STAMFORD, CT. "“ October 14, 2008 "“ From October 15 through December 5, Smith & Hawken is holding an online auction of Christmas trees designed by actresses Julianne Moore, Brooke Shields, Angie Harmon and celebrity couple Eva Longoria Parker and Tony Parker to benefit Keep America Beautiful (www.kab.org). KAB follows a practical approach that unites citizens, businesses and government to find solutions that advance the core issues of preventing litter, reducing waste, and beautifying public spaces.

Smith & Hawken joined forces with celebrity stylist Robert Verdi who worked closely with each celebrity to come up with their own individual designs using Smith & Hawken ornaments, garlands, light strings and garden gear. "Each celebrity was very eager to participate in this fundraiser for Keep America Beautiful," states Verdi. "They put a lot of time and thought into their tree's design and wanted to share their personal design inspirations at the holidays."

"This is such a great concept for a fundraiser, and with the A-list stars supporting it, Keep America Beautiful couldn't be more thrilled to be the chosen beneficiary," states Matthew M. McKenna, president and CEO of Keep America Beautiful. "The funds generated by this auction will help us in fulfilling our grassroots mission to build cleaner, greener, stronger communities nationwide."

Each tree will have a starting bid of $2,000, with bidding increments of $100. To participate in the auction, bidders can go to www.SmithandHawken.com/trees, pick their favorite tree, and click on the "place a bid at CharityBuzz.com" button. The auction winners will receive their trees in time for the holidays.

A listing of all products used on each tree will also be viewable online, so consumers can "get the look" of their favorite celebrity-designed tree.

About Smith & Hawken, Ltd.
Smith & Hawken(R) is the premier authority in outdoor garden living, dedicated to providing products distinguished by authenticity, style and above all, fine craftsmanship. Smith & Hawken's products are sold across the country through 58 Smith & Hawken retail stores, its catalog, Internet site and select high-end independent garden centers. An exclusive line of branded products is also sold at all 1,400 Target stores nationwide. Based in Novato, Calif., Smith & Hawken is a division of Scotts Miracle-Gro Company.

About Keep America Beautiful, Inc.
Keep America Beautiful, Inc., established in 1953, is the nation’s largest volunteer-based community action and education organization. With a network of nearly 1,000 affiliate and participating organizations, Keep America Beautiful forms public-private partnerships and programs that engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community environments. For additional information, visit www.kab.org.

Keep America Beautiful

Keep America Beautiful

Keep America Beautiful is the nation’s leading nonprofit that brings people together to build and sustain vibrant communities. With a powerful national network of community-based affiliates, we work with millions of volunteers who take action in their communities to transform public spaces into beautiful places. Through our programs and public-private partnerships, we engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community’s environment.

For more information, visit kab.org, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, discover us on Pinterest, or view us on YouTube.

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