Look To The Stars News: New York Restoration Project

Bette Midler Pushes For A Greener New York City

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Long time Adopt-A-Highway supporter Bette Midler hopes to persuade the 2009 World Series Champion New York Yankees to clean up her hometown. Fresh off their 27th World Series win, the team is looking into working with Midler via the New York Restoration Project.

Founded by Midler in 1995, the New York Restoration Project is dedicated to making New York City cleaner and greener. Since 2004, Midler has provided funds to pay for cleanup crews along the Major Deegan Expressway and anticipates the Yankees following suit. Midler expects the project to set a “green” example for the Yankee’s legions of fans.

Bette Midler Launches Charity Auction

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Bette Midler has launched a new online charity auction, and she wants YOU to be part of it.

“It’s just brimming with fabulous experiences donated by dear friends who share my deep concern about the environment!” she said. “With a tennis lesson with [”John McEnroe":http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/1182-john-mcenroe], a walk-on role with Steve Carell & Paul Rudd, lunch with Jann Wenner, a getaway to Richard Branson’s Necker Island, the chance to meet Cher, John Mayer, Tim McGraw – not to mention yours truly – we’ve got something for everyone!

“Proceeds benefit [”New York Restoration Project":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/864-new-york-restoration-project] (NYRP), a nonprofit I founded to clean & green New York City. We’ve turned 55 vacant lots into beautiful community gardens and planted more than 250,000 trees, and we’re just getting started, so I hope you’ll join in the merriment by placing a bid today!"

There are also once-in-a-lifetime opportunities featuring Daniel Craig, John Stamos, Melissa Etheridge, Carlos Santana, Jackson Browne, Jay Leno and many more.

The auction runs until November 13 and can be accessed here.

Bette Midler's New York Restoration Project Announces Garden Opening

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Bette Midler’s New York Restoration Project (NYRP), a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and revitalizing parks, community gardens and public space in New York City, has announced the upcoming opening of the Target Bronx Community Garden on October 6, 2009.

Underwritten by Target, the garden was designed by nationally acclaimed designer and television host Sean Conway. Conway’s plan joins two existing community gardens with very different histories, creating a gathering space for neighborhood activity as well as a refuge for quiet contemplation.

The Target Bronx Community Garden will connect the Anderson Community Garden with the adjoining Woodycrest Community Garden to create a unique multi-use space. The large Anderson Community Garden is a joyful gathering space, welcoming neighbors and children from the elementary school across the street for more than 25 years. The Woodycrest Community Garden is a small parcel of land that has become an unofficial memorial in tribute to those lost in a fire in 2007.

“Once again we are thrilled with the work that Target and Sean Conway have done to make this garden a vital part of the neighborhood,” said Bette Midler, Founder of NYRP. “We applaud the ongoing commitment that Target has to underserved communities. Like NYRP, they recognize that each time they help create a beautiful oasis in a neighborhood, they invest in the future of the whole city.”

The Target Bronx Community Garden is the third New York Restoration Project garden revitalization initiative that Target has supported. NYRP celebrated the opening of the Target Community Garden in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, in October 2007 and the opening of the Target East Harlem Community Garden in October 2008, both of which were also designed by Sean Conway.

“Target is proud to join with New York Restoration Project on the opening of the third Target Community Garden,” said Laysha Ward, president, community relations, Target. “We hope that the garden will become a welcoming green space for the neighborhood and the entire Bronx community to enjoy.”

Sean Conway was inspired by the local community to design the Target Bronx Community Garden as a place for family, friends, and neighbors to gather, garden, and relax outdoors in their own neighborhood. Combining two adjacent properties provided the unique opportunity to create one large multi-functional open space not often found in urban neighborhoods. From the entrance at Woodycrest Avenue, garden visitors will pass through a small grove of trees which commemorate the lives of those lost in a tragic neighborhood fire in 2007. Next visitors will enter into a large open area which contains a large grass space for celebrations and gatherings, an outdoor kitchen where visitors can prepare meals al fresco, an elevated wooden sundeck, newly planted fruit trees and a berry patch, as well as raised open plots for community vegetable gardening. A third feature of the garden is the renovated rock outcropping which highlights the rugged natural beauty of this Bronx neighborhood. The elevated slope faces the community’s public elementary school on Anderson Avenue and will provide a welcoming invitation for neighborhood children to explore the outdoors in their own back yard.

“After learning about the tragedy in this community several years ago that claimed so many innocent lives, I wanted to design a place that commemorated those who died, while creating a place where the neighborhood could gather, spend time together and get to know one another,” said Sean Conway.

NYRP and Sean Conway have outfitted the garden with numerous sustainable and energy-saving features. In the past, community gardeners have found creative ways to meet their needs, such as building an outdoor kitchen from recycled scrap material. The new kitchen area of the Target Bronx Community Garden will feature a grill, gas burners, granite countertops and stainless steel cabinets for storage space. The new garden will also employ a rainwater harvesting system, enhancing the community gardeners’ own innovative water tank and tap system. Additional features of the garden are a compost area to recycle organic household and yard waste and a special composting toilet.

Since 2007, when NYRP partnered with community members to improve the existing garden, NYRP environmental educators welcome students from neighboring P.S. 73 into the garden in the fall for science activities that explore the senses, food chains and plant and animal habitats. The re-designed green space will feature expanded activities, including cooking demonstrations, gardener workshops, youth environmental education, summer concerts and community movie nights.

The Target Bronx Community Garden will also become home to NYRP’s annual Harvest Festival. On Saturday, October 10, this community-based event will engage local families and students in celebrating the season and urban agriculture through the cultivation of fruits and vegetables. This year’s Harvest Festival will feature cooking demonstrations—including homemade salsa and corn tortilla making—led by culinary students, garden tours, a youth-sponsored produce market, arts and crafts, and a live concert by the renowned Puerto Rican band Yerba Buena.

50 Cent Takes Kids to 6 Flags

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:27:00 -0000

Rapper 50 Cent spent the weekend bringing joy to kids from his native Queens neighborhood, despite New York authorities refusing him permission to play a secret show.

Though his secret concert plans fell through due to safety concerns, the rap artist continued with his plans for Family Day, arranging for hundreds of local kids to be bussed the Six Flags Great Adventure theme park in New Jersey on Saturday, and held a picnic event back in the borough of Queens on Sunday.

“I am constantly searching for ways to give back to the community that helped create me and contributed to my success,” said 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson. “I can think of no better way to do this than to help improve the lives of the young people that reside there through programs created by my foundation.”

Family Day was sponsored by Bette Midler’s New York Restoration Project, which is a non-profit agency that focuses on support for low-income families, and 50’s own G-Unity Foundation. He established the foundation as a way of supporting the academic enrichment of students in low-income or underserved communities. Since its inception, the foundation has created the G-Unity Scholarship Fund at Queensborough Community College in New York and issued thousands of dollars in grant money to various nonprofit organizations.

Bette Midler And 50 Cent Together For Charity

Fri, 15 May 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The devine Bette Midler is joining with 50 Cent and Dolly Parton to host her annual Spring Picnic to benefit the New York Restoration Project.

The event will take place at Fort Tryon Park, New York City, on May 19, and will include a BBQ and entertainment.

Midler founded the New York Restoration Project in 1995 to improve the natural balance of life in the city. The organization is based on the belief that clean, green neighborhoods are fundamental to the quality of life, and that every community in New York City deserves an oasis of natural beauty. Seeing many parks and open spaces in dire need of clean-up and restoration, Midler created NYRP to be the “conservancy of forgotten places,” particularly in New York City’s underserved communities.

To raise awareness of the event, Midler has launched an online auction to benefit the NYRP. Items going under the hammer include the chance to meet Hugh Jackman on the set of his next movie, front row tickets to see Elton John and Billy Joel, backstage passes to meet Cher, tickets to see Michael Jackson in London, meet-and-greets with John Stamos, LeAnn Rimes, Stevie Nicks, Kristin Chenoweth, Keith Urban, and Bernadette Peters, items from Scarlett Johansson and Mick Jagger, and much more.

To make a bid, visit Charity Buzz.

To order tickets to the Spring Picnic – which start at $250 – click here.

Have Lunch With Hugh Jackman And Restore New York

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Looking for the perfect Valentine’s gift? Well, this is probably not it… unless you are really secure in your relationship! Heartthrob Hugh Jackman has donated the opportunity to join him for lunch to a new charity auction.

The Australian hunk – currently starring in the epic masterpiece Australia and soon to be seen in X-Men Origins: Wolverine – wants to have a meal with you (yes, YOU) to benefit the New York Restoration Project, an organization founded in 1995 by Bette Midler.

The New York Restoration Project is based on the belief that clean, green neighborhoods are fundamental to the quality of life, and that every community in New York City deserves an oasis of natural beauty. Seeing many parks and open spaces in dire need of clean-up and restoration, Midler created NYRP to be the “conservancy of forgotten places,” particularly in New York City’s underserved communities. And now Hugh Jackman is lending his support to the cause as well.

The lunch will take place on the set of Jackman’s next film, and is valid for two people. The auction is open until February 12, and bids started at $5,000. The auction can be accessed here.

Ashanti Gets Wicked For New York Restoration

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Singer Ashanti headed up an all-star cast for a special performance of Wicked – the Broadway musical – on Monday night.

The R&B star joined Mario Cantone, Joy Behar, George Wendt and Matthew Settle for the show – which was subtitled The Yellow Brick Road Not Taken – to raise money for the New York Restoration Project.

The production featured never-before-seen scenes and songs from a rough draft of the first act of the hit musical, which has broken box office records around the world and tells the story of Elphaba – the future Wicked Witch of the West – and her relationship with Glinda, the Good Witch of the North.

The New York Restoration Project was founded by Bette Midler in 1995 in the belief that clean, green neighborhoods are fundamental to the quality of life, and that every community in New York City deserves an oasis of natural beauty.

Bette Midler Opens New Community Garden

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:00:00 -0000

Bette Midler’s New York Restoration Project (NYRP), a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and revitalizing parks, community gardens and public space in New York City, today announced the opening of the Target East Harlem Community Garden.

Underwritten by Target, the garden was designed by nationally acclaimed designer and television host Sean Conway. Using cutting-edge sustainable technology to eliminate dependence on outside energy, Conway’s design provides the East Harlem community a truly green space in which to relax, garden and enjoy time outdoors.

“From the very moment we began working with Target, it became clear to us that we share the same ideas and ideals,” said Midler, Founder of NYRP. “Target as a company prides itself on excellence, both in service, products and design. We also both care deeply about families and the places where they live. The transformation of urban blight into welcoming green space is a vital step in reclaiming what rightfully belongs to the community. On behalf of all of us at NYRP and the Target East Harlem Community Garden, a heartfelt thank you to Target for your generous support.”

The newly renovated garden will allow members of the East Harlem community to access an optimal growing environment as well as a neighborhood green for hosting events. The garden will open with a special weekend of events and activities, including garden games, educational activities, seminars and meet-and-greet opportunities with NYRP’s talented horticulture teams. With the ongoing help of NYRP’s garden coordinator, community members will be able to host movie nights, garden workshops, family days and more in the space.

The Target East Harlem Community Garden is the second New York Restoration Project garden revitalization initiative that Target has supported. In October 2007, NYRP celebrated the opening of the Target Community Garden in Bedford-Stuyvesant Brooklyn, which also was designed by Sean Conway.

“Target is proud to join with New York Restoration Project on the opening of the second Target Community Garden,” said Laysha Ward, president, community relations, Target. “We hope that the garden will become a welcoming green space for the neighborhood and the entire East Harlem community to enjoy.”

Conway took an artist’s approach in creating the space’s aesthetic with a two-level layout ideal for socializing and relaxing, as well as gardening that is both visually interesting and distinct. Iron gates lead the way to a stone pathway as you enter the open air garden, which then transitions to a lush, green lawn. This new green is bordered by a stone seating wall offering those basking in the garden’s light a place to rest. The raised perennial and vegetable garden beds will spotlight the hard work of the community, making it a focal point of this new neighborhood gathering place.

“Gardens and open space are important to the quality of life in every community,” said Sean Conway. “The creation of this garden will give the residents of the East Harlem community a place to garden, enjoy community activities and appreciate the beauty of their own neighborhood. I am honored that Target asked me to be part of this exciting project.”

NYRP and Sean Conway have outfitted the newly designed garden with wind turbines and solar panels which will power the 5,000 square foot garden’s LED (Light-Emitting Diode) energy efficient lighting and a built-in irrigation system. A rainwater harvesting system will collect rainwater for gardeners to nourish healthy vegetable and flower beds throughout the growing season, reducing the garden’s dependence on local water supply and therefore reducing expenses.

In addition to its numerous energy-saving features, the garden will also offer community gardeners and area residents access to compost bins, to recycle organic household and yard waste. Adding compost to the soil ultimately returns needed organic matter and nutrients into the earth, yielding better results for gardeners and reducing the amount of “green” waste going into landfills.

“The opening of NYRP’s Target East Harlem Community Garden is an important step in helping achieve many of the environmental and community goals set out by the Go Green East Harlem initiative,” said Drew Becher.

Introduced by Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer in 2007, Go Green East Harlem is a community driven initiative to revive, create and improve open space in the neighborhood of East Harlem. The garden opening is also serving as the official kick-off of NYRP’s Keepin’ It Green Month which is being celebrated throughout the month of October and includes community garden openings, tree giveaways and planting clinics, community volunteer planting days, a MillionTreesNYC anniversary celebration, Open House New York, and culminates with NYRP’s annual Hulaween gala on October 31.

Sigourney Weaver Awards Outstanding Women In Conservation

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Actress and environmentalist Sigourney Weaver played Master of Ceremonies last month at the Audubon Society’s annual Women In Conservation award luncheon in New York.

Among the recipients of Audubon’s Rachel Carson Award was Bette Midler for her extraordinary contribution to conservation and the environment.

Specifically, Midler was being recognized for her New York Restoration Project (NYRP), which she founded in 1995 as a response to her initial disappointment to the visual pollution when she first moved to New York City.

In an interview with Good Housekeeping Magazine, Midler said, “I was so upset, I didn’t sleep for weeks… I’m not used to the kind of carelessness and waste that I was seeing. People were throwing their garbage out the window, leaving their lunches on the ground. Finally, I realized I needed to actually do something, even if I had to pick up the stuff with my own hands.”

In the belief that “clean, green neighborhoods are fundamental to the quality of life and that every community in New York City deserves an oasis of natural beauty,” NYRP accomplishments over the past decade include: the establishment of dozens of gardens and saving others from development; the creation of a park out of a dumping ground and raising millions of dollars to restore and develop under-resourced parks; the removal of nearly 1000 tons of garbage and debris from project sites and cleaning up over 400 acres; funding economic redevelopment of waterfront; and, last Fall, the planting of the first of a million more trees in the city.

The Audubon Society, founded over a century ago, recognizes women who show such leadership, energy and endurance with the Rachel Carson Award. Carson was an environmental maverick in her own right, who contributed to the movement in the early 60s when she proved that toxic chemicals used in agriculture were lethal to wildlife and humans alike.

2007 - The Year The Stars Gave Back

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 09:11:14 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

2007 was a year of giving, both on grand and not-so-grand scales. Celebrities from all fields, be it movies, music, sport or general entertainment, showed compassion beyond the call of duty, and in most cases had a lot of fun doing it.

Without a doubt, one of the biggest events of the year was Live Earth in July, where stars new and old shone in all of the corners of the Earth to raise awareness of the plight of the planet. The shows were generally well-received, and led to organizer Al Gore winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

But celebrities also participated in smaller, more personal acts of kindness in 2007. Harrison Ford, Calista Flockhart, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Melissa Gilbert, and Michael Douglas all donated their time to feed the hungry at the Los Angeles Mission, Fran Drescher launched the Cancer Schmancer Movement, and Ewan McGregor visited UNICEF projects during his epic motorcycle trip across Africa.

In January, Kevin Bacon launched www.sixdegrees.org, a website designed to marry the concepts of social internet networks and charities. The site aims to help people fundraise for their chosen causes, and features celebrities such as Kyra Sedgwick and Ashley Judd.

Bette Midler, founder of the New York Restoration Project, launched the Million Trees NYC initiative with Mayor Michael Bloomberg in October, to get city dwellers to plant more trees. The project plans to increase New York’s urban forest by 20% in the next ten years.

“To walk under the branches of a tree that you have planted connects you to the roots of our past and the aspirations of our future,” said the 62-year-old singer and actress.

Another singer with a sense of community in 2007 was Jon Bon Jovi who, as well as participating in various benefit concerts, also worked with Project HOME to revitalize a deteriorated lot in Philadelphia and transform it into homes for fifteen families.

And then there was Shakira, co-founder of the Latin America for Solidarity Fund and Pies Descalzos, who donated $40 million to victims of natural disasters in Peru and Nicaragua, and another $5 million to benefit education programs for children across Latin America.

The California wildfires that ravaged much of the state in November also spawned a spate of celebrity donations, with Linkin Park, the Eagles, and Gwen Stefani all making substantial contributions to both victims and firefighters.

American Idol gave back in April, with two shows that raised over $60 million to benefit organizations funding relief programs in America and Africa, featuring performances by Kelly Clarkson, Madonna, and others. Organized by Simon Cowell, American Idol Gives Back also led to a $100,000 donation by talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.

Another talk show host to shine this year was Oprah Winfrey, who opened a state-of-the-art school in South Africa for disadvantaged girls.

“I am creating everything in this school that I would have wanted for myself—so the girls will have the absolute best that my imagination can offer,” said the 53-year-old, who poured $40 million of her own money into the project.

Brad Pitt took on the mission of rebuilding New Orleans by donating $5 million towards new houses, and also set up the Make It Right Foundation to assist in his work. Meanwhile, his wife Angelina Jolie set out to do what her character Lara Croft does best – save the world. As well as donating $100,000 to build the Duk Lost Boys Medical Clinic in the Sudan in March, Jolie also traveled to Iraq and Syria to raise support for those displaced by war.

Although literally tonnes of articles were written about Jolie’s efforts during 2007, even more was reported on Don Cheadle’s and George Clooney’s work to publicize the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. The stars of Ocean’s Thirteen established a charity for the Sudanese region called Not On Our Watch, and personally raised over $9 million to help those affected by conflict in the region. The pair were awarded a special peace prize by Nobel laureates for their efforts.

And no round up of the year’s events can be complete without mention of Bono, who continued being Bono by doing what Bono does best – raising awareness for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the needy, and the disadvantaged.

We at Look To The Stars would like to wish all of our readers a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year, and we look forward to continuing to bring you celebrity charity news in 2008.

Look To The Stars News: New York Restoration Project

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