Wall of Dreams

Since inception in 2006, the Garden of Dreams Foundation has awarded over $2.5 million in college scholarships to deserving students in the tri-state area. Many of these teenagers have been members of the Garden of Dreams family for years; we know that they’re brilliant, talented young people, but obstacles such as homelessness, poverty, or illness has made their lives and affording college challenging.

One of these amazing teens is Natalie, who Garden of Dreams was introduced to through Foundation partner, Make-A-Wish Connecticut. When Natalie was five years old, she was diagnosed with Leukemia. Reflecting on this time, Natalie shared, “There are days you don’t want to go through... Read More

In February, Garden of Dreams invited some of our children and families from Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley, and Children's Village to a Westchester Knicks game to take part in various in-game elements to participate in throughout the night. Our kids and teens participated in the fan tunnel, t-shirt toss, and Fortnite dance battle! Julie was named an Honorary Westchester Knick and warmed up with her new teammates before the game. Matthew, from Make-a-Wish Hudson Valley, acted as an Honorary Coach and talked game strategy with coach and the players. Bianca, also from Make-a-Wish Hudson Valley, sang the National Anthem while Alexsa, from WHEDco, and... Read More

During the fall 2018 semester, Garden of Dreams teens from our partner, Children's Aid, participated in the MSG Classroom program, a collaboration with MSG Networks that teaches kids about the behind-the-scenes world of the television industry. Over the course of eight weeks, the students have the opportunity to meet with different professionals from MSG Networks and The Madison Square Garden Company to learn about various jobs within the company and gain insight into the many career opportunities available within the television... Read More

Starting December 10th, the Garden of Dreams Foundation comes together with The Madison Square Garden Company and MSG Networks, Inc. to celebrate the Foundation's work during Garden of Dreams Week. Throughout the week, children from across the tri-state area become honorary members of the Knicks and Rangers, participate in game-night activities and learn choreography from the world-renowned Rockettes. The week also features the Foundation’s Giving Program and a Day of Service for employees of MSG and MSG Networks.

Garden of Dreams also hosts an Adopt-A-Family program, where MSG and MSG Networks employees help fulfill the holiday wishes of families either living in homeless shelters or transitional housing.... Read More

Since our inception in 2006, the Garden of Dreams Foundation has awarded over $2.5 million in college scholarships to deserving students in the tri-state area. Many of these teenagers have been members of the Garden of Dreams family for years; we know that they’re brilliant, talented young people, but obstacles such as homelessness, poverty, or illness has made their lives and affording college challenging.

One of these amazing teens is Ava, from NJ. We were introduced to Ava through our partners at Make-A-Wish New Jersey, who told us the story of this young woman who had faced two open heart surgeries all before her 17th birthday. After... Read More

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