INSIDE

By all accounts, the NBA and its players do a wonderful job reaching out to the community.

“That’s the brilliant thing about basketball and all the teams. Everybody is willing to help. No one has ever turned us down. From guys like Steve Nash to guys that get cut from the roster, everybody comes,” Laurel says.

It’s not just coaches and players who help. Laurel has been championing Carver Center causes since moving to the area.

“It is such a pleasure to work with a volunteer who digs right in and makes things happen. I really admire that about her,” Cook says. “Laurel’s involvement extends beyond the Thanksgiving event. She has been part of our benefit committee, and her energy, ideas and enthusiasm were such a terrific addition to the committee.”

Because his time is so limited, “there’s only so much hands-on that I can do, so Laurel has been amazing at using our resources to raise money for different charities,” he says about his wife. 

Hard-court Eden

Mike is also active in Garden of Dreams, a nonprofit charity that works closely with The Madison Square Garden Co., which includes the Knicks and the New York Rangers. Their mission is “to make dreams come true for kids facing obstacles.”

Recently, Mike and Rangers’ head coach John Tortorella participated in the second annual Coaches’ Challenge held at the MSG Training Center, where they played host to 28 children from WHEDco, a Garden of Dreams partner organization. Each coach was team captain for the respective Rangers and Knicks’ teams. The children matched up for various fun events, including dress and dribble contests, obstacle-course races and tug-of-war matches. This year Team D’Antoni pulled off a win against Team Tortorella. Last year they weren’t as lucky.  The record stands at one win Team D’Antoni and one win Team Tortorella.

Reaching out to people in need has been a grounding force for the couple.

“The truth is that as much as we hope our contributions help the community, the reality is that it helps us be better people, and know where we fit,” confesses Laurel.  “Yes,” Mike agrees, “whatever you give, you’re getting back in spades.”

Acknowledging how tough his job can be, Mike admits, “It feels like what you’re doing is worthwhile, though some days it doesn’t feel that way. But when you’re able to raise $100,000 and help so many people, you say to yourself, this is worth it.”