The Garden of Dreams Foundation announced today that MSG Networks' Knicks Broadcaster, Today Show Contributor and Garden of Dreams Foundation advisory board member Jill Martin is the recipient of the 2017 Garden of Dreams Hero Award. Established in 2009, the Hero Award honors one person or organization annually that embodies the spirit of the Garden of Dreams Foundation through an active and ongoing dedication to positively impacting the lives of children facing obstacles, while serving as a driving force and inspiration for others.
Martin exemplifies these values with her extraordinary commitment to several children's organizations including the Garden of Dreams Foundation, which she began working with in 2007 soon after the Foundation was established. Martin has brought joy to hundreds of children thanks to her tireless involvement in a number of the Foundation's programs. This includes hosting the Garden of Dreams' annual Talent Show, which gives more than 150 children the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform on the Great Stage at Radio City Music Hall, and playing a major role in the Foundation's Prom event, which brings more than 100 children together for an unforgettable night at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.
"We are honored to present the 2017 Hero Award to Jill, who exemplifies what Garden of Dreams stands for with her enthusiastic dedication to brightening the lives of children," said Barry Watkins, Chairman of the Garden of Dreams Foundation.
"I am honored to have been chosen to receive the Garden of Dreams Hero Award," said Martin. "But this really isn't about me; it's about these amazing kids who inspire me every day. I am so fortunate to be able to work one-on-one with such talented, strong individuals."
Martin has also helped with numerous fundraising events including the construction of the world's largest high-heeled shoe as recognized by the Guinness World Records which she created with Kenneth Cole and from which, a portion of the sales of the life-size version of the shoe were donated to the Foundation. Additionally, through her positions with MSG Networks and the Today Show, Martin has brought local and national exposure to Garden of Dreams. Martin has been on the MSG Networks Broadcast team for the New York Knicks since 2006.
Past recipients of the Garden of Dreams Hero Award include New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, tennis legend Andre Agassi, Rangers great Adam Graves, Emmy Award-winning producer Rory Rosegarten, legendary artist Darryl "DMC" McDaniels and model Damaris Lewis.
The Garden of Dreams Foundation is a non-profit organization that works with The Madison Square Garden Company and MSG Networks Inc. to make dreams come true for children facing obstacles. Since the Foundation began in 2006, this collaboration has brightened the lives of more than 325,000 children and their families.
Garden of Dreams works with 28 partner organizations throughout the tristate area, including hospitals, wish organizations and community-based organizations, to reach children who are facing challenges such as homelessness, extreme poverty, illness and foster care. The Foundation takes pride in its commitment to truly change lives, hosting more than 500 events and programs each year such as its annual Talent Show and Prom.
In addition, through its Giving program, the Foundation helps its partner organizations through the direct support of scholarships and long-lasting community projects such as the refurbishment of pediatric areas at local hospitals, basketball courts and community centers - with plans for many more vital civic enhancements in the years to come.
The 2017 Garden of Dreams Hero Award will be presented to Jill Martin at Garden of Laughs on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Garden of Laughs will be hosted by Steve Schirripa and will feature stand-up performances by some of the biggest names in comedy including Leslie Jones, Sebastian Maniscalco, Tracy Morgan, John Oliver, Chris Rock and Bob Saget. Joining Schirripa as presenters will be Garden of Dreams Foundation Board Member Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, Rangers legends Adam Graves and Mark Messier, Knicks legend John Starks and Giants legend Justin Tuck as well as Matt Lauer and Spike Lee, with many additional sports and entertainment icons to be announced.
This year's event is proud to have Delta Air Lines as our Presenting Sponsor as well as Tissot and the Children's Cancer Institute at Hackensack University Medical Center, one of the 28 GDF partner organizations that make dreams come true for children and families in our area, as two key supporting partners of Garden of Laughs.
For more information on the Garden of Dreams Foundation, the programs it run, and the children it serves, please visit
www.GardenofDreamsFoundation.org
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