The Gardiner Foundation
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Our Vision Statement
Making a Difference
- One community at a time,
- One family at a time,
- One child at a time.
Scholarship recipients
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2026 Scholarship Recipients
Thierno Bah
Thierno is a Bronx resident and a graduate of the Trevor Day School in Manhattan where he was a stellar student and member of the school community. This Fall he will enroll at the University of Rochester where he will pursue a degree in medicine. In High School Thierno led naturally, effortlessly, and fearlessly, inspiring real confidence in his classmates. In short, he made teaching and learning fun. Thierno thinks differently. He’s a brilliant brainstormer and expansive thinker who imagines possibility where others might see dead ends; he brings freshness to the routines of the classroom, asking the question we all needed but had yet to realize. Thierno is motivated, hardworking, and determined to make the most of every opportunity. He is committed to achieving academic excellence and using his education to make a lasting impact in the lives of others.
Khalil Danthioko
Khalil is a graduate of University Prep Charter High School where he graduated with a New York State Regents diploma with advanced distinction while earning credit for Advanced Placement courses in Language Composition and Pre-calculus and a GPA of 93.8%. He was also ranked 20th in his senior class. This Fall, he will enroll at Howard University where he will study computer science. His teachers consider Khalil an exceptional young man whose character, leadership, and commitment to serving others distinguish him from his peers. Khalil was an active member of his school’s student leadership program throughout his high school career, consistently demonstrating maturity, integrity while representing his school community in civic engagement and service projects across New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, and Houston, where he worked alongside his peers to address community needs, participate in service learning, and develop a deeper understanding of servant leadership. In every setting, he represented himself, his family, school community with professionalism and pride. Khlalil values education, embraces diverse experiences, and understands the importance of using his talents to create opportunities for others.
Leah Floyd-Harmon
Leah is a Bronx resident and graduate of University Prep Charter School. She graduated with a New York State Regents diploma with advanced distinction and a GPA of 92.8%. She was also ranked 14th in her senior class. This Fall, she will enroll at Howard University where she will pursue a career in Law. Leah is an exceptional scholar, a member of the National Honor Society, a talented Theater Arts student, and a dedicated School Leadership Ambassador who has consistently demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to serving others. Her teachers consider her a rare combination of intellectual curiosity, humility, creativity, and emotional maturity. Whether performing on stage, leading her peers, or engaging in the classroom Leah’s faith is foundational in her life and has given her the strength she needs to overcome obstacles and love others with purpose, preparation, and grace. She has earned the respect of her classmates and teachers alike because she leads through action, treats others with kindness, and consistently strives to leave every space better than she found it.
Our Mission
"Our purpose is to build and lift up communities and families through sports, recreation, and educational empowerment — providing support, guidance and mentoring to youth and families in lower-income neighborhoods."
The Gardiner Foundation is a 501(c)(3)
How It Started
In 2006, our founder, Dexter Gardiner, lost six family members in a single car accident on the Bronx River Parkway. His mother and youngest sister also died that year. From that pain, the Gardiner Foundation was formed in his family's honor — to help other families struck by tragedy manage grief and move forward.
What We Do
Recognizing that other families face sudden, tragic loss too, the Gardiner Foundation, a 501(c)(3), offers a range of support — from burial assistance and spiritual guidance to computers, school supplies, and college scholarships.
How We Give Back
Memorial & Bereavement Assistance
One year after its founding, the Gardiner Foundation started raising funds for interment services to benefit those who lack sufficient funds for a memorial service and burial. The first beneficiary was a single mother who lost five of her children in a car accident who also received professional counseling services during and after the crisis.
Year-Round Basketball Tournaments
Extending far beyond the basketball court, our recreational trips are a basis for pre-teen and teenage youth to learn and build the key life skills and importance of relationship-building, sportsmanship, academics and community service.
Gardiner Foundation Scholarships
Since 2009, The Gardiner Foundation has provided $1,500 scholarship to each student entering their first year in college or preparatory school who have earned the honor after having written an essay and received a recommendation from a Guidance Counselor, Dean or Principal.
Peer Mentoring Programs
"Tru Talk" is a peer mentorship program for youth and young adults to discuss the peer pressures of life and is an extension of the Gardiner Foundation motto, “We Are Our Brother’s Keeper.”
Additional Services
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