GARDEN OF DREAMS ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER JILL MARTIN DONATES TO FOUNDATION TO AID YOUNG PERSON’S COLLEGE EDUCATION
This week, Garden of Dreams Advisory Board member Jill Martin announced she will donate more than $95,000 to the Foundation to go toward the college education of young person, Samantha Ortiz, from partner organization Make-A-Wish Metro New York. Samantha is a current first-year student at Fordham University.
Martin, who has previously won the Garden of Dreams “Hero Award,” demonstrated exactly why she received that honor when she decided to raise funds for Samantha’s tuition in lieu of accepting wedding gifts. With that incredible gesture of generosity, Martin has positively impacted Samantha’s life forever. Check out this beautiful thank-you note written by Samantha herself:
Since it’s the start of a new school year, I have many things I’m excited about. I’m excited for all of my new classes, I’m excited to join new clubs, I’m excited to meet new people at my new school, and most of all I’m excited for what my future holds. I’m able to look forward to all of these things thanks to Jill Martin. She and her husband Erik have been so generous and kind to give me an opportunity that will not only last a lifetime, but will change my life. I couldn’t be more grateful for having them and The Garden Of Dreams Foundation by my side. After battling my illness I know what it’s like to not take things for granted. I am truly blessed to have Garden of Dreams as well as Jill, for supporting and encouraging me to follow my dreams.
Earlier this year, Martin was also the one to let Samantha know she had been named a 2022 Garden of Dreams Inspire Scholar, which also aids her life-changing college education. Watch the video of that incredible moment below!
