The Union Project is hosting a Vandalism Clean-Up Day on Saturday June 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the former Union Baptist Church (Stanton & Negley Avenues, Highland Park). A press-conference will be held at 1:00 on the front lawn. Over the Memorial Day weekend, vandals broke into the Union Project, shattering 26 interior windows, splintering original 100-year-old handcrafted woodwork, ripping up floorboards, and trashing furniture and clothes donated for the community-wide Highland Park Yard Sale. There were also some 15 attempts to set fire and five small homemade bombs meant to spray shrapnel and flames. The Union Project is restoring the former church as part of its mission to create community by connecting neighbors and celebrating art and faith in common space. The June 14 clean-up day follows a strong precedent - in less than two years, this grass-roots project has garnered the support of 400 people and their 6,000 hours of work removing trash from the building, planning for the restoration, raising funds, organizing the board of directors and more. "This project would not be possible without the participation of our neighbors," says Executive Director Jessica King. "It takes a whole community to pull off something this big." Projects for the Saturday work day include cleaning up vandalism damage, securing the doors with new and improved locks, painting and refinishing the exterior doors, installing upgraded exterior lighting and continuing the ongoing landscaping and beautification efforts. "Our goal for the clean-up day is to show that an active, healthy community cannot be sabotaged by violence and destruction," says Board Chair Brad Siemens. In addition to the physical repairs, a Union Project Vandalism Fund has been established for those who wish to contribute financially to project, specifically for the costs associated with the clean-up effort. The Board of Directors has set a goal to raise $20,000 in response to the crimes. Organizers expect a strong community turn-out and note that food and drink will be provided for volunteers. To volunteer, call 412.478.3105 or email Justin@unionproject.org. For more information regarding the event, call the Union Project at 412.363.4550 or email info@unionproject.org or visit <http://www.unionproject.org/>. Justin Rothshank Associate Director The Union Project 801 North Negley Avenue Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15206 412-478-3105 cell <http://www.unionproject.org/> Restoring neighborhood space to connect, create, and celebrate.