As we celebrate 40 years of granting wishes, we’re proud to recognize a partner whose generosity has helped bring unforgettable moments to so many Hudson Valley wish kids and their families: the Garden of Dreams Foundation.

For over 20 years, Garden of Dreams has been a cherished supporter of Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley and our neighboring chapters. Working closely with all areas of Madison Square Garden, including the Knicks, Rangers, Liberty, MSG Networks, and MSG Entertainment, the foundation creates extraordinary experiences for children facing critical illness across the tri-state area.

Through this partnership, wish kids have been whisked away from hospital visits and daily challenges to step into the magic of Madison Square Garden. From concerts and sporting events to behind-the-scenes moments and celebrity meet-and-greets, Garden of Dreams has helped create once-in-a-lifetime experiences that turn a single day into a memory families carry forever.

And the impact doesn’t stop there.

Garden of Dreams also brings many wish kids together through unforgettable shared celebrations like the Garden of Dreams Talent Show, Garden of Dreams Prom, and special holiday events - uplifting children by celebrating their talents, their joy, and the incredible resilience they show every day. Their generosity has also extended through meaningful grants that help fuel our mission to grant more life-changing wishes.

One of the very first wishes Garden of Dreams helped our chapter bring to life came in 2007, when 15-year-old Rockland County resident, Matthew - who had endured debilitating seizures and eleven brain surgeries throughout his childhood - wished to meet his hero, New York Rangers legend Mark Messier.

On his Wish Day, Matthew and his family arrived at Madison Square Garden wearing No. 11 jerseys and were greeted by a marquee glowing with a message: “Matthew: Welcome to Your Wish Day.” Hours before the game, he met his hero in the tunnel outside the locker room, sharing an embrace and even interviewing Messier in the MSG studios about hockey, the Stanley Cup, and his favorite players.

At one point, Matthew shared something simple yet powerful with Messier: “If it wasn’t for the seizures, I would have never met you.”

That moment captures the heart of what Garden of Dreams has made possible for so many wish children - transforming difficult journeys into extraordinary memories filled with hope, excitement, and joy.

To the entire Garden of Dreams family: thank you for 20 years of partnership, generosity, and for helping Hudson Valley wish kids step into dreams as big and bright as the lights of Madison Square Garden.