Garden of Dreams at New York Comi Con!
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
Giving Program: PAL Harlem Center
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
Harlem 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 More2018 Talent Show Rehearsal #2
The second "Together We Dream" Talent Show rehearsal featured some special guests for our Talent Show performers, who got the chance to rehearse in front of celebrity coaches. In attendance were The Rockettes, The Voice finalist Wé McDonald, model and actress Damaris Lewis, 13 Reasons Why star Christian Navarro, and Stranger Things star Caleb McLaughlin ready to help mentor the performers as they prepare for their big day. The kids were thrilled to meet and interact with the celebrities and even more excited about the advice and guidance they received!
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