Event Partners, New Brunswick Youth to Unite for “Earth Week” Cleanup Effort
 
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., April 9, 2009 – NAIOP-NJ, the commercial real estate development association, is gearing up for its 2009 Community Action Day. This year’s program, set during “Earth Week” on Friday, April 24, will center on a litter cleanup around New Brunswick schools. NAIOP-NJ is partnering with the NJ Clean Communities Council (NJCCC), The City of New Brunswick, Matrix Development Group and The Heldrich.
 
Teams of volunteers will work with 300 fifth-grade students and teachers to pick up litter within multi-block areas surrounding four elementary schools. The day will begin with a rally and orientation at The Heldrich, followed by the cleanup, and then lunch and an awards ceremony back at the hotel.
 
“The Clean Communities Council has an excellent reputation for getting urban areas involved in litter clean ups, and NAIOP-NJ members have cleaned up thousands of contaminated acres for redevelopment projects that restore urban neighborhoods and bring jobs to our state. We think this is a wonderful partnership, and our volunteers are looking forward to working with New Brunswick students and the community,” noted Michael McGuinness, chief executive officer of NAIOP-NJ. “NAIOP-NJ members are supporting the project with volunteers and financial assistance – in the form of donations in any amount – to offset the cost of feeding lunch to approximately 400 participants.” For more information on how to get involved, call 732-729-9900.
 
The NJCCC works with local governments, recycling coordinators and private-sector sponsors to clean up urban municipalities. “New Jersey Clean Communities thrives on partnerships,” said Sandy Huber, the organization’s executive director. “I am looking forward to being part of an initiative that promotes the collaboration of schools and businesses working toward a common goal – reducing litter through education.”
 
Matrix Development Group is making parking space available for volunteers. The firm has long been a supporter of NAIOP-NJ’s annual Community Action Project, which since 2000 has established a successful track record of working to improve New Jersey’s urban areas. Past beneficiaries include Asbury Park, Elizabeth, Harrison, Irvington, Newark, Paterson, Perth Amboy and Trenton.
 
“I look forward to continuing our involvement this year,‚Äù said Russell Tepper, vice president for Matrix and a NAIOP-NJ board member. ‚ÄúIt is incredibly satisfying to be involved with an effort that brings together both public and private sectors, area businesses as well as the local schools and school children for such a worthwhile endeavor.‚Äù
 
In addition to donating ballroom space for the rally and luncheon, The Heldrich is providing A/V equipment, servers and beverages. “We are happy to participate with the City of New Brunswick in a community effort where children are involved in learning about responsibilities to help keep their community clean and work toward promoting a green environment,” noted Mike Taylor, general manager of the Heldrich Hotel.
 
“Litter not only is unsightly, but if it is not picked up it will go into the storm drain, into our stream and then to our very own Raritan River,” said Donna Caputo, Clean Communities coordinator for the city of New Brunswick. “Cleanup participants will learn about the significant negative impact of litter and the positive benefits of a litter-free environment. A clean New Brunswick is the ultimate goal, not just on April 24 but every day.” 
 
The Catering Division of Elijah’s Promise, the New Brunswick Soup Kitchen and Culinary Job Training Program, will be providing some food for volunteers at cost, and two local restaurants are providing pizzas at a discount.