I believe in inspiration

Stacey-Ann Easy

Garden of Dreams Foundation

Children’s Aid Staff

At many busy schools, it can be easy for students to fall through the cracks. But not if Denisse is there. As a youth advocate at one of our community schools, her singular focus is the “everything else” category that falls outside the scope of what teachers and guidance counselors focus on. Whether it’s getting food to struggling families, hosting anti-violence workshops to address community gun violence, or simply offering words of encouragement, Denisse is the one-stop shop for removing roadblocks for students. Recently, as schools across the city struggled with worsening attendance issues, Denisse’s efforts helped her school reduce chronic absenteeism.

Children’s Aid Partner

After restarting in-person arts programming, Stacey and the team at the Garden of Dreams Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Madison Square Garden, relished being able again to yell, “Lights, camera, action!” The foundation offers young people Emmy Awardwinning television production mentorship opportunities, an annual youth talent show at Radio City Music Hall, and four-year college scholarships. Stacey also loves connecting celebrities with our youth, saying, “The inspiration goes both ways. The young people are awestruck — but their courage, confidence, and resilience also wows our celebrities.”