"Hulaween in the Garden of Good and Evil" Was a Wild Success

New York Restoration Project celebrated nearly three decades of championing urban green spaces and community gardens at our 28th annual Hulaween gala: Hulaween in the Garden of Good and Evil. Our signature fall celebration raised more than $2.2 million to support our community cleaning and greening work throughout New York City.

“What an extraordinary night. And New Yorkers, dressed to thrill!” said Bette Midler, Founder of NYRP. “One of the most fun, creative crowds ever, in all of our 29 years! NYRP still holds the record for the best Halloween party in the greatest city in the world, Hulaween, and I thank everyone who put their time, their energy and their spirits into making last night one of the most successful in our history. Can’t wait to celebrate next year’s 30th anniversary!”

On Friday, October 25, 2024, NYRP welcomed over 500 glamorous guests to Cipriani South Street to honor legendary actor, producer and director Robert De Niro (Wind Beneath My Wings Award); Managing Director/Co-Head of the Northeast Investment Team at JPMorgan Asset Management Cassandra Clark (Joan Kors Green Champion Award); and NYRP Trustee and Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Central Innovation District Josh Sirefman (Joan Kors Green Champion Award).

This year’s Hulaween celebration featured dynamic live performances by the iconic, Grammy-nominated R&B group En Vogue, as well as international burlesque sensation Jake DuPree. Comedian, actress and singer Cat Cohen guided guests through the event as emcee, while Rupaul’s Drag Race alum Thorgy Thor returned as the evening’s Green Carpet Correspondent.

Winners of the much buzzed about costume contest—judged by seven-time Tony Award-winning theater producer and fashion icon Jordan Roth—included:

• Best Individual Winner: Casey Thomas Brown, Park Bench
• Best Individual Runner-Up: Jennifer Wray, Banshee Gargoyle
• Group Winner: STUDIOS Architecture, St. Bonaventure Cemetery
• Group Runner-up: Tim DeSalvo, John Heilmann, Peggy Heilmann, Mummy Dearest

Following the headlining performance, Brooklyn entertainment collective House of Yes and Boyyyish kept the celebration going at the afterparty.

“As always, the NYRP community shows up and shows out for Hulaween,” said Lynn Bodnar Kelly, Executive Director of NYRP. “It was an incredible evening that gathered long-time friends of the organization, welcomed new supporters, and highlighted NYRP’s mission to ensure access to public green spaces across New York City.”