The 2006-07 season marked a new beginning for the Knicks Community Relations Department. After extensive planning and organizing, the Knicks changed the focus of their community outreach efforts on assisting children in need and in crisis situations. With efforts extending from the Knicks players, staff and volunteers, it is our goal to ensure that all children, despite their circumstances, recognize the importance of believing in their hopes, dreams and aspirations.
Make-A-Wish Visit
Garden of Dreams
The New York Knicks will work closely with Garden of Dreams to focus community efforts on assisting children in crisis during the 2006-07 season.
During the year, the Knicks will ask all fans to support two major in-arena drives targeting the Garden of Dreams community, including a major food drive in the fall and a toy drive in the spring. During the "Weeks of Giving" that will surround the in-arena drives, the Knicks and Garden of Dreams will host celebrations for several hundred children from the affected communities to underscore the organization's commitment to having a real and lasting impact on their lives.
Additional programs for which the Knicks will partner with the Garden of Dreams include "Dream Night" with the Knicks, The Knicks City Dancers Program, Make-A-Wish Day at the MSG Training Center, Room Refurbishment at an area homeless shelter and through the Player Section Program.
Click here for more information on how the Knicks are helping the Garden of Dreams or visit www.gardenofdreamsfoundation.org.
2007-08 Knicks Poetry Slam Program Information
The New York Knicks, in partnership with Urban Word NYC, and Knicks Poetry Slam sponsors, Fuzion Marketing, the Children’s Educational Fund and Power 105.1 FM, will launch the fifth annual New York Knicks Poetry Slam Program on Saturday, November 3, 2007 at the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan.
This year, the New York Knicks Poetry Slam Program will award more than $100,000 in educational grants and prizes to local students, including a four-year full-tuition scholarship to the University of Wisconsin. The Open Audition will also feature a college exposition and an entertainment component.
At this year’s Open Auditions, 150 students - of the 1,000 auditioning - will receive invitations to attend exclusive workshops and advance to the semi-finals. At the semi-finals, 15 students will be selected to compete in the Final Knicks Poetry Slam held on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at the Grand Ballroom at the Manhattan Center.
For a program overview, click here or call 1 (877) NYK-DUNK.
Knicks Poetry Slam Blog
Knicks Read to Achieve @powertolearn.com
The New York Knicks will partner with Cablevision's Power to Learn during the 2007-09 school year to promote literacy to students throughout the New York metropolitan area. Using the power of technology, this partnership allows a variety of innovative reading opportunities to reach a greater number of tri-state area children. For more information on the Knicks and Cablevision's Power to Learn initiative, visit powertolearn.com.
Player Holiday Programs
During the holidays, several Knicks players donate their time and money to children and families in need. Last season, Jamal Crawford spearheaded the Jamal Crawford Giving-Tree program. Stephon Marbury hosted a holiday party for 20 children from his Team Marbury Charitable Foundation at the NBA Store in New York City and Malik Rose purchased musical instruments for students in the Bronx. Other players visited local hospitals, donated food to families, and fed the homeless.
Player Seating Sections
Each season, several Knicks players purchase community sections in Madison Square Garden and donate tickets for that section to local community groups that normally would not have the opportunity to see a Knicks game, including groups from the Garden of Dreams community.
If you would like to be included in the Knicks Community Group database and be added to the waiting list for donated tickets, please send an email to KnicksCR@thegarden.com.
Sweetwater Clifton Award
The Sweetwater Clifton City Spirit Award honors local unsung heroes who have made a significant difference in the lives of others. The award is named in honor of the late Knick great, Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton, who was the first African-American to play for the Knicks. Each month throughout the Knicks season, a winner is honored at center court of Madison Square Garden and is given $2,000 to donate to a charity of his/her choice.
To nominate your hero, click here to submit a nomination.
Alumni Relations
With the addition of John Starks to the front office staff, the Knicks Alumni Relations department has expanded in numerous ways. Starks, along with community relations representative Cal Ramsey and Liberty legend Kym Hampton, serve as the backbone of the department and bring in alumni for variious events, programs, on-court ceremonies and in-arena promotions. Knicks alumni help drive business and raise awareness for all Knicks departments and are a tremendous asset to the organization.
The Jamal Crawford Foundation
In November of 2007, Jamal Crawford was awarded the NBA Community Assist Award for work done via the Jamal Crawford Foundation.
The mission of the Jamal Crawford Foundation is to provide inner-city children with experiences and activities to strengthen both their minds and bodies leading to well-rounded adults.
“I want kids to learn to follow their dreams and never give up," says Crawford. "Seeing the expression on kids’ faces, that means everything to me. There is so much that comes along with being a pro athlete, but seeing the look on their faces means everything to me because I was that kid just ten or twelve years ago.”
Knicks Summer Basketball Camp
The summer of 2007 marked the 16 year anniversary for the New York Knicks Summer Basketball Camp, presented by Gatorate, consisting of a curriculum of basketball instruction, tournament games and individual supervision. Knicks and local NBA players, coaches and scouts all work to help young athletes improve their skills and develop their basketball talent.
For more information on how you can enroll your child in the Knicks Summer Basketball Camp, click here.
Groove Truck Appearances
The Knicks Groove Truck, presented by Snapple Iced Tea, creates an opportunity for basketball fans to enjoy the excitement of the Knicks, even if they are not able to attend a game or visit Madison Square Garden. The truck's new features make it possible for fans to participate in basketball clinics, skill competitions and free throw shooting contests. Also with the help of Microsoft, the Groove Truck wil introduce XBOX 360 video game tournaments for the 2007-08 season. The Groove Truck appears at community events, schools, playgrounds, basketball tournaments and local functions throughout the New York Metropolitan area, either as a stand-alone or in conjunction with Knicks players and alumni visits.
For more information on how you can have the Knicks Groove Truck appear at your event, click here or please call Brendan Callahan at (212) 465-4103.
Knicks Basketball Clinics
Knicks Basketball Clinics create an opportunity for basketball fans to participate and learn the concepts of Knicks basketball at borough playgrounds, local basketball courts and recreation centers. Clinics focus on helping athletes improve their skills and develop their overall basketball game by teaching basic practice drills and emphasizing the fundamentals.
For more information on how you can book a Knicks Basketball Clinic, pleae contact Brendan Callahan at (212) 465-4103.
Rollin’ Knicks Basketball Team
The Rollin' Knicks is the Knicks wheelchair basketball program, led by team founder and manager Dave Snowden. The team travels throughout the country, representing the organization and inspiring others through the players' determination, athleticism and love for the game. The Rollin' Knicks also participate in other community programs, such as the Knicks Basketball Clinics and the Knicks Summer Basketball Camp. In nine seasons, they have won three Conference Championships, had two undefeated seasons in conference play and have been consistently ranked in the National Top 25.
