Growing Oakdale Gala at Pocketbook Hudson | Supporting Hudson Youth

May 6

Late April in the Hudson Valley can either be filled with snow… or flowers. This year we got lucky a bit early with a warm spell, with lucious daffodils, hyacinth, and tulips all waking up just in time for the inaugural Growing Oakdale Gala at Pocketbook Hudson Hotel and Baths to support Friends of Hudson Youth.

Friends of Hudson Youth is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Hudson's youth through programs, partnerships, and community fundraising. We work closely with the Hudson Youth Department to expand opportunities for recreation, leadership, and belonging for young people in Hudson, NY.

This year's gala was held in support of the kids and families who call Hudson home — and to ensure the city keeps Oakdale Park and Lake genuinely public. That means summer jobs for teens, the Hudson bike co-op, swim lessons, and open green space accessible to everyone.

As both the floral designer and a board member of Friends of Hudson Youth, I was part of the creative direction from early on. The gala's theme — growth, stewardship, and community roots — gave me a clear lens for the design. I wanted the florals to feel like our landscape, abundant, slightly wild, and very green.

The palette mixed mossy and earthy greens, creamy whites, warm yellows, soft oranges, and hints of blue and purple.

All flowers were sourced from the Hudson Valley Farm Collective, keeping the arrangements all locally grown and in full alignment with the gala's mission and Fiora’s design ethos.

Because of the success of this event, hundreds of Hudson kids will swim, ride, play, create, and grow this summer in safe, supportive spaces.

A heartfelt thank you to our premier sponsor, Pocketbook Hotel and Baths, for your major sponsorship of Friends of Hudson Youth's 2026 programs and allowing us to use your beautiful space.