About us
Overview
Garden of Dreams is a 501c3 non-profit charity that works closely with all areas of Madison Square Garden, including the New York Knicks, Rangers, Liberty, MSG Media, MSG Entertainment and Fuse “to make dreams come true for kids in crisis”. In the four years since its inception, Garden of Dreams has worked tirelessly to fulfill its mission by creating unique and unforgettable events and activities -often involving unprecedented access to Madison Square Garden celebrities, events and venues -that have brightened the lives of thousands and thousands of special children and their families.
Garden of Dreams strives to be heroic, inspirational and unforgettable – all attributes of the children the Foundation has had the privilege to meet over the course of its history. Partnering with a diverse collection of outstanding children’s related organizations – from hospitals, to foster organizations, to homeless shelters and “wish” organizations, the Garden of Dreams Foundation has a singular goal each and every day – to utilize the power and magic of Madison Square Garden and its properties to bring joy and happiness to children facing devastating problems – whether they relate to illness, homelessness, poverty, foster care issues or tragedy.
Since its inception in 2006, the Foundation has created once in a lifetime experiences at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the MSG Training Center, Fuse and the Beacon Theatre for more than 134,000 tri-state area children in crisis. Over 118,000 tickets have been donated to organizations served by Garden of Dreams and more than 1,400 special events have been designed for children and families.
For example, Garden of Dreams has spearheaded surprise player visits to local children’s hospitals to deliver toys collected through MSG Entertainment and NY Liberty toy drives, trips to community based organizations to distribute coats donated during a Rangers coat drive, opportunities to meet players and celebrities on Dream Suite Nights or at Rangers Skating Parties, on set at Fuse, or the once in a lifetime opportunity to perform on the Great Stage of Radio City Music Hall at the MSG Entertainment Talent Show.
Additionally, the Foundation seeks to brighten the day-to-day lives of children in participating organizations through bricks and mortar enhancements. Each year, the Foundation, in partnership with the Knicks, Rangers and Liberty, unveils newly refurbished spaces at partner organizations by virtue of its annual Room Refurbishment program.
In partnership with MSG Media, Garden of Dreams hosts the MSG Classroom program, an eight week course designed to teach high school students about career opportunities available within the television industry. Throughout the course, students attain skills necessary to create their very own sports and entertainment program. At the conclusion of the program, students present their original piece to MSG executives and employees during a special wrap party.
Together with Fuse, Garden of Dreams created Fuse Rocks the Classroom, a program that introduces high school students to the music television industry. Launched in January, 2009, Fuse Rocks the Classroom provides teens with the unique opportunity to develop skills necessary to pursue a career in music television. Students receive hands on experience working with camera equipment, set design, and production crews while working to create their very own music television show.
Through its flagship ‘Make A Dream Come True’ program, Garden of Dreams has assisted in making dreams come true for several children– including one child’s dream to meet Rangers legend, Adam Graves, and another child’s wish to meet the Radio City Rockettes. The meetings may only last a few hours, but the memories and relationships with Garden of Dreams last forever.
The Garden of Dreams Foundation’s partnership with Madison Square Garden and its employees provides the Foundation with an opportunity to conduct a meaningful “Adopt a Family” program with Children’s Aid Society. This past holiday season, MSG employees “adopted” 110 families in need throughout New York City.
For more information on the Garden of Dreams Foundation, the programs we run, and the children we serve, please visit www.GardenofDreamsFoundation.org
