means ALL. Baron wouldn’t be playing soccer and swimming if it weren’t for your adaptive coaches.
— Kimberly A. Burd —
Kim, Thank you for your endless energy, enthusiasm and support for Asphalt Green. Your passion and expertise have made AG accessible to so many more New Yorkers and helped shape a truly bestin-class model for inclusivity in sports, fitness, and play. Thanks for being you.
Caroline
to every member of the incredible Asphalt Green staff, for bringing the benefits of sports, fitness, and play to all New Yorkers.
And special thanks to Adam, Juan, Dean, Kayla, Nicole and Joe, for being such an important part of our family’s Asphalt Green experience!
— Christa & Flint —
The Guerrerio Family Foundation proudly supports Asphalt Green Water Polo and the 2025 Asphalt Green Gala.
Congratulations to Sophie Purcell for being the first DI athlete with AGUA Water Polo and being accepted to Princeton.
THANK YOU,
for helping kids play and grow through your camp and sports scholarships!
Locky & Scott Trachsel
T HANKS for everything
We'd like to send a shout out to the remarkable facilities, maintenance, and operations staff at Asphalt Green who work so hard on behalf of the entire AG community. The abundance of programs offered, from aquatics and sports to fitness and camps, would not be possible without their tireless efforts year-round. We appreciate you all... and thanks for everything!
One Love, Nikki, Dave, Max & Zach Levin
IN HONOR OF ASPHALT GREEN’S DEDICATED STAFF AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS, WHOSE EFFORTS HELP NEW YORKERS OF ALL AGES, BACKGROUNDS, AND ABILITIES ACCESS THE TRANSFORMATIVE BENEFITS OF SPORTS, FITNESS, AND PLAY PROGRAMS.
— Amy & Jordan Brackett—
Congratulations to for fostering a vibrant community through sports and fitness.
CONGRATULATES AND THANKS KIM BURD
for helping Asphalt Green expand its goals to provide “SPORTS, FITNESS, AND PLAY FOR ALL.”
CONGRATULATIONS
We love you and are proud of all you have accomplished. on your outstanding work for — Rene, Taylor, and Jack Salzman —
GOOD LUCK ON THE PITCH G2010!
THANK YOU Congratulations on a year full of outstanding results. for everything you do every day in the pool and beyond.
With gratitude, — The Vernhes Family —
THE
MILAM FAMILY
congratulates Asphalt Green, AGUA, and our swim coaches—your hard work and dedication made waves, and we are cheering you on!
THANK YOU
and the amazing coaches and staff of Asphalt Green Soccer Club, including Coach Adam, Coach Juan, and Coach Dean
Joanne, Paul, Henry, Ian George & Lilyann Sherrington
TO ALL THE AGSC COACHES.
You turn up for all our kids not only when the weather is cold and miserable but also when they need a lift when the going gets really tough. You are helping them become better versions of themselves by instilling in them a belief they can always reach a higher level with hard work and commitment.
Thank you for all you do for them. Means more than you’ll ever know to all us Mums and Dads as we watch our kids thrive at AG!
It is Our Pleasure to Honor Tim Hinchey III!
We are humbled by your generosity and thankful for your commitment to the cause.
We at Tribeca Prep are proud to partner with Asphalt Green to o er swim and sports programs to children with special needs.
Working together, we give these children the opportunity to participate in sports, build self-confidence, and develop sportsmanship. is proud to support Asphalt Green’s mission to promote health, fitness and well being for all New Yorkers.
(212) 349-8015
info@tribecapreparatory.com 109
We are honored to stand with Asphalt Green in their mission to transform lives and build community through sports and fitness. Thank you to all who make this work possible— your dedication and generosity inspire us.
Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier, and more connected future.
With gratitude,
To witness and experience the joy of watching New Yorker’s faces as their children swim across our pool is why I am honored to be a part of this amazing organization.
Thank you Asphalt Green for bringing joy and water safety to children for 30 years
Samuel Jemal Asphalt Green Board Member
TOM NEWMAN & SAMANTHA SCHREIBER
CONGRATULATE
and fellow Board member Kimbery Burd for her excellence in helping launch our Adaptive Program.
Savills is proud to support in its efforts to transform lives and build community through sports, fitness, and play for all.
Asphalt Green
savills.us
CONGRATULATIONS TO
for another successful year and particular thanks to David Rodriguez and the AGUA swim coaches, who are the best at what they do.
— The Skaistis Family —
www.butterbeanskitchen.com
Zubatkin Owner Representation, A Cumming Group Company is proud to support Asphalt Green’s 2025 Gala!
We specialize in the management of capital construction projects for mission-based organizations, including cultural, educational, and other communitybased institutions, across the United States.
Program + Project Management
Cost Management + Estimating
Planning + Scheduling
Madison Square Boys & Girls Club Westport Weston Family YMCA
Stephen Gaynor School
American Museum of Natural HIstory
To
With gratitude, — The Casciato Family
TREVOR, ANTOINETTE, AND ARIA FREEMAN
would like to thank the AGUA Coaching Staff (especially Jeff, Andy, Evan, Taylor, Isaac, Amy, and Youngho), Max, Leaf, and Isa from Mixed Martial Arts, Katie, Fabio and the AG Summer Camp Staff along with Clyde and Madelyn from Fitness training.
THANKS TO
Matt Guerrerio and the entire Asphalt Green Water Polo coaching team!
— The Lieberman Family —
In honor of former board member Elizabeth “Betsy” Zuppone
— The Zuppone Family— CONGRATULATIONS
THANK YOU & CONGRATULATIONS
to the Asphalt Green Girls Basketball Program on an Amazing Year of Growth.
— The Kanter Family—
THE FACCIBENE FAMILY,
along with J.A. Faccibene and Associates, would like to thank the Asphalt Green Family for many years of fitness challenges, good health, and a great business relationship!
Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP
LOVE, CONGRATULATIONS, KIM!
— the Haber Family —
