The DREAM Newark partnership is guided by Devils/Prudential Center Managing Partners Josh Harris and David Blitzer, two long-time supporters of DREAM. Both have contributed significantly to supporting DREAM's infrastructure and ability to reach thousands of youth in our area each year.
The Harris Family Charitable Foundation recently helped fund a grant to DREAM Newark for a literacy program, as well as to provide youth access to the powerful benefits of playing baseball and softball.
The Aug. 7 event further demonstrated the strength and far-reaching, positive effects of this partnership.
DREAM, formerly Harlem RBI, was founded in 1991 in Harlem, New York currently serves over 2,200 youth ages five through 22 by providing free, high-quality summer and after school programs in East Harlem, South Bronx and Newark. The Harris Family Charitable Foundation helped to expand DREAM's footprint into Newark, NJ a new city and state for the first time.
"We feel privileged and grateful to be able to support this incredible program," said Josh Harris, Managing Partner of the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center. "As someone who grew up playing competitive sports, I understand just how hard one has to work in order to succeed not only on the field, but off it as well. What DREAM is doing to enrich kids' lives as both scholars and athletes is invaluable, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with DREAM, the city of Newark, and the communities we all serve."
The event kicked off with a press conference featuring Josh and Marjorie Harris, CEO and Founder of B.R.I.C.K schools, Dominique Lee, Deputy Mayor of Newark, Rahaman Muhammad, Executive Director of DREAM, Richard Berlin, and principal of B.R.I.C.K Peshine Academy, Chaleeta Hines. The press conference was emceed by the voice of the New Jersey Devils, Matt Loughlin.
Immediately following the opening remarks, over 140 of the DREAM Newark kids participated in various New Jersey Devils activities and games with Devils alumni, Bruce Driver and Ken Daneyko and the New Jersey Devils' mascot NJ. The games and activations included street hockey, inflatable slap shot, corn hole, Jenga and basketball. Marjorie and Hannah Harris, Josh and Marjorie's daughter, joined one of the second-grade classes in their literacy program for the day. Marjorie read two books to the class and discussed the importance of having good behavior and being a good teammate.
"We are so grateful to be in the great city of Newark and for the support we've received. This event is a testament to what happens when the public, private, and non-profit sector come together for positive impact in our community. DREAM looks forward to deepening our service here in Newark," remarked Richard Berlin, Executive Director at DREAM.
For more information about DREAM please visit wearedream.org or follow them on Twitter and Instagram @wearedream. For more information about The Harris Family Charitable Foundation visit hfcf.com.
