A representative for the foundation told Norwood News, “We have a whole bunch of goodies for the kids, all different kinds of candy and we put out three golden eggs out there.” The children who located the golden eggs would later be given a $50 gift certificate donated by Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence (B.R.A.G.)

Explaining that The Gardiner Foundation no longer has a corporate sponsor, its founder, Dexter Gardiner, told Norwood News, “This year, it’s just us, The Gardiner Foundation. We don’t have a sponsor. We’re looking for sponsors right now, but we’re out there getting donations.”

 

Gardiner launched the foundation shortly after six members of his family were killed in a horrific crash on the Bronx River Parkway as they were traveling to a basketball tournament at St. James Park. Since the tragedy, the foundation has held an annual basketball tournament for local children in August, and a bookbag and school supply giveaway before children go back to school in September. The foundation also provides scholarships to high school students going to college.

Mentioning the volunteers, including members of B.R.A.G., Gardiner said, “We have a lot of volunteers from different groups helping us.” This year, the founder attended the event with two of his grandchildren, ages 7 and 9. When asked how his grandkids were enjoying the event, he beamed, “They’re loving it!”

 

Meanwhile, Sanchez brought her own goodies, holding a raffle where she handed winners free tickets to the Bronx Zoo and the New York Aquarium. “Ali” from New Jersey brought her two children to this year’s event. Asked if Arianna and Heaven, both 6, participated in the egg hunt, she replied, “We came late… She couldn’t do it but she wanted to!”

Ali’s daughter and her cousin were still given some Easter candy. Visiting the Easter event at St. James Park for the first time, Ali said, “I think this is something amazing! They should do this every year for the kids. Look how they’re gathered together, and they do these things. It’s amazing! I love it!”

 

Sanchez later said of The Gardiner Foundation, “It’s just this incredible community institution and they do a lot of work and organize a lot of community events, and they’re especially special to me and to the community.” She continued in reference to Gardiner, “He’s dedicated his life and his career and all that he does to give back to the community where he was born and raised, where I was born and raised, here in Kingsbridge.”

 

The Gardiner Foundation’s basketball tournament will be held from August 19 – 20 at St. James Park. For more information on the tournament or the foundation, visit The Gardiner Foundation website at: https://thegardinerfoundation.org/.