Alan van Capelle, the executive director of Friends of the High Line, a nonprofit organization overseeing the operations of the park, is dedicated to promoting equality and a sense of belonging. He works tirelessly to raise $20 million annually in order to provide free access to the public park for more than seven million people each year. Van Capelle, who grew up on Long Island, is now living a life he never thought possible as a Jewish, biracial, gay man. He played a significant role in the marriage equality campaign in New York and is happily married to Matthew Morningstar, with whom he has two adopted children.
On Sundays, Van Capelle begins his day at 5:45 a.m., but allows himself an extra 30 minutes of sleep. He and his husband enjoy a few minutes of snuggling before starting their morning routine. Van Capelle reads the newspapers while enjoying a cup of coffee, and their children wake up around 7:30 a.m. They have a family breakfast together and then attend their bi-denominational church. Afterward, they often visit cultural attractions such as the Whitney Museum or the High Line. In the afternoon, they engage in various activities at home, such as reading, playing games, or engaging in outdoor sports. They end their day with a family dinner, followed by drinks and a discussion about their upcoming schedules. The evening concludes with TV time and bedtime rituals. Van Capelle cherishes his relationship with his husband and the life they have built together with their children.