Bette Midler's New York Restoration Project (NYRP) Hosts 'Hulaween' Benefit Gala at Waldorf-Astoria

Bette Midler's New York Restoration Project (NYRP) Hosts 'Hulaween' Benefit Gala at Waldorf-Astoria

Sheryl Crow Featured Performer; Susie Essman Celebrity Auctioneer

Special Appearance by Mayor Michael Bloomberg

(Celebrity Auction at www.charitybuzz.com open until November 8th)

NEW YORK, Oct. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Over $2M was raised tonight at the star- studded Hulaween benefit for Bette Midler's New York Restoration Project (NYRP). A capacity crowd was entertained at the Waldorf-Astoria by Sheryl Crow along with a special duet performed by Crow and Midler.

The funding from Hulaween supports NYRP initiatives -- including its newly announced signature program, MillionTreesNYC, in conjunction with Mayor Bloomberg and the City of New York to plant and care for one million trees throughout the five boroughs in the next decade.

Greeted by an enthusiastic audience, Mayor Bloomberg said, "Hulaween is a special event - benefiting a wonderful organization. None of it would have been possible without the marvelous Bette Midler. For 12 years, the New York Restoration Project has done so much to make this a cleaner, more beautiful New York. We are working together to plant one million trees in New York City over the next ten years -- the equivalent to 40 times the number of trees in Central Park. It's an important part of PlaNYC -- our long-term strategy to put New York City on solid ground economically and environmentally. Thanks to Bette's work, in partnership with the Parks Department, the whole city will benefit from cleaner air and more beautiful neighborhoods."

MillionTreesNYC (www.milliontreesnyc.org) seeks to leverage every opportunity to plant trees on public land; and, the Parks Department and the New York Restoration Project will enlist individuals and organizations throughout the City to plant and maintain trees on privately owned property as well. The Parks Department and NYRP will work with community partners as it assesses tree planting opportunities at places including schoolyards, public housing campuses, health care facilities, business districts, commercial and residential developments, front yards and other private lands. The initiative will include extensive outreach and education for everyone from residential and commercial developers to children. NYRP and its partners will seek the financial and in-kind support of individuals, corporations and foundations.

A grateful Bette Midler thanked the supporters of NYRP saying, "In the 12 years we have been working together, we are stronger than ever. By picking up garbage; building new parks, reviving neglected community gardens, planting trees, building boats, teaching environmental science; offering nature walks, overnight camping, family festivals -- we are constantly working to improve the lives of all the citizens of our wonderful town. And now working with the Mayor to plant one million trees in New York City over the next ten years fulfills a lifelong dream for me. I am thankful to each and every one of you who have contributed in so many ways. You are my heroes."

An online auction, including such exciting items as two VIP tickets to see Bette Midler at Caesars Palace with a backstage meet-and-greet, dinner at the Mesa Grill, and two first class roundtrip tickets from American Airlines; spending a day on the set of "Wolverine" with Hugh Jackman in Australia; having your picture taken with Nicole Kidman on the red carpet of her next movie and much more. Bidding is open until November 8, 2007 at www.charitybuzz.com.

NYRP reclaims, restores, and develops under-resourced open spaces in New York City's five boroughs. As "the conservancy of forgotten places," NYRP rescues public parks and community gardens that are most threatened by the challenges facing underserved communities. Since 1995, NYRP has steadily "cleaned and greened" some of New York City's most blighted public areas by removing over 80,000 tons of garbage and debris from project sites. It has created Swindler Cove, a gorgeous new park out of an illegal dump on the Harlem River; saved and revitalized more than 100 community gardens; taught hundreds of at-risk children about the environment; and built the first boathouse on the Harlem River in over 100 years.

    Contact:  Roberta Greene              Phoenix Communications              646-918-6008              917-957-3415              Rgreene@robertagreene.com  

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: New York Restoration Project

CONTACT: Roberta Greene of Phoenix Communications, +1-646-918-6008, or
+1-917-957-3415, or Rgreene@robertagreene.com, for NYRP

Web site: http://www.nyrp.org/
http://www.charitybuzz.com/
http://www.milliontreesnyc.org/

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Profile: International Entertainment