Wall of Dreams

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!

The Harlem PAL Showstoppers have been dancing together for the past year, practicing after school every day and helping to choreograph their own routines. Performing to "Soldiers of Dance" at the Talent Show, the group received valuable feedback from celebrity mentors, including Caleb McLaughlin from Stranger Things and Christian Navarro from 13 Reasons Why, while preparing for the Great Stage. In June for Garden of Dreams Night at the Liberty game, the Harlem PAL Showstoppers brought the crowd to their feet with their performance at halftime. The girls hope to have careers as professional dancers, gymnasts or makeup artists. 

The Garden of Dreams Foundation's Giving Program unveiled a newly renovated Police Athletic League William J. Duncan Center.  This center will serve kids during the school year and throughout the summer.  The renovation includes a new technology lab, multi purpose room and arts center.  New York Liberty alumna Kym Hampton helped celebrate this incredible renovation. The Police Athletic League youth will be able to enjoy this space for years to come!

On August 13th, Garden of Dreams and the Police Athletic League hosted a ribbon cutting for the newly finished refurbishment of the Police Athletic League William J. Duncan Center building facade and second floor computer lab, multipurpose/art room, and library/lounge made possible by the Garden of Dreams' Giving Program!

Alexsa has been singing her whole life. She enjoys sharing her talent with others and has recently learned to play the ukelele. Whenever she sings, Alexsa wants to spread the message of being true to yourself. During the Garden of Dreams Talent Show, Alexsa sang and played the ukelele to "Riptide" by Vance Joy. While preparing for the Talent Show, Alexsa received special advice from musician Grace VanderWaal. Also playing the ukelele, Grace was able to help Alexsa get ready for her performance on the Great Stage at Radio City!

Over twenty children from Bridge Haven Family Center in the Bronx were visited by the Knicks Gaming team last Thursday, July 19th. The six players and their coach have made history as MSG’s first official NBA 2K League team. The players shared their stories and unique backgrounds with the kids during a Q&A session, where they encouraged them to follow their passions. Our kids were even more excited when the Knicks gamers surprised them with a brand-new PlayStation4... Read More