Bette Midler's 30-Year Mission to Green New York City

Three decades ago, Bette Midler was dismayed by the trash-filled parks in New York City and decided to do something about it. In 1995, the actress-singer-comedian founded the New York Restoration Project (NYRP), a nonprofit that has since cleaned up, transformed, and created green spaces for New Yorkers across the five boroughs, with a focus on helping underserved communities.

Last month, on October 24th, 2025, the NYRP held its annual Hulaween gala, a costumed celebration that marked the organization's 30th anniversary. The event raised $2.9 million, thanks in large part to a $1 million donation from the late Mica Ertegun. Celebrities like Michael Kors, Darren Criss, and Bette Midler's daughter Sophie von Haselberg attended the festivities, which featured musical performances and tributes to Midler's environmental efforts.

During the event, Midler was surprised by a tribute from her longtime friends Billy Crystal and Marc Shaiman, who took the stage to honor her work. The emotional moment brought the actress to tears, as she generously praised the many people who have helped NYRP over the decades. Midler's heartfelt speech emphasized the importance of sharing and giving back to the community, a sentiment that has guided her nonprofit's mission for the past 30 years.