The Garden of Dreams Foundation recently celebrated opening night of the Walking with Dinosaurs show at Madison Square Garden with a "Rock and Roar" celebration. As part of the evening's festivities, 50 children from Loisaida, Inc., one of Garden of Dreams' 17 partner organizations enjoyed food, games and music prior to attending the show.
Dinosaur footprints led the children to a prehistoric playland complete with T- Rex inflatables, dinosaur eggs, and jungle leaf garlands.
Anticipation and excitement radiated through the room as the children took their seats to enjoy a catered dinner before participating in an array of activities including limbo, a hula-hoop contest, and a dinosaur egg toss.
"I learned about dinosaurs in history class, but who knew they could be this fun!" proclaimed one bright-eyed child.
The fun was far from over. When the stationed activities came to a close, a game of freeze dance kept the energy high. Contestants danced away as Chris Brown and Rihanna resonated over the speakers.
The Rock and Roar party concluded with a very special treat, prehistoric pie! Children mixed chocolate pudding, Oreo crumbs and gummy worms into a dino delight.
"Did the dinosaurs really eat this stuff?" asked one curious child.
"If they did, it's no wonder why they're now extinct!" chimed in an older guest.
With smiles and full stomachs, the children from Loisaida were led into the arena to enjoy the evening show of Walking with Dinosaurs, but unlike their dinosaur friends who are now extinct, the children's memories of this evening will live on forever.
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"The Garden of Dreams Foundation has provided children in the Lower East Side an opportunity to experience events they may have otherwise been unable to see and participate in. Words cannot express the impact these generous offers have made on the lives of the children and families in our neighborhood. The awe and excitement on the faces of these children will follow us for the rest of our lives."
- Raquel Santana
Director of Operations
Loisaida, Inc.
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Loisaida, one of Garden of Dreams' 19 partner organizations is a community-based organization founded in 1979 to combat the effects of violence, drugs, gangs, and poverty facing the children and youth of the East Village and Lower East Side. For over twenty-six years, Loisaida, Inc. has helped thousands of young people reach their potential by concentrating on self-esteem, self-worth, and self-sufficiency development.
