Garden Of Dreams Hosts Prom For Special Teens At Madison Square Garden
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Madison Square Garden is home to many special events, but even with all the rock stars and pro athletes who play there, an event on Tuesday night was among the most important.
CBS2's Jill Nicolini was on the red carpet at the event that promised a lifetime of memories as the Garden of Dreams Foundation prepares to host its second annual prom.
With the help of some very important people, about 100 special teenagers have spent the last few weeks getting ready for this magical evening of dinner, dancing and surprises at MSG.
"The Garden of Dreams brings big smiles to people every single day, and we try to create a dream situation for these kids," said former New York Knicks player John Starks.
Garden of Dreams helps teenagers from both the foundation as well as the Children's Aid Society who are facing obstacles, Nicolini reported.
In order to gear up for the occasion, Starks surprised some of the boys to help pick out suits. And Knicks players Langston Galloway and Shane Larkin also helped with a fitting.
"This is amazing. I really enjoyed doing this for the kids, especially guys like this who have been through a lot in their whole life," said Galloway. "I definitely want to make sure they have a great prom and enjoy it!"
"It's very important, I mean, just to be able to connect with these kids," said Larkin. "Just to see that smile on those kids faces, that's what it's all about to me."
Model Damaris Lewis, who serves as prom chairwoman, helped the girls get camera ready.
"As you can see behind me, all the kids are getting dressed and hair and makeup at the Affinia Hotel," Lewis said. "After this, we will actually have a prom inside Madison Square Garden. The theme is magical dreams, so we have to live up to our name."
And the promgoers say the foundation has already helped make so many dreams come true.
"The Garden of Dreams has opened me up and made me more confident," said one girl.
"I lost my hair due to cancer and they got me these extensions," said Katie Alvarez.
This prom was sure to be a memorable one for children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience one, Nicolini reported.
"It's going to be a very memorable experience. Who gets to go to prom at MSG? It's a huge event, they are going to remember this day forever," said Rockette Amy Osgood.
DJ Rumor spun the records as teens lit up the dance floor all night long. In addition to dancing there was great food, snacks, and a photo booth.
"These kids are from all over the Tri-State area. Half of them are sick or were sick or are battling something. We forget all of that tonight. Tonight all of that is out the window," Lewis said.
The teens strutted their stuff on the red carpet, after having their hair and makeup done by the foundation.
"Getting my makeup done was really, really fun," Alanna said.
"I'm a little bit nervous, but I can tell we are going to have a blast tonight," Kareem added.
The night got even better when rapper ASAP Ferg made a surprise appearance and performed some of his hottest songs.