New York Liberty players took a break from basketball on June 18 to take 35 underprivileged youngsters to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum in Crown Heights.
The visit was part of the “Show Kids New York”, a program which exposes children to well-known attractions in the city. The program is an initiative from the Garden of Dreams Foundation, an organization that aims to give underprivileged children unique experiences. The participating Liberty players were Katie Smith, Kelsey Bone, Toni Young, Kamiko Williams, and Alex Montgomery
“It was great being able to put a smile on the kids’ faces,” said Young. “I’m happy that I got the chance to help make it about them.”
The children, who are between the ages of six and eight, went on an interactive tour of the museum located on Brooklyn Avenue between St. Marks Avenue and Prospect Place. They interacted with sea creatures, such as starfish and horseshoe crabs, at the “Touch Tank”, and saw a 20-foot-long python named Fantasia, among other exhibits. They also got the chance to paint pictures of some of the creatures they saw, such as horseshoe crabs, snakes, and snails.
Department of Homeless Services Commissioner Michele Ovesey also attended the event to show her support. Garden of Dreams has collaborated with Homeless Services since 2006, according to a department spokesperson.
“Garden of Dreams has been a fantastic source of support, providing one-of-a-kind opportunities that our families will remember for years to come,” she said.
Other “Show Kids New York” trips have included a visit to Chelsea Piers with members of the New York Rangers, and a holiday shopping spree at F.A.O. Schwarz with New York Knicks players. Garden of Dreams collaborates with 22 partner organizations in the tri-state area that work with underprivileged children.
“Having the opportunity to work with the Garden of Dreams and the Brooklyn Children’s Museum was a great experience,” said Bone. “To see the kids’ eagerness to learn and interact with the animals without fear was a true sight to see.”
