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IN THE COMMUNITY
Dear Friend, The New York Rangers would like to thank you for all of your support throughout the 2013-14 season. As proud as we are in what we do on the ice, the organization also takes immense pride in what we do off of the ice. Through numerous programs created for the Garden of Dreams Foundation and a commitment to long standing traditions in the community, we are dedicated to inspiring the children and families in the tri-state area. Our organization truly believes it has the most passionate, loyal fans in all of professional sports. It is through our fans’ commitment and support that we are able to touch the lives of thousands of children each season. As you read through these pages, we hope you are inspired and uplifted by the stories you read and the faces you see. Sincerely,
New York Rangers
TABLE OF CONTENTS RANGERS AND GARDEN OF DREAMS................................................................4 LEARN MORE ABOUT GARDEN OF DREAMS PARTNERS...............................18 TRADITIONS IN THE COMMUNITY......................................................................20 HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE..............................................................25
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RANGERS AND GA
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RDEN OF DREAMS The Rangers main charitable commitment is to the Garden of Dreams Foundation. Garden of Dreams works with The Madison Square Garden Company to positively impact the lives of children facing obstacles. Through ongoing programs that use the magic of MSG – including the Rangers, the Knicks, the Liberty, MSG Entertainment and MSG Media – the Foundation develops strong, longterm relationships that truly change lives. Since its inception in September 2006, Garden of Dreams has created thousands of once-in-a-lifetime experiences that have brought joy and happiness to more than 250,000 children and their families, including those facing homelessness, extreme poverty, illness and foster care. To learn more about the local partner organizations Garden of Dreams works with to deliver its programs, click through to page 18 or visit gardenofdreamsfoundation.org.
With Henrik Lundqvist serving as the official spokesperson for Garden of Dreams, the Rangers and the Foundation impacted hundreds of children and families during the 2013-14 season. Rangers players, alumni, and staff hosted children for Dream Nights at Rangers’ games, conducted a Holiday Dinner to aid families and children facing financial hardship, continued the Power Players Street Hockey program, visited children in hospitals and community organizations, and much more.
For additional information on the various programs and events conducted by the Rangers and the Garden of Dreams Foundation, please visit newyorkrangers.com.
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“This is just an absolutely fantastic week that these kids will never forget! All the different activities build camaraderie, self esteem and confidence, but it also builds a smile and we are very fortunate that Garden of Dreams puts this on and these kids can participate.” – Adam Graves
DREAM WEEK For the fifth consecutive summer, the Garden of Dreams Foundation hosted “Dream Week”; a week-long summer adventure for children from one of the Foundation’s charity partner organizations. This year, 40 youth from SCO Family of Services were chosen to participate in activities arranged for them by the New York Rangers, Knicks, Liberty, MSG Media, MSG Sports Properties and MSG Entertainment. The Rangers kicked off the event by joining SCO’s 40 children on the first day of Dream Week. After arriving that morning, the children were led to the Rangers practice rink that afternoon where they were given the opportunity to meet and skate with Rangers Legends Dave Maloney and Adam Graves. Once on the ice, the kids enjoyed learning the sport of sled hockey, testing their skills at a Rangers hockey station, and brushing up on their skating techniques. The children spent the final day enjoying a barbecue with Rick Nash and Derek Dorsett at the MSG Training Center and were presented with commemorative plaques during the Dream Week Awards Ceremony. The remaining days of Dream Week were hosted by the other divisions of The Madison Square Garden Company. 6
“Around the Holidays, to put smiles on faces and to see smiles on faces is great. The guys are happy to do it and it’s a lot of fun for us too to be a part of the Garden of Dreams with these families here.” –Dominic Moore
RANGERS AND GARDEN OF DREAMS HOLIDAY DINNER FOR LIFE CENTER In December, New York Rangers players Chris Kreider, Dominic Moore, Justin Falk and Rangers staff partnered with Garden of Dreams to host a special Holiday Dinner event for members of the Foundation’s partner organization, Life Center. Life Center is a shelter for homeless children and families on the Lower East side that prepares residents for work and independence. A catered dinner with all of the traditional holiday fixings was provided to 350 children and families of Life Center. Families enjoyed Rangers giveaways, a magician, DJ, special holiday themed arts and crafts and enjoyed a visit from Santa Claus. The Rangers also provided the shelter with much needed, new winter coats. 7
WISH FULFILLMENT AND “MAKE A DREAM COME TRUE” The Rangers and Garden of Dreams helped fulfill children’s dreams through the Foundation’s Wish Fulfillment and “Make a Dream Come True” programs. Wishes were granted for children through the Foundation’s partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In addition, children were treated to once-in-alifetime personal Rangers experiences with players, alumni and MSG Network personalities. Through our work with Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York, Seth, an 8 year-old Rangers fan from Georgia, had wished to visit New York City and attend a Rangers game. In December, Seth’s wish came true when he and his family were invited to see the Rangers take on the Toronto Maple Leafs. In addition to his special game experience, Seth was also invited to a pre-game NHL Officials Zebra Cares Meet and Greet and received a Zamboni ride. To top off his memorable night at MSG, Seth visited Rangers players in the locker room after the game to congratulate them personally on their victory.
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HOSPITAL VISITS Throughout the hockey season, Rangers players and alumni make appearances at Garden of Dreams partner hospitals. The Blueshirts take time to personally meet with each patient and their families to alleviate the hardships that they are encountering for that one moment. In October, Peter and Chris Ferraro visited the children at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Westchester, NY. Peter and Chris visited each pediatric patient to deliver special Jennifer Ferraro Foundation gift items including tote bags, water bottles, lip balm, hand sanitizer and signature Jennifer Ferraro Foundation bandanas for arts and crafts projects. In November, Chris Kreider also visited the children at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. He traveled through each “neighborhood” and spent time coloring, listening to music and speaking with the young fans. Before leaving each room, he made sure to leave a Rangers and NHL blanket, hat and autographed card.
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POWER PLAYERS Garden of Dreams and the New York Rangers continued the Power Players program this season, introducing new children to street hockey while also allowing last year’s participants to receive further instruction. The program kicked off in November and culminated after six weeks of instruction with a round robin tournament. Led by Rangers’ Hockey Development Staff, the children learned basic street hockey and life skills and were exposed to various facets of the game throughout the program. The Power Players program continues to pride itself on six values: Commitment, Excellence, Fun, Respect, Responsibility and Teamwork. At each weekly clinic, one of the six values is stressed by the Rangers’ Hockey Development instructors to help reinforce important life lessons that the children may have learned previously at home or in the classroom. Three Garden of Dreams partner organizations participated in this year’s Power Players program: Children’s Aid Society, Harlem Dowling and WHEDco. Each partner location had 25 new children and up to 25 “selects” from last year returning for advanced instruction. As a part of the program, all partner locations received street hockey equipment for their facility, t-shirts for all participants and a number of different giveaways for their commitment to the six weeks of instruction.
“It’s great to be a part of Garden of Dreams and see everybody come out and learn new things and to be a big part of that is really special.” –J.T. Miller
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GARDEN OF DREAMS NIGHT In December, the Rangers hosted their annual “Garden of Dreams Night� to raise awareness of the Garden of Dreams Foundation and allow many children to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime opportunities at MSG. Among the many special opportunities afforded to children that night was the chance to drop the ceremonial puck, be an honorary member of the Rangers starting lineup, sing the National Anthem, serve as a guest PA announcer, guest musician, guest reporter, and much more!
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DREAM NIGHTS COURTESY OF HENRIK LUNDQVIST Throughout the season, courtesy of Henrik Lundqvist, the Rangers and Garden of Dreams hosted children and their families for special monthly “Dream Nights” at The Garden that included dinner and special gifts. As many can attest, it is one thing to watch the Rangers on television and it’s another to experience the energy and excitement at MSG when the Blueshirts defend their home ice. Many children had the opportunity to experience their first Rangers game during the 201314 season and will likely remember that game for the rest of their lives.
HOCKEY FIGHTS CANCER NIGHT In November, the Rangers and Garden of Dreams hosted Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness Night. Children and families from partner organization NYU Hassenfeld watched the Blueshirts battle the Anaheim Ducks in addition to being part of unforgettable moments throughout the night including the ceremonial puck drop, being welcomed on GardenVision and sitting rink-side for warm-ups. The group also had the opportunity to meet with Rangers alumni and broadcasters, with a few even receiving offers to become honorary Blue Crew members.
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CASINO NIGHT The Rangers annual Casino Night event returned in 2014 to the delight of Rangers fans, many of which attend the fundraiser each season and some that purchased a ticket for the first time. Members of the 2013-14 Rangers came sporting tuxedos, along with coaches, executives and select alumni, to help raise money for the Garden of Dreams Foundation. The event, which brought in over $300,000 for Garden of Dreams, included food, drinks, casino style gaming, silent and live auctions, raffles, and more.
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GARDEN OF DREAMS PROM The Garden of Dreams Foundation hosted their Inaugural Prom at the Theater at Madison Square Garden for 52 teens who have battled serious medical issues had the chance to enjoy prom with children from partner organization WHEDco, who put their own struggles aside to give back to the community by helping provide a memorable evening for another child. Prom day began during the afternoon hours as the teens received beauty treatments, haircuts and shapeups before being sent off to prom by special guests including the Rockettes and Knicks alumni John Starks and Larry Johnson. Upon arrival at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, the teens were greeted by a red carpet leading into the Prom. Photographers, and surprise guest Michael Strahan, lined the red carpet to give the event a movie premiere-type of atmosphere. Once inside, the teens enjoyed a fun-filled night of music, conversation and a performance by Travie McCoy that awed everyone in attendance. The night came to a close as guests swayed side-to-side to “We are Young� by Fun. and released balloons into the air to signify the end to an unforgettable night.. Henrik Lundqvist surprised two teens a week before the prom to help style them for the big night. Lundqvist took the boys to Barneys New York to get fitted for suits and look their best.
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CROWN COLLECTION This season, Henrik Lundqvist unveiled new additions to the highly popular Crown Collection, a collection of branded items he designed in 2012 benefit the Garden of Dreams Foundation. Lundqvist, the official spokesperson for the Foundation, is committed to helping fulfill Garden of Dreams’ mission to make dreams come true for children facing obstacles. In the eight years since the Foundation’s inception, Lundqvist has inspired thousands of special children through Rangers ticket donations and hosting events. The Crown Collection allows Lundqivst to contribute to a cause that is so close to his heart. This year over $26,000 has been raised for Garden of Dreams Foundation through the Crown Collection.
IN-GAME FUNDRAISING Dream Notes give fans an opportunity to have a personal message displayed on GardenVision during the 1st intermission of a Rangers game at Madison Square Garden. Zamboni Rides are available during the intermissions of Rangers games at MSG for children ages 6-13. Both of these unique opportunities are offered to fans for a donation to Garden of Dreams.
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BEARD-A-THON As a part of the NHL playoffs, the Rangers participated in the Beard-A-Thon program to help raise money for Garden of Dreams. The Blueshirt faithful showed tremendous support for the cause and helped raise over $42,000 The Rangers and Garden of Dreams salute the fans for growing one for the team and appreciate efforts of each program participant.
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Learn more about Garden of Dreams: The 22 Partner Organizations The Garden of Dreams Foundation is committed to creating meaningful, unforgettable programs for children affiliated with 22 local partner organizations including:
Children’s Aid Society
www.childrensaidsociety.org
For 150 Years, the Children’s Aid Society has had a single mission: to do whatever New York City’s neediest children need. They provide services for every aspect of a child’s life, from infancy through adolescence, and include education, health, counseling, adoption and foster care, career readiness, arts and recreation, and emergency assistance.
Children’s Village
www.childrensvillage.org
The mission of The Children’s Village is to provide safety and care to society’s most vulnerable children. All of their programs are designed to give children the stability and nurturing they need to believe in themselves and to gain the skills and attitudes necessary to become productive, caring adults.
Hackensack University Medical Center www.HackensackUMC.org
The Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center is one of a select group designated as a full institutional member of the National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutes.
Harlem Dowling
www.harlemdowling.org
As a not-for-profit child welfare agency, the mission of the Harlem Dowling-West Side Center for Children and Family Services is to serve and assist children and their families in crises and distress.
Life Center
www.nyc.gov/dhs
The focus of this residence is to prepare participants for the world of work and for permanent housing, in addition to enhancing their ability to live and grow independently. There are 210 children from 6 months to 18 years old who are members of the 93 homeless families living at the Life Center.
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Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut www.ct.wish.org
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York
www.metrony.wish.org
Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey www.wishnj.org
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk www.makeawish-suffolkny.org
Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Hudson Valley www.hudson.wish.org
The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy.
Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital
www.worldclassmedicine.com/ mfch
Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital sets a new standard for children’s hospitals. It is the fulfillment of a vision for a family-centered facility that combines the highest-level care possible in the most supportive and therapeutic environment.
New York Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Hospital childrensnyp.org
New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital is dedicated to creating a warm and welcoming, family-centered patient care environment.
NYU Medical Center
www.med.nyu.edu/pediatrics/
The mission of the NYU Health System is the relief of human suffering caused by disease and disability through education, research and patient care. The Hassenfeld Children’s Center is a comprehensive outpatient program for children with cancers and blood disorders. The Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine provides specialized inpatient services for children with a wide variety of conditions and Tisch Hospital is a world-renowned center for the care of children with neurosurgical, cardiovascular, maxillofacial, and genetic disorders.
Starlight Children’s Foundation NY*NJ*CT www.starlight-newyork.org
Starlight Children’s Foundation NY*NJ*CT is a non-profit organization dedicated to making a world of difference for seriously ill children and their families.
Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York www.northshorelij.com
Police Athletic League NYC http://www.palnyc.org
Since 1914 PAL has been serving New York City’s youth with safe, structured programming designed to engage boys and girls in positive activities that improve their quality of life, present developmental opportunities, and offer the prospect of a brighter future.
The Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York is dedicated to providing the highest level of care that addresses the special needs of children - from premature babies to adolescents.
Uniformed Firefighters Association www.ufanyc.org
PBA
www.nycpba.org
The New York City Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) was created in 1894 to provide burial benefits for underpaid and poorly treated police officers who succumbed to a flu epidemic and other maladies of the early 1890’s. It has since evolved into the world’s largest and most important police union.
The mission of the Uniformed Firefighters Association of greater New York is to protect the rights of UFA members, obtain better and safer working conditions, secure adequate remuneration, obtain the equitable resolution of grievances, cultivate fellowship among its members and foster the finest traditions of American citizenship.
WHEDco
www.whedco.org
Ronald McDonald House of New York www.rmh-newyork.org
The Ronald McDonald House of New York provides temporary housing for pediatric cancer patients and their families. Ronald McDonald House in New York City is the largest facility of its type in the world.
SCO Family of Services
WHEDco works with families in the Bronx who struggle with the multiple challenges presented by poverty, and who, like all of us, aspire to a healthy, financially stable future.
Wounded Warrior Project
www.woundedwarriorproject.org
The mission of Wounded Warrior Project™ (WWP) is to honor and empower wounded warriors.
www.sco.org
SCO Family of Services works with New York’s most vulnerable—those striving to overcome the devastating impact of poverty, neglect, abuse, or developmental and mental challenges. 19
TRADITIONS IN
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THE COMMUNITY Over the years, the Rangers players, coaches and alumni have grown close to many important charitable events and/or initiatives including the US Marines Toys for Tots program and Ronald McDonald House’s Skate with the Greats Event. The events have become annual Rangers traditions and they help create magical moments
and smiles for individuals throughout the New York metropolitan tri-state area each season. We salute our generous fans that supported these initiatives during the 2013-14 season. For more information about the Rangers community outreach, please visit newyorkrangers.com.
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RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE: SKATE WITH THE GREATS In February, the Rangers and Garden of Dreams partner organization, the Ronald McDonald House of New York held its Annual Skate with the Greats Event at Rockefeller Center. This year marked the 20th year that the Ronald McDonald House and the Rangers have teamed up to raise money for children with cancer and their families. This year’s event featured a long list of storied Rangers alumni from different eras in Rangers history. Long time House supporters Rod Gilbert and Brian Leetch headlined the alumni in attendance. The other distinguished group of alumni featured Stanley Cup champions Adam Graves, Stephane Matteau, and Mike Richter, along with Ron Duguay, Nick Fotiu, Ron Greschner, Pete Stemkowski, Gilles Villemure and Brian Mullen. Throughout the evening, fans had an opportunity to skate and get an autograph from the former Rangers as well as bid on some unique auction items in the live and silent auctions. 22
US MARINES TOYS FOR TOTS TOY DRIVE Over the past 20 holiday seasons, Rangers fans have donated tens of thousands of toys to Toys for Tots, and dozens of players and/or alumni have been there to thank them with an autograph. The Rangers continued the tradition this past December in the MSG Transformation Center where hundreds of fans showed up with toys to meet Adam Graves, Ron Duguay, Cam Talbot, John Moore, Derek Dorsett, Mats Zuccarello and Benoit Pouliot. Many activities were available for fans to enjoy with their friends and families, including a face painter, a DJ, stick handling and shooting stations, raffles and much more.
“It’s a special part of this time of year to put toys in kids hands and certainly not a better organization to be a part of than the Ranger Organization. Those guys wear that jersey so proudly… It’s a unique experience and it’s one that never gets old.” –Adam Graves
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CHARITABLE DONATIONS Throughout the season, the Rangers received almost 3,000 donation requests from national and local community organizations, schools and other organizations that work with children in the New York area.
ALUMNI RELATIONS Each season, members of the New York Rangers Alumni Association participate in over 500 team events and activities on behalf of the organization. Former legends Rod Gilbert and Adam Graves continue to assist in the development and execution of the Rangers’ many community outreach programs as well as marketing and sponsorship initiatives.
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HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
How can I help support the Garden of Dreams Foundation and the Rangers charitable efforts? CASINO NIGHT
Every season, in support of the Garden of Dreams Foundation, fans have an opportunity to join the entire Rangers team, coaching staff, management and Alumni for a night filled with casino-style games. To learn more about the Rangers Annual Casino Night event, please visit newyorkrangers.com.
ZAMBONI RIDES
For select Rangers games, Zamboni rides are available for children in the age range of 6-12 years of age. All proceeds from Zamboni Rides go directly to Garden of Dreams. For more information on how to ride the Zamboni, please call 212.465.6371.
DREAM NOTES
Throughout the season, fans can have their own personal messages displayed on GardenVision during a Rangers game at Madison Square Garden. Dream Notes are available in exchange for a donation to the Garden of Dreams Foundation. For more information on how to have a message displayed, please visit gardenofdreamsfoundation.org.
CROWN COLLECTION
All net proceeds from Henrik Lundqvist’s Crown Collection, designed by #30, benefit Garden of Dreams. The collection is on sale at Madison Square Garden retail stores during the Rangers season. If you are interested in purchasing a Crown Collection item, visit one of the retail stores at MSG the next time you attend a Rangers home game.
NEW YORK RANGERS COMMUNITY RELATIONS STAFF DIRECTORY Rick Nadeau Vice President Fan Development & Community Relations David Martella Community Relations Manager Rod Gilbert Director Special Projects Community Relations Representative Adam Graves Hockey and Business Operations
CHARITY BUZZ
Garden of Dreams can help make YOUR dreams come true. Throughout the season, exclusive MSG experiences including Rangers, Knicks and once-in a-lifetime celebrity opportunities are up for auction at charitybuzz.com. Net proceeds from the Charity Buzz online auctions benefit Garden of Dreams.
SUBSCRIBER TICKET DONATION PROGRAM
Unable to use your game tickets? The Rangers and Garden of Dreams offer the opportunity to help New York children by donating your tickets to local children’s hospitals and community based organizations who partner with the Garden of Dreams Foundation. While helping make dreams come true for kids facing obstacles, your contribution is also tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. If you can’t make it to a game and you would like to donate your tickets, please contact the Season Subscriptions department at 212.465.6050 for more information, or call the Garden of Dreams Foundation directly at 212.465.4170.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS INFORMATION 212-465-6524 NEWYORKRANGERS.COM/COMMUNITY
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NEWYORKRANGERS.COM/COMMUNITY