Wall of dreams

On May 10, the third annual Garden of Dreams Prom welcomed 100 teens facing obstacles, 50 from the Police Athletic League of New York City and 50 from hospital and wish partner organizations, for a night full of Hollywood dreams at Madison Square Garden.

“It means the world to me if we can take them away from their everyday for a little bit,” said Prom chairwoman and model, Damaris Lewis.

In preparation for their big night, our teens received personal shopping experiences at Macy’s and Men’s Wearhouse where they picked out their prom attire with the assistance of New York Knicks alumnus Larry Johnson and several fashion models.

“The Garden of Dreams doesn’t do anything half way; so this is all the trimmings – it’s dresses, it’s suits, it’s tuxes, it’s shoes, it’s hair, it’s makeup, it’s red carpet,” said MSG Networks’ Reporter and TODAY Show fashion contributor, Jill Martin.

On the day of prom, the teens received VIP treatment at the Affinia Manhattan Hotel with hair stylists from Bumble & bumble., makeup artists from MAC Cosmetics, and barbers from Barber Bart. While the teens got prepped, the Rockettes and fashion models stopped by and mingled with the excited group. Throughout the day, the prom attendees, their families, and chaperones enjoyed lunch and games at the hotel. Once it was time to change into their suits and dresses, the teens were assisted by celebrity stylists, who ensured everyone was dressed to the nines.

Ready for an exciting night full of surprises, the teens travelled to Madison Square Garden and arrived in style at the red carpet, which was packed with press. Welcomed onto the red carpet by Damaris Lewis and Jill Martin, the teens answered questions and posed for photos before heading into the Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Once inside, the teens walked into a transformed Theater that looked like a scene from an old Hollywood film with personalized stars on the floor similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The teens soaked in the glamour-filled night that included a vintage Hollywood photo station, digital caricature station, and salty & sweet popcorn treats.

After welcoming the teens, Lewis and Martin kicked off the festivities with a surprise performance by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and hip hop icon, Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels. While performing several hits, McDaniels jumped into the crowd to finish his set and pose for pictures with the teens.

“The beautiful thing about the Garden of Dreams is that regardless of the obstacles that these kids face, we show them that they are no different from any other child or any other person on the face of the Earth,” said Garden of Dreams Board Member Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels. “They leave here this evening from this prom and carry that joy about life with them no matter what it is or where they are going.”

To continue the party, Lewis and Martin had one final surprise for the prom attendees – a performance by Chicago-bred hip hop artist, DLOW. Joining the teens on the dance floor, DLOW led the crowd in his DLOW shuffle. Capping the night off with a confetti canon, the teens left the Theater with memories that they will cherish forever.