November 2017 – She is known to generations as the “Divine Miss M” and her work on stage and screen has entertained millions. Yet few people know that Bette Midler has an urban thumb! In 1995 Bette Midler moved back to New York City from Los Angeles and founded the New York Restoration Project.

For over twenty years, the New York Restoration Project has been working to ensure that all New Yorkers enjoy beautiful public spaces within walking distance of their homes. Bette came together with her friends and supporters at her Hulaween benefit to raise funds for the non profit organization. For the fundraiser, the Catherdral of St. John the Divine was transformed into a garden of earthly delights.

With the help of volunteers and supporters, the New York Restoration Project has planted trees, renovated gardens, and restored parks in all five boroughs.

Among the New York Restoration Project’s most successful initiatives was Million Trees NYC – Which planted a Million trees in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx and Staten Island two years ahead of schedule in 2015. The New York Restoration Project also offers free hands on environmental education targeted to kindergarten through eighth grade students.

New Yorkers are healthier and happier in a green New York – And thanks to the work of the New York Restoration Project, New York City is growing greener and greener by the day.