Original Rain Barrel Art Raises Awareness and Funds for New Jersey's Environment

The EarthShare New Jersey (ESNJ) original Rain Barrel Art Auction continues with upcoming barrels from NY/NJ Trail Conference, the Pinelands Preservation Alliance, and Flat Rock Brook Nature Center being launched on eBay in the coming weeks. To date, rain barrels for EarthShare New Jersey, Clean Ocean Action and Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ have all been auctioned off. Winners have been excited to have a piece of art that helps them to be more involved with water conservation.

Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. in Bordentown, N.J. donated the 25 barrels that will represent each of EarthShare New Jersey’s member organizations. Artists from across New Jersey are painting the barrels with unique designs representing the environmental mission of each nonprofit member group. The first rain barrel was unveiled at EarthShare New Jersey Celebrates 20 Years on May 30, and new rain barrels are being presented periodically throughout 2014.

“Rain barrels offer long-term, sustainable ways to collect and store rain water that drains off roofs and gutters. The water can then be used around the home and in the garden, “ said Paula Aldarelli, Executive Director, EarthShare New Jersey. “Our auction serves to engage the community by raising funds for ESNJ and its member organizations, while offering a practical take-away in the form of real, usable rain barrels. It’s a fun, educational project for families, students, and citizens from across New Jersey.”

Each rain barrel is being auctioned off on eBay and include pictures of each uniquely designed rain barrel. Periodically, ESNJ will feature a different rain barrel for bidding. At the close of an auction, the respective rain barrel will be delivered to the winner. The paid winning bid will be shared equally between EarthShare New Jersey and the organization for whom it was designed.

How the auction works:

1. Artists of all ages from across New Jersey are invited to paint the rain barrels with unique designs to represent each ESNJ member organization. Contact Paula at the ESNJ office 609-989-1160 to apply.
2. ESNJ will create an auction page with a picture of each rain barrel and an opportunity for supporters to place a bid to win.
3. Each auction will last online for 10 days immediately following the presentation of each rain barrel.
4. At the close of an auction, the respective rain barrel will be delivered to the winner at a NJ location. (out of state winners will incur shipping fees)

EarthShare New Jersey is seeking a leading sponsor to help make this an even more successful event. The gift will cover the materials needed to turn donated barrels into leak proof rain barrels. The leading sponsor will also pledge to match the bids at a 1:1 ratio for each rain barrel up to $200 per barrel, making a maximum additional pledge of $5,000. This match will encourage more supporters to bid and more sponsors to provide similar matching gifts. Sponsors will determine how they will be represented on the barrels, promotional materials, and social media. By participating as a sponsor, companies and organizations will be visible to New Jersey residents throughout the state.

To learn more or to become a sponsor, contact Paula Aldarelli at (609) 989-1160 or paldarelli@earthsharenj.org.

About EarthShare New Jersey
EarthShare New Jersey was founded in 1994 when 16 of the state’s leading environmental organizations joined forces to raise funds through workplace contribution programs. The organization now provides funds to more than 65 local and national environmental groups and has raised more than $5.3 million in employee contributions from over 60 workplaces. Volunteer opportunities, educational programs and customized workplace giving programs are also provided by EarthShare New Jersey to companies across New Jersey. Visit www.earthsharenj.org for more information.