Garden of Laughs was one of the most anticipated and exciting star-studded event at Madison Square Garden that was not only full of iconic comedians, TV & film stars, top athletes and musicians, but was an event that brought awareness to one of the most amazing children’s organizations in the world, The Garden of Dreams Foundation. (www.gardenofdreamsfoundation.org)
The Garden of Dreams Foundation is an organization founded in 2006 that makes dreams come true for children facing struggles and life obstacles. The foundation collaborates with 22 other organizations and sport teams to make dreams comes true for children and their families by connecting them to the magic of The Madison Square Garden Company. Garden of Dreams produces nearly 500 events a year and has helped achieved the dreams of over 220,000 children. Can you say GREAT karma folks?
“I looked forward to this event for months and got my tickets just before they sold out,” said a gorgeous tall blond ignoring the frigid cold weather and wearing a short sexy tight form-fitting dress with long diamond earrings.
“This is what the Garden is all about” said a stunning brunette who looked like she just came from a Vanity Fair photoshoot.
Actor and popular comedian Ray Romano was part of the massive ensemble of the creme-de-la creme which included Wanda Sykes, Darrell Hammond, Adam Ferrara, Robert Klein, Brian Regan, Bob Costas, Brooke Shields, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crudup, David Duchnovy, Steve Schirripa, Tony Sirico, John Leguizamo, Darrly McDaniels, Michael Diamond and Adam Horovitz of the Beastie Boys, John McEnroe and John Starks. What a line up folks!
Whoopi Goldberg who is also a board member of the foundation, spoke to The Ravi Report about the children’s dream.
RR: Whoopi, always great seeing you. You have been actively involved in Garden of Dreams Foundation for a while and have donated your time and support to the children which is amazing. What does helping these children personally mean to you?
GOLDBERG: Well, thank you…I really don’t think about it..I just do it.If somebody needs help, well, I do it..and that’s it.
Award-winning actor David Duchovny has been a strong supporter of Garden of Dreams and was honored to be part of the iconic ensemble of entertainers and sports legends.
RR: Pleasure to see you again David. As a well known celebrity with young children, what advice would you give to these children today that look up to celebrities as role models and mentors?
Duchovny: That’s a good question. Well, it’s the same thing I tell my kids. Do what you are interested in,stay open and do all the work. You know with my kids, some subjects in school are harder then others,but I tell them,just try and see if you have any interests and don’t not do something because you might fail.
I tell my kids it’s OK to fail.
RR: You’re a Princeton University grad so have you been back recently to visit?
Duchovny: Go tigers! I went back 5 years ago and I think I am do for a visit. I have some friends there so I will come back. Miss it.
Actor Billy Crudup, who is also a parent of a young child, says he is grateful everyday for being able to live his dreams and says that he wishes the same for the children.
RR: Always a pleasure Billy. Your personal reasons for coming here tonight?
Crudup: I have been extremely lucky in my career and worked very hard at it. Most people who are actors, don’t get to do it professionally and I am one of the lucky few that does so to have that opportunity to use my good fortune to help
other people and children…well, it’s a real pleasure for me.
RR: Being the father of a young son, what advice would you give these children here tonight that are just starting out in their life journey?
Crudup: Trust yourself and keep your eye on your dreams. They will come true!
A few of the children got to walk the red carpet giving them that special “star” feeling and they spoke about how they were blessed to be able to meet their favorite stars in person and how grateful they were for everyones support.
It was indeed an incredible event filled with world famous celebrities, sport legends and television stars. But the most important part of the evening was how much these famous individuals cared and donated their time and support to the children by giving them hope while adding a bit of laughter into their lives.
The journey continues folks…one filled with hope and a ton of dreams!
Ravi