The most famous city in the world is, not surprisingly, also the most populous in the US. And though New Yorkers produce just around 7.1 metric tons of trash per person compared with the national average of 24.5, the dense population still makes for a lot of ill-disposed trash and destruction of public and private property. To remedy this, the New York Restoration Project is auctioning off quality time with A-Class celebrities at their gigs, events and sports matches.

The New York Restoration Project is a non-profit organization headed by Bette Midler, and aims to reclaim and restore New York City parks, community gardens and other open spaces using star power at its most benevolent. Since the organization’s founding in 1995, Bette Midler and the NYRP have enlisted the help of community, corporate and celebrity volunteers to restore and help maintain six New York City parks and save 114 community gardens from commercial development. To date, the organization has removed over 1,905 tons of garbage from the city’s green spaces.

The online auction celebrates the organization’s 15th year anniversary. Among the lots being auctioned off are VIP tickets to a live taping of Jimmy Kimmel Live, the opportunity to visit the set of Fox NFL Sunday in LA, a meeting with Rod Stewart and a VIP tickets to his show at the O2 Arena London, and many more. Other participating celebrities include John Stamos, Rob Thomas, Cher, and Kristin Chenoweth from Glee.

The organization also provides community oriented workshops for health and wellness, green living and family concerns. Picnics, galas, and other events held by the organization are also well attended by celebrities.
Celebrity and philanthropy have a long history of going hand-in-hand. Aside from being able to provide a positive role model for fans, celebrities have the power to draw support from other members of society.

View a previously written post by Mouli Cohen about philanthropy.