A: Is for Art Going Green and Giving Back!

On October 1st community leaders, celebrities and residents gathered in the rain as Bette Midler and Target unveiled the opening of The New York Restorations Project (NYRP) newest Garden ‘Target East Harlem Community Garden.’ NYRP, for those who do not know is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and revitalizing parks, community gardens and public space in New York City.








Midler and NYRP have saved 114 community gardens from commercial development. 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, the East Harlem garden is truly a green space in which to relax. The newly designed garden has 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 flowerbeds throughout the growing season, reducing the garden’s dependence on local water supply and therefore reducing expenses. This is the second NYRP garden revitalization initiative that Target has supported. This opening also serves 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, and ends with a gala on October 31. NYRP has achieved dramatic results by investing in the greening and beautification of underserved communities throughout New York City. NYRP is also responsible for transforming an illegal dumping ground along the Harlem River into the five-acre Swindler Cove Park and building the adjacent Peter Jay Sharp Boathouse – the first floating boathouse on the river in over 100 years. Bette Midler and her group have proven that we can make a difference.

Art comes in many ways and when it gives back it becomes even more universal and that is a F.A.C.T.