The Gardiner Foundation Scholarship

For a young person, losing a family member can be a devastating experience. However, losing multiple family members all at once is almost unthinkable. That’s what happened to Dexter Gardiner, who on July 9, 2006 lost six family members in a tragic car accident on the Bronx River Parkway.

Yet despite the loss, Dexter chose to use the tragedy as a way to help others who have experienced similar situations in losing beloved family members unexpectedly. Needless to say, for those left behind, especially children whose college education may suddenly be in doubt due to financial concerns, the world can suddenly seem very uncertain.

However, thanks to Dexter choosing to start the Gardiner Foundation, children in these unthinkable circumstances can rest easy, knowing they can receive financial help for their education. By teaming up with Jeff Korek and his partners at the law firm of Gersowitz, Libo, and Korek P.C., a scholarship of $1,500 will be awarded annually to as many as five deserving students. By doing so, we at the Gardiner Foundation can do our part to help ease the financial burden a student’s family may have in trying to help them realize their dreams of higher education.

Gardiner Foundation Events

  • Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
  • Annual Basketball Classic Tournament
  • Annual Basketball Clinic
  • Holiday Toy Drive
  • Events at the HeartShare Women’s Shelter

Whether helping more than 1000 families with a free Thanksgiving meal or enjoying free entertainment, food and beverages and exciting action on the basketball court, to working with the woman and children at the homeless shelter, Gardiner Foundation takes great pride in partnering with GLK to help local families not only with financial and scholarship assistance, but also with help obtaining school supplies, spiritual mentoring, and burial assistance if needed.

Dedicated to Helping the Community

The Gardiner Foundation is more dedicated than ever to helping those in our community overcome tragedy and discover happiness and achievement in their lives. By partnering with Gersowitz, Libo, and Korek P.C., a personal injury firm that deals with family tragedies on a daily basis, we strive to address  just how important financial resources can be to a family struggling with sudden loss. If your family is in need of attorneys who can help you with a personal injury claim, contact Gersowitz, Libo, and Korek P.C. for a free consultation, and let them help you get the financial compensation you and your family need and deserve.

Awarding Scholarships

Once we have looked over all the applications and determined those we feel are the most deserving, the winning students and their families will be contacted. And when it comes time to award the scholarships, the ceremony will be held at the Gardiner Foundation Basketball Classic at St. James Park in late August. Always a very rewarding and emotional event, the scholarship ceremony is our way of not only recognizing the students and their families, but also having an opportunity to express our thoughts regarding the courage shown by each family.

Gardiner Foundation 2023 Scholarship Recipients

Nya Bunn

Nya is a graduate of the Promise Academy I Charter High School in Harlem. This fall she will enroll in the State University of New York at Buffalo where she will pursue a major in Biology and a career as a pediatric nurse. Nya served as a positive role model in her high school’s afterschool program and is a kind young woman with a great drive to succeed who is passionate about helping others.

Brandon Blake

Brandon is a graduate of the Denzel Washington School of the Arts. This fall, he will enroll at the University of Connecticut where he will pursue a degree in Psychology. Brandon plays the trumpet and is known as a tireless worker who handles responsibility well

Kacey Ivette Alvarenga

Kacey is a graduate of Mott Haven Village Preparatory High School. This fall she will enroll in the City College of New York where she will pursue a degree in Art. On her way to graduating high school in 3 years Kasey made the principal’s list and was inducted into the National Honor Society. She possesses great leadership qualities and is a wonderful team player.

Brandon Ramkissoon

Brandon is a graduate of John Jay High School and will enroll at Pace University in the fall where he will attend their Pforzheimer Honors College in the Lubin School of Business and pursue a major in Accounting and Finance. Brandon is a caring and competent person whose commitment to academic excellence allowed him to graduate with High Honors and earn an Honors Scholarship and a Sibling Scholarship at Pace. He volunteered his time serving local veterans, youth and the less fortunate while also excelling in E-Sports and as team Captain in Track and Field and Soccer.

Sarah Reyes

Sarah Reyes is a graduate of Benjamin Cardozo High School and will enroll in Queensborough Community College’s Dance Program this fall. Sarah is an inspiring, dedicated and passionate young lady who has been a responsible, intelligent and reliable student throughout her academic career. Her desire to learn and demand more of herself is displayed in her performance and attentiveness during her classes. Sarah sees herself as not just a dancer but an artist that wants to contribute to the community in a therapeutic and spiritual way while sharing the healing power of dance.

Gardiner Foundation Scholarship Highlights

Dr. Malik Campbell

"As a recipient of the Gardiner Foundation Scholarship in 2017, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible opportunity your scholarship
has provided me. Thanks to your support, I have successfully completed my academic journey, and I am now equipped to pursue my dreams in Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine.
Your generosity has made a tremendous impact on my life, and I am forever
grateful."

- Dr. Malik Campbell, DPT

Dane Simpson

"I am Dane Simpson and I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to you for choosing me as a recipient of the Gardiner Foundation Scholarship in 2018. Thank you for supporting me in my next adventure, having you in my corner was a blessing as I encountered new obstacles. I graduated from the University at Albany, Bachelors of Science in Business Economics Class of 2023."

Emily Smith

"I want to convey my profound appreciation for the wonderful chance that your scholarship has given me as a 2019 Gardiner Foundation Scholarship recipient. The support that I received through the foundation has been very beneficial to me throughout my time in college. I was able to complete my undergraduate bachelor's studies successfully and am now prepared to continue my study and follow my interests in criminology and forensic anthropology. Thank you for your true compassion toward the inner-city youth."

Corey Bryan

"My name is Corey Bryan I'm 22 years old and I grew up under the Gardiner Foundation. I'm a recent graduate from New England College with a Bachelor's Degree in Game Design and minor in Business Administration. I'm currently looking to begin my career full-time in the game design industry.

Very passionate about 3D modeling and gaming as I enjoy doing these activities in my downtime.

I also created my own esports organization called Lightning Kings Gaming to give gamers around the world an opportunity and platform to be recognized. I strive to continuously give gamers an experience that will benefit them and their careers long term."