Ava
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
Miles
Throughout Miles' life, music has been an important outlet. When performing, he has been able to overcome his struggles. Self-taught, Miles, from SCO Family of Services, has been playing the guitar for seven years. By learning from his idols, which include Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars and Prince, Miles aspires to be one of the greatest performers alive. Miles performed his original piece "Running Mascara" at the 2018 Garden of Dreams Talent Show at Radio City.
Read MoreHarlem PAL Showstoppers
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.
Read MoreAlexsa
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!
Read MoreMaxim
Maxim, who started taking vocal lessons after a recommendation from his physical therapist, enjoys singing and playing the piano. Maxim's favorite thing to do is travel with his family and he has had several opportunities to sing abroad including in the Dominican Republic and Canada. From Garden of Dreams partner organization Hospital for Special Surgery, Maxim performed "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" in this year's Talent Show at Radio City Music Hall.
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