Wall of dreams

The New York Knicks, Garden of Dreams Foundation and KIA hosted a Thanksgiving Dinner for the New York City Department of Homeless Services’ Women In Need Center in Harlem. On Wednesday, November 18, New York Knicks players Arron Afflalo, Kyle O’Quinn, Lance Thomas, Sasha Vujacic, and Derrick Williams served the families a warm and delicious Thanksgiving dinner from Sylvia’s Restaurant. The Thanksgiving meal included turkey, stuffing, cornbread, and candied yams among other delightful entrees.

The room was filled with Fall Thanksgiving décor including light up pumpkins, beautiful flowers and live music! The DJ played the top hits and had every child dancing on the dance floor to the “Whip” and Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk.” 

Knicks player Arron Afflalo shared, “I feel extremely blessed to play professional basketball, so with all the fan support you get, I think it’s an obligation of ours to give back to the community. For me, it’s a lot of fun.”

After serving dinner, the players took photos with the families using Thanksgiving themed props in the photo booth and decorated cookies with the children at the cookie decorating table. Kyle O’Quinn made cookies for the kids and said, “It’s an opportunity to give back especially around Thanksgiving. Everybody has something to be thankful for and around this time it’s good to put a smile on people’s faces and to just give back to the community.”

The fun continued as the families left with a Knicks branded rolling duffel bag, a winter blanket and a Knicks and Garden of Dreams long-sleeved shirt.