The Bench Project Press Kit
Press Contact: Beth Romanowski, 570-574-0145, beth@thebenchproject.net
What is The Bench Project?
The Bench Project provides a place to reflect and connect. It’s a place to Get Outside to Go Inside! Anyone who encounters a bench that’s linked to The Bench Project network can engage in a few different ways.
- A unique digital journal connected to that spot. A QR code on each bench tag links to that bench’s profile on the Bench Directory where anyone can share words, photos and videos from that spot.
- A physical journal kept inside a weatherproof bag. Think of this like a guest book for the bench, one that anyone can read or add to.
- Both! Some Bench Project benches may have both a physical journal and a bench tag that links to that bench’s unique digital profile.
The Bench Project’s Mission and Story
Our mission is to inspire and nurture the human spirit by creating a connection through a shared experience, one bench at a time.
The Bench Project was founded by Beth Romanowski on her family’s farm in Shavertown, Pennsylvania. It began with 20 benches as a celebration of 20 years of marriage to her husband Lenny. The benches have their own character with inspiring surroundings that welcome contemplation and reflection. She placed a weatherproof bag with a journal and writing tools at each one. From those first 20 benches grew The Bench Project.
Now people everywhere are starting their own benches and linking them to the growing network. There are benches in public parks, in front of coffee shops and on college campuses.
In the News
- 2/17/22 – Article on the National Recreation and Park Association Websites
- 2/18/22 – Interview on PA Homepage
- 3/17/22 – Times Leader “Community Champion of the Week”
- 4/22/22 – On 10th anniversary of sister’s death, Hughestown woman honors her memory at McDade Park – Citizen’s Voice
- 4/23/22 – ‘They need a bench here’ – The Times Tribune
- 5/3/22 – Beth Romanowski on ArtScene with Erika Funke
- 5/12/22 – The Bench Project: A shared experience – WNEP
- 12/26/22 – Conscious Coaches on a Mission Podcast
- Watch on YouTube | Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify
- 2/21/2023 – On Purpose with Janice Alpert
- 2/21/2023 – Vitality Podcast
- 3/20/23 – PA Live!
- 5/8/23 – Hikes and Mics Podcast
- Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts
- 5/14/23 – Citizen’s Voice: Eagle Scout bench project in Plymouth Twp. honors veterans
- 5/24/23 – Mountain Peaks: Wright Township Park now home to The Bench Project
Images and Videos
Click here to access the brand assets folder. Alternatively, you can click the links below to jump right to the asset you need.
Videos:
Meet the Team
Beth Romanowski
Founder
Beth is a serial entrepreneur who is passionate about self discovery. She lives in Shavertown, Pennsylvania with her husband Lenny. They have three children, Mark, Eric and Lily. They have three grandchildren as well.
Lily Romanowski
Creative Director + Head of Community
Lily is an avid traveler, creative and podcaster. She currently lives in Santa Fe, NM.
The Giving Back Initiative
Giving back is important to The Bench Project. A portion of the profits from every Bench Project sale are donated to the following partners:
Quotes
Beth Romanowski
“My hope is that through The Bench Project we gain connection and a return to something simple.” – Beth Romanowski
“That’s really what it’s all about: connecting, reflecting and being part of a shared experience. By sharing your story and your words with our community, you’ll lighten your load, you’ll connect to gratitude and you’ll inspire the next person that sits on that very same bench.” – Beth Romanowski
Lily Romanowski
“By sharing your story at a bench, whether it’s a quick photo or a story of something that you saw while sitting here yourself, you don’t know the connection that you might have with someone who comes and sits here after you.” – Lily Romanowski
“My mama spent her whole life supporting each and every one of my wild (sometimes crazy) dreams. I’m now thrilled to be able to return all that love right back and support hers.” – Lily Romanowski