Wall of Dreams

On November 19, the New York Knicks and Garden of Dreams hosted a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner for 250 children and their families at TAO Downtown. The families, affiliated with the Garden of Dreams’ partner organization, NYC Department of Homeless Services, came from across the five boroughs to attend the event.

The evening was an unforgettable experience! With DJ Boof providing the music and the Knicks City Dancers in attendance, TAO Downtown was filled with laughter, cheer, and warm smiles. Throughout the evening, guests were entertained by the amazing Harry the Magician. Families were able to participate in a floating photo booth, caricature art, and face-painting.

The surprise of the night came... Read More

Garden of Dreams Talent Show alumnus Max had everyone at Radio City Music Hall on their feet with his performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow" at this year's Opening Night of the Christmas Spectacular. Learn more about Max below:

On Sunday, November 4th, a few of our Garden of Dreams Talent Show 2018 alumni took the stage at the Beacon Theatre to open for the Kidz Bop kids as part of their Kidz Bop Live! tour. Alexsa, from WHEDco, Jasmin, from enCourage Kids Foundation, Samantha, from Make-A-Wish Metro NY, and Divercity Dancers, from Madison Square Boys & Girls Club, all had the opportunity to show off their talents to a packed house. Before the show, our Garden of Dreams kids walked the Pink Carpet with the Kidz Bop Kidz, Damaris Lewis, and We McDonald. And then it was time to take the stage! Alexsa had the audience swaying... Read More

Children from Garden of Dreams partner organization, SCAN NY, enjoyed an afternoon of painting and Halloween fun at the Paint Place in Manhattan. After finishing their basketball and Halloween masterpieces, the kids were surprised by Knicks players Enes Kanter and Ron Baker, dressed as Marvel characters, Venom and Thor. Kanter and Baker then distributed 25 of the 250 Halloween costumes donated to the kids at SCAN NY. It was a spooktacular day for our kids, who received Marvel-ous costumes!

On October 9th, Garden of Dreams and the New York Rangers joined forces for "Be A Hero Day" where local heroes from the NYPD, FDNY and Wounded Warrior Project worked with our children to show them what it takes to be "Be A Hero" for a day! Over 150 children from our partner organizations Harlem Dowling, New York Edge and WHEDco split between the Police Academy, Fire Academy and Intrepid Museum to learn more about their duties and responsibilities. 

At the Police Academy, children from Harlem Dowling as well as Rangers players Neal Pionk and Brett Howden experienced a training course for cadets, a mock courtroom, and police cars. At the Fire Academy, Rangers player... Read More

During New York Comi Con, Garden of Dreams kids from partner organization Madison Square Boys & Girls Club were invited backstage to meet the cast and crew of the new Marvel Comics' animated Spiderman movie, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse ! After meeting the cast, which included Shameik Moore and Jake Johnson, and the directors, our kids had the opportunity to sit in on the panel discussion at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden to learn more about the new movie. The audience even received a sneak peak into the first part of the animated film! Our kids cannot wait to see the movie in theaters in... Read More

On September 20th, the Garden of Dreams Giving Program unveiled a newly renovated space at Police Athletic League's Harlem Center.  The Foundation provided $1.1 million to renovate the gymnasium, atrium, and game room for the children that use this space.  

This ribbon cutting was hosted by MSG Networks reporter Jill Martin, and included appearances by the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, Knicks City Dancers, Rockettes, KNX Gaming, Knicks legend John Starks and Rangers legend Rod Gilbert! The Knicks City Dancers surprised Talent Show alumnae, Harlem PAL Showstoppers, and the Showstoppers taught the KCD part of their dance. The two groups performed the Harlem PAL Showstoppers' routine "Soldiers... Read More

Kelly, Garden of Dreams Talent Show alumna and 2016 Inspire Scholarship recipient, had an unforgettable experience studying abroad for six weeks this summer in Salamanca, Spain. A junior at James Madison University studying Nursing and Medical Spanish, Kelly, from GDF partner Make-A-Wish New Jersey, took three classes at the Universidad de la Salamanca that were all taught in Spanish. Most of her professors spoke no English, so Kelly said there was a learning curve at first, but it really helped improve her overall confidence with the language.

Immersing herself in the culture right away, Kelly admired how charming the city was and how welcoming the people were.... Read More

Knick's center, Enes Kanter hosted a back to school event at Garden of Dreams partner, SCO Family Services Flushing Family Center.  Kanter surprised the kids with brand-new backpacks and supplies for their first day of school.  After handing out the backpacks, Kanter and the kids played a little basketball and enjoyed the outdoor fair!

New York Liberty's Sugar Rodgers hosted an ice cream party with our Garden of Dreams kids at Theresa's Haven Family Center. With lots of toppings to choose from, everyone made their own Ben & Jerry's sundaes. After ice cream, our kids had a great Q&A session with Sugar Rodgers, where they were able to ask the questions they prepared including questions about playing professionally and what she enjoys doing off the court. Before Sugar Rodgers left, all of our children shared the 'Thank You' notes they made her. The event was the perfect conclusion to another great summer with the New York Liberty!