Adam Graves, renowned former New York Rangers player, talks about a charity event for back-to-school at Madison Square Garden, organized by the Garden of Dreams Foundation.
Adam Graves Leads Back-to-School Donation Event for Garden of Dreams Foundation
Adam Graves, a beloved figure in the world of sports and a dedicated philanthropist, recently led a back-to-school donation event organized by the Garden of Dreams Foundation. The annual event, held at Radio City Music Hall, aims to provide necessary school supplies to children in need and create memorable experiences for them.
Graves, a member of the New York Rangers' 1994 Stanley Cup winning team and a board member of the Garden of Dreams Foundation, emphasized the significance of the first day of school and the excitement it brings for children. He also highlighted the unique aspect of the foundation, where children who are part of the program attend multiple events throughout the year.
The event, marking the start of the MSG Family of Companies' 10th annual back-to-school donation program, saw over 300 New York City-area local youth in grades three through six receiving branded knapsacks containing approximately 20 items. These items included headphones and merchandise from the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, Rockettes, and Radio City Music Hall.
Being on the event level of the iconic venue, usually covered with ice or a basketball court, added an extra memory for the youth in attendance. Janquel Martinez, an incoming seventh grade student from Harlem, expressed the experience as "unbelievable" and "unreal."
The Garden of Dreams Foundation, established in 2006, targets young people facing illness or financial challenges, and children of uniformed personnel who have been lost or injured while serving the community. Since its inception, the foundation has impacted over 440,000 young people through events like Back-to-School Dreams Day and collaborations with multiple hospitals, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Ronald McDonald House.
Graves, who has been actively involved in charity work through the foundation, reminisced about skating on The Garden ice in the past during the event. He also emphasized that the items distributed would create a memorable experience for the children. Karmen Moore, from the Rockettes, stated that the foundation aims to alleviate stress for families during school time by providing these essential school supplies.
Graves' dedication to the foundation's mission was recognised in 2007 when he was awarded the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for his charity work. His continued involvement in the foundation's initiatives is a testament to his long-term commitment to charitable efforts aimed at youth empowerment and community betterment.
- To complement their academic journey, the back-to-school donation event by the Garden of Dreams Foundation also included products from their home-and-garden section, providing students with essential supplies for a comfortable learning environment.
- In his spare time, Adam Graves enjoys reading books about education-and-self-development, his passion for learning inspiring the students he helps through the Garden of Dreams Foundation.
- After a long day at school, some children may relax by playing sports like football or basketball, two popular hobbies among the children helped by the Garden of Dreams Foundation.
- Natalie, a parent of one of the foundation's beneficiaries, appreciates the foundation's efforts and regularly writes product-reviews online, advocating for the work of the Garden of Dreams Foundation and encouraging others to support their shopping endeavors.
