F A L L 2 0 0 9 NEWSLETTER
www.dreamfoundation.org The mission of the Dream Foundation is to enhance the quality of life of individuals and their families who are battling life-threatening illness.
15 YEARS OF... Comfort Joy Peace Closure at the end of life’s journey
IN THIS ISSUE
Founder Message .................................................. 2 Soul Food ............................................................ 3 Dreams Come True ............................................... 4 In the News ......................................................... 5 Above and Beyond ............................................. 6 Here’s What’s New ............................................. 7 In Memorium ..................................................... 7 Holiday Help ...................................................... 8 Events ................................................................ 9 Dream Store ..................................................... 10
A Message From The Founder "From adversity comes gifts..." Recently, I adopted a new rescue dog. He was allegedly “career challenged,” having failed a superimpressive training program. At first I thought I had taken on more than I could handle. But then a friend reminded me that challenges are gifts given to us for a higher purpose, a reason that will be revealed later. This theory is difficult to remember when your dog has enticed the entire pack of fellow dogs to follow him out of the park into the foothills of the mountains, causing a crowd of panicked owners to run in chase after their precious pups. However, the point of this story about challenges as gifts, is that it affirms an absolute belief of mine that from adversity comes growth, enlightenment and greatness. Fifteen years ago, I could not comprehend the reason why a ruthless illness attacked my loved one. Nor did my heart believe that I could endure the long journey and the battle we fought. Yet that journey was laced with gifts of love from family, compassion from strangers, and a spiritual intimacy that continues to rise above all physical boundaries.
“In earning Charity Navigator’s four star rating Dream Foundation has demonstrated exceptional financial health, outperforming most of its peers in its efforts to manage and grow its finances in the most fiscally responsible way possible.”
One of the greatest gifts to come out of that challenge has been fifteen years of making dreams come true for thousands of families, gifting them with the love of strangers — meaning you who are far from strangers to us, our Dream Family. My new dog continues to require extra attention, and in order to give him what he needs, I have had to slow down. I take many more walks and I visit the park or beach everyday, sometimes even twice. During this time I am thankful for the opportunity to reflect upon my life and the life of this foundation. In this newsletter, we thank you for your gifts of love; we share with you the gifts of strangers; and we show you what these gifts manifest when we make a dream come true. We also hope that reading such stories will inspire you to continue your support of our foundation into 2010, as our families will still need your compassion in the new year and beyond. As the holidays approach, my personal hope for those that have been impacted by illness is that our gifts fill their hearts with love and peace. For those of us who are blessed with health at this time, let it continue to be just these stories, and not illness, that remind us to slow down and reflect upon what a gift our lives are. Trust me, it may be easier than getting a dog.
Dream Foundation received the Independent Charities of America (ICA) Seal of Excellence. The award goes to charities that have, upon rigorous independent review, been able to certify, document, and demonstrate
From the heart,
on an annual basis that they meet the highest standards of public accountability, program
Thomas W. Rollerson Founder/President
effectiveness, and cost effectiveness. It is estimated that fewer than five percent of charities reviewed meet or
cover photo: Amy kept her promise to her daughter Sofia and together with her husband and Amy’s father Jesus, they all enjoyed a wonderful trip to Disneyland.
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making dreams come true for adults battling life-threatening illness
exceed these standards.
Soul Food:
Meaghan George, daughter of dream recipient, Patricia George, reads her thank you letter at the Dream Maker’s Circle reception in 1999. At the age of twelve, her words captured the hearts of everyone. Ten years later, in 2009, Meaghan reads her letter at the Dream Maker’s Circle reception. Her poise and confidence are matched by her appreciation for the memories that were provided at the happiest place on earth many summers ago. “Today would be Donnie’s 55th birthday. Dream Foundation did so much to make the last 3 months of Donnie’s life wonderful! Birthdays and anniversaries are always difficult, so tonight I revisited the Dream Foundation site. I cannot tell you how overjoyed I felt to see a picture of our family at the beginning of the ‘Life of a Dream’ video! Thanks to y’all, we can watch this video and see Donnie at his happiest even as he was dying ... because of you DREAMAKERS! Y’all will forever be in our hearts. Thank you. — LINDA FORBIS & FAMILY
“Deb and I were fortunate to have the financial means to take a trip. I know that so many others are unable to afford such a luxury. When I learned about the Dream Foundation I knew I wanted to fulfill a dream for a young woman with metastatic breast cancer, and I decided to pick a woman from my home state of Wisconsin. Thank you for all the dreams you have made come true!” — JANA
“Thank you so much for the peace and joy you and your organization obviously gave to Diane in her last months, as she peacefully walked the final passage of her life journey into her new life. Many of us described Diane as “dancing into Eternity” during these past weeks, but with her Dream Journey she also had her sketch pad in her pocket!! Peace.
“The gift that you and your organization has provided to my sister, family and me goes beyond anything that words can possibly explain. The look in our father and mother’s eyes when Robin and I saw them was an overwhelming, heartfelt and wonderful experience and one that will be remembered for a lifetime….The Dream Foundation has given us a blessed gift that we would have never had. Thank you for making our father’s dream a reality.”
— SISTER FRAN KEARNEY
— AMBER AND ROBIN
“Tony and I both worked at the same GM Plant in Buffalo. I asked him what having this dream realized meant to him and he said, “It will give my step-daughter some good memories of me” Thank you for allowing us to be part of your wonderful work. — DREAM DELIVERER KEVIN
"My name is Kimberly and I am a social worker with Oxford Hospice in Springfield, Missouri. I am writing you this letter to express Oxford Hospice’s appreciation for all the wonderful dreams that the Dream Foundation has fulfilled. Thank you so much for working with so many of our patients and fulfilling so many of their end of life goals and dreams. There are not enough words to express how grateful the families, as well as hospice, are for such a wonderful organization that can provide for families when their goals and wishes are most important. — KIMBERLY, MSW
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Dreams come true... When you Wish Upon a Star
At twenty years old, Brandon, from Seattle, Washington, is battling end-stage brain cancer. This past September, Dream Foundation granted his wish for a family trip to Disneyland with his mother and 6-year old nephew, O’Shay. Dressed as a Disney Princess for the dream delivery, Avastin representative and Dream Host Molly Bisset said of the experience, “It was truly a gift to be involved. We had a great time and were able to give Brandon a good laugh. They were all looking forward to their trip and were so appreciative and grateful of all that Dream Foundation has done for them.” Thank you Disney and Genentech for making Brandon’s dream come true!
An Evening with a Rock and Roll Legend
Lori, age 50, from Covina, California, has been battling head and neck cancer for over a year. Through her most difficult times, Lori has always found inspiration and comfort in the music of Stevie Nicks. After receiving the news that she had less than six months to live, Lori and her sister, Beth, made plans to attend one final Fleetwood Mac concert to celebrate Lori’s life and the music she loved the most. For this concert, Lori hoped to fulfill a life-long dream to meet Stevie Nicks. And with the support of Dream Foundation and HK Management, Lori saw this dream realized. On that magical night, Lori and her sister Beth were provided with full VIP access. They met Mick Fleetwood before the show, grooved to Fleetwood Mac classics, and later that night, were treated to a private meeting with rock and roll legend Stevie Nicks. It was an evening beyond Lori’s imagination. Thank you to Dream Host Cody Barr and all who helped make this moment so special for Lori and Beth.
Inspired by Music
Annie, age 26, suffers from an aggressive form of cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma. Despite all the hardships she has endured over the past three years, Annie has become a role model to younger cancer patients and a true inspiration to all that know her. During the 10 hours of intense chemotherapy she must undergo five days a week, Annie finds her own inspiration in the music of Britney Spears. With lots of help and perseverance, Dream Foundation was able to make Annie’s dream of meeting the pop star a reality. She said of her evening with Britney, “The whole night was just amazing. The food, the music and the limo ride were a dream come true!” Thank you to Louisa Ashley at Winnaman & Associates and everyone who helped make this a night to remember.
US Open Surprise
Jennifer, age 23, was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma when she entered high school. A life-long fan of professional tennis, Jennifer dreamed of attending the US Open Tennis Matches in New York. With the help of Avastin representative Chris Wiatrak, Jennifer saw her wish fulfilled. Wiatrak lost his wife to Ewing’s and was immediately moved by Jennifer’s request. Not only was he able to track down tickets, her dream package also included a program signed by Rafael Nadal AND skybox seats to the Mets game the next day, presented by USTA. Thank you Genetech, USTA and everyone who helped us make Jennifer’s dream a reality.
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making dreams come true for adults battling life-threatening illness
In the
NEWS
In newspapers, magazines, television and online, here are some of the places that the work of Dream Foundation has been recognized.
Estelline Man Gets a final wish
Montana vacation fulfills cancer patient’s dream “The trip to Montana was as notable for what cancer patient Nancy Hampton and her husband, Art, didn’t see as much as what they did. No needles. No doctors and no chemotherapy dripping slowly into [her] veins. For five days the couple were normal tourists, thanks to a gift from the Dream Foundation and the generosity of Lee County residents. ‘It was awesome,’ Nancy Hampton said. ‘We were there for our eighth anniversary. I can’t thank everyone enough,’ Hampton said.” — JL Watson, The News-Press, Ft. Meyers Florida
“At the Amarillo Airport John Thomas saw his youngest daughters Robin and Amber after five years apart. This reunion is possible because of Odyssey Healthcare and the Dream Foundation. John has terminal cancer. [His wife] Jody Thomas says, ‘This is the best thing that could happen to us, and he has been on cloud nine ever since.’ Seeing his daughters, probably for the last time, has given [John] great joy.” — Larry Lemmons, NewsWest 9, Amarillo, TX
“Tanya Star McCall, 37, remembers lying in bed one evening in August 2007, shortly after she began chemotherapy for breast cancer and thinking, ‘I don’t have a reason to fight this. I was just sitting there, bawling, flipping through the TV channels.’ As recently as January, follow-up tests showed no cancer, but the disease was detected two months later in her lymph nodes. This time the doctors told her it was untreatable. ‘I’m not afraid of it, dying…I’ve just got some things to do first.’ she said. Top of her list: seeing the group [Celtic Thunder] that she credits with reviving her interest in living. [Tanya’s] mother, Carol McCall later contacted the Dream Foundation. McCall will board an airplane for the first time in her life and travel with a friend to New York City to see the group perform.” — Morgan Jarema, Grand Rapids Press, Grand Rapids, MI
TELEVISION: CNN – Jessica’s wedding to remember KXII Channel 12 News – Whitesboro, TX Tommie, who is terminally ill, and Nancy renew their wedding vows after 40 years of marriage. News West 9 - Amarillo, TX - John reunites with his daughters one last time, after more than 5 years apart.
NEWSPAPER:
Computer helps veteran connect
Irish group Celtic Thunder inspires cancer patient to draw on her talents, cope with illness
Kurt and Jessica Jimenez
“Frank Washumick cannot get out into the world very much anymore, but a recent gift will bring the world to him. The 81-year old, terminally ill Army veteran received a new laptop computer July 17 from California-based Dream Foundation. ‘I have a tear in my eye,’ said Washumick. ‘I can’t say anything right now. I’m dumfounded.’ The $450.00 computer includes voice recognition equipment and software. Washumick said he needs this because rheumatoid arthritis makes using a keyboard difficult. Washumick, who lives with his wife Carol, said the computer will allow him to continue doing volunteer accounting for the Northfield Center Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6786, of which he is a member. He said he also wants to use it to record memories he has of his life.” — Jeff Saunders, The News Leader, Kent, OH
Ventura County Star – Ventura, CA - A lifelong dream comes true for Karen when she meets her idol Bruce Springsteen. The Islands’ Sounder – Orcas Islands, WA - Danny takes his family on a final trip to Disneyland. The Herald-Mail – Martinsburg, WV - Pauline (Eliza) celebrates her 100th birthday with a party sponsored by Dream Foundation. The News-Leader – Revenna, OH - Frank reconnects with the world and receives a laptop, complete with voice recognition. Carlsbad Current-Argus – Carlsbad, NM George and Rubie, both in hospice care, enjoy a family reunion. Tampa Tribune – Tampa, FL – Dream Foundation grants Ebony’s wish to meet Montel Williams. With his help, she was able to get the care she needed and a correct diagnosis.
MAGAZINES: People – Kim Kardashian auctions clothes in support of Dream Foundation
INTERNET: Artistdirect.com – All-In For All Good Poker Tournament and Bruce Springsteen Dream Guitarnewsdaily – Bruce Springsteen Dream Creators.com – Interview with Brad Garrett of Maximum Hope on All-In For All Good Poker Tournament Looktothestars.com – Kim Kardashian auctions clothes in support of Dream Foundation
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Above
Beyond BOWLING FOR DOLLARS Thanks to Genentech for choosing Dream Foundation as the recipient of its “Genentech Regulatory Charity Super-Bowl!” We were chosen for this charity event because “Dream Foundation is both a local charity and a good match for what Genentech strives to do therapeutically.” It was a fun-filled evening for all participants, who bowled their hearts out and cleverly tagged the event “Living in the Gutter for Good.” The fundraising event was a success and raised over $10,000 for Dream Foundation. We are blessed to have the support of such an outstanding organization. Thank you Genentech for all that you do for us!
ANNIVERSARY GIFT Genentech
Congratulations and a big thank you to Robin and Saifuddin Mama on their 25th wedding anniversary. The couple celebrated by renewing their vows and asked all their friends to donate to their two favorite charities, one of which was Dream Foundation. Here’s to 25 more years of wedded bliss!
PAYING IT FORWARD Thirteen-year-old Sarah read about Renata’s dream on our website (see Adopt-ADream, www.dreamfoundation.org) and was immediately compelled to help. Last year, Dream Foundation fulfilled a dream for Sarah’s father, who was battling cancer, and she wanted to give something back. In the true spirit of giving, Sarah sat in front of her local grocery store in Idaho and single-handedly raised the $1000 necessary to adopt a dream. Thank you, Sarah, for your initiative and compassion, you are an inspiration to us all!
Sarah
A FAMILY AFFAIR Recently, our accountant Chris Reed walked into the office with his children in tow, a TV and an NFL Super Bowl XL Opus Limited Edition book. Chris was donating the TV to a dream recipient and the book to Dream Foundation for auction. It is generosity like this that makes our work possible! And, it is inspiring to see a younger generation participating in and learning about philanthropy. Thank you, Chris, for keeping our dreamers in your thoughts! Chris Reed and his children
WHAT A TREAT! Robin Himovitz has been baking cookies for our Flower Empower program for almost 12 years. Now Robin has found a new way to transport her goodies to our flower and goodie recipients. Thank you, Robin, for your dedication!
GREETING FROM DREAM FOUNDATION At Dream Foundation, we love to send greeting cards. Not a day goes by that a stack of cards aren't passed around, signed, and sent to our dearest friends and supporters. Many of these cards are handmade and donated to us by the talented Barbara Sutcliffe. Thank you, Barbara, for sharing your creativity and time with us! Robin Himovitz
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making dreams come true for adults battling life-threatening illness
Here’s what’s NEW In Memorium 03-31-09 through 11-31-09
Jenni Fund update
Dream Foundation launched the Jenni Fund in June in memory of our dear dreamer Jenni Hargis. After Jenni passed in March, we received a note from her mother and a check for $500 from Jenni’s saving account. Ruth Hargis wrote that Jenni wished to help Dream Foundation continue to make dreams come true for young adults ages 18-35 and wished to use this money to start a fund for that age group. We asked friends and supporters of Dream Foundation to match or exceed Jenni’s contribution and to help keep Jenni’s spirit alive by helping others like her. We recently received a note from Jenni’s aunt, reminding us that Jenni does indeed live on in the hearts of her family, friends and hopefully those who are helped through the fund established in her name. In 2008, Ruth and Jenni Hargis spoke at our annual gala and launched “The Jenni Fund” to help other dream families. Jenni lost her battle with cancer on March 9, 2009. Her parents, Ruth and Richard Hargis came back to our 2009 event to share Jenni’s spirit with us again. We want to share their messages with you here. A year ago I stood here with my daughter Jenni and watched with pride as she spoke of her dream granted by the Dream Foundation and thanked all who support this organization. As she spoke, she was in her final battle with leiomyosarcoma, a rare cancer that had metastasized into her lungs, liver and bones. Four months later at the age of 22 she lost her battle with cancer and left a huge void in our
Ruth and Jenni Hargis
lives. But she also left us with precious memories that still bring a smile to our faces even in the midst of our pain and loss. We are grateful to the Dream Foundation for helping create many of those memories. Through your support of Dream Foundation, you helped give our Jenni joy, excitement, fun and fulfillment, adding to her quality of life even when quantity could not be added. The charge she left us was to honor her life by continuing to live ours and to continue her legacy by supporting the things that were important to her. That is why we are here – Ruth today. I am a minister by profession, a professional speaker of sorts. About a year ago at the end of a sermon Jenni told me, “good sermon dad but too much fluff”. I’m not altogether sure what “too much fluff” means but I’m going to spend the rest of my life not doing too much of it. Actually, as a matter of fact, I do know what the opposite of fluff is. It is something that is pure gold. It is what the Dream Foundation provided my daughter in a particular place and time by granting her dream. In financially difficult times like these it is often inconvenient to support organizations that fulfill people’s dreams. But for people like Jenni it was the only time she had. I want to thank you for your support tonight and I thank the Dream Foundation for being there for my beloved Jenni. – Richard To donate to Jenni Fund, please call Carol Brown at 805-564-2131 Or visit our web site www.dreamfoundation.org
John “Cadillac Jack” 67 Barbara Allister 64 Edward Anaya, Sr. Andon Andon 61 Judith Arce 53 Gregory Asbury 52 Dawn Genter Ashby 34 Steve Atanasoff Monika Baker 47 Rita Ballard 65 Mary Baratto 40 Christian Barlow 20 Eleanor Barrow 70 Dena Battin 59 Thomas G. Baumann 55 Holly Wendy Baxter 44 Suzanne Baxter 27 Kim Berby 49 Dana Berndt 45 Rony Bhagwager 36 Amy Bicondova 29 Randall Blackburn 50 David Botelho 63 Tonya Breshears 38 John Burrows 67 Diego Carachure 70 Nancy Cardona 49 Oddie Carrell 74 David Carver 51 Christopher Casey 43 Willia Chandler 78 Trent G. Chima 50 Lajuan Coleman 22 Floyd Cone 86 Robert Conley 50 Curtis Cottrell, Sr 59 Jose Cruz 50 Chad Davidson 26 Larry Davis 28 Sister Diane Denke 71 Darlene Dent 55 Emilio Duenas 19 Tamma Easter 51 Isaac Elias 31 Nancy Ellis 67 Paula Emerson 48 Crystal Xzan Ennis 24 Jack Fisher 59 Christina L. Fitch 47 Maria Flores 71 Michael Fojtik 54 Louis Franklin 71 Louis J. Gabriel 85 Christella N. Garder 28 Martha Garrison 51 Mattie Gary 102 Ann Gates 45 James Graham 70 Laurie Green 36 Angela Gregerson 31 William Grosser 72 Mark Harkin 45 Justin S. Heath 33 Brenda Heim 46 Enriqueta Hernandez 70 John Herrera 47 Marc A. Hill 38 Margaret Holmberg 85 Valerie Holmes 35 Harry Robert Hooper 49 Edith Hovey 94 Roy Humphreys 80 John Iwanicki 49 McElroy Jeter 88 Stephanie Johnson 45 Frances Jordan 79 Robin Josephson 52 Jessica Keenan-Jimenez 34 Gregory Kemm 55 Eugene Kemmerlin 70
Ricky Kerley 49 Robert Kister Jr. 43 Kenneth Krieps 63 Isaac “Woody” Lakey 56 Christina Lane 33 James Levos 70 William Lieder 81 Carol Ann Lis 20 481 Jeffrey Lockman 43 Cindy Loggins 33 Ruthie Lopez 28 Gregory D. Lowe 51 Lonnie Lunsford 60 Terri Maltby 51 Karen Marquardt 51 Debra McGee 49 Jeff McMahon 46 Matthew J. Mercier 50 Michelle Merrill 46 Donna Merritt 55 Deborah Mervar-Habat 57 Ronald Morrison Dane Moser 24 Frank Obier 60 Durward “Russ” Overby 99 Samantha Padlo 30 Jack Parrish 66 Marjorie Pease 71 Andres Pedro 34 Paolo Pellegrino 42 Sandra Phinney 61 Jerry Pitts 67 Barbara Powell 66 Danny Quintana 51 David B. Ray 36 Jason Ray 37 Eric Rediger 38 Jami Martin Reed Ken Reid 80 Stanley A. Rhoads 62 Dallas Richard 60 Thelma Richardson 91 Karen Rogers 44 Louella Rogers 53 Thomas Romero 34 Chris L. Rzonca Sr. 56 Susan Sanchez 67 Vincent Schomas 48 Diane Scott 46 Brian Sencich 28 Daniel Seymour 35 Greg Shawver 40 Emry Shrader 79 Tuesday Simpson 56 Sharon Lee Skinner 44 Marilyn K. Slaight 65 Amos Smith 89 Mark Snyder 44 Bruce Snyder 66 Tuituiohu Soakai 58 Sam T. Soda 69 Wilma Stratman 63 Cheryl Strickland 50 Mary Tafoya 59 Olena Kathy Thomas 60 Dwana Tidwell 55 Tanya Turner 27 Barbara Unruh 49 James “JV” Valrie 47 Sandra Vickers 53 David C. Wahlers 62 Angus Ward 85 Don M. Waters 75 Sharon Watson 66 Erica Whaley Melba Williams 81 Nolan Wilson 53 Doug Wolfe 87 James Zeigler 50
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How to Help a Grieving Loved One
Twelve Practical Tips for Saying, Doing the Right Things
during the Holidays The holidays are quickly approaching, and while many people look forward to yearly traditions, gatherings with family and friends and the general good feelings associated with the season, some people dread the holidays. For those who have lost a loved one during the past year, the holidays may emphasize their grief. The holidays, especially the first ones after losing a loved one, are especially difficult for one who is grieving. Often, friends and family members of those affected by a loss are unsure how to act or what to say to support their grieving loved one during the holidays.
1.
Be supportive of the way the person chooses to handle the holidays. Some may wish to follow traditions; others may choose to change their rituals. Remember, there is no right way or wrong way to handle the holidays.
2.
Offer to help the person with baking and/or cleaning. Both tasks can be overwhelming for one trying to deal with raw emotions.
3.
Offer to help him or her decorate for the holidays.
4.
Offer to help with holiday shopping or give your loved one catalogs or on-line shopping sites that may be helpful.
5.
Invite the person to attend a religious service with you and your family.
6.
Invite your loved one to your home for the holidays.
7.
Help your loved one prepare and mail holiday cards.
8.
Ask the person if he or she is interested in volunteering with you during the holiday season. Doing something for someone else, such as helping at soup kitchens or working with children, may help your loved one feel better about the holidays.
9.
Donate a gift or money in memory of the person’s loved one. Remind the person that his or her special person is not forgotten.
10. Never tell someone that he or she should be “over it.” Instead, give the person hope that, eventually, he or she will enjoy the holidays again. 11. If he or she wants to talk about the deceased loved one or feelings associated with the loss, LISTEN. Active listening from friends is an important step to helping him or her heal. Don’t worry about being conversational…. just listen. 12. Remind the person you are thinking of him or her and the loved one who died. Cards, phone calls and visits are great ways to stay in touch. In general, the best way to help those who are grieving during the holidays is to let them know you care. They need to be remembered, and they need to know their loved ones are remembered, too. Hospice grief counselors emphasize that friends and family members should never be afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing, because making an effort and showing concern will be appreciated. More information is available from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization at www.caringinfo.org or by calling the HelpLine at 1-800-658-8898. 8
making dreams come true for adults battling life-threatening illness
Events From left to right: Susan Yeagley, Kevin Nealon, Jason Alexander, Ray Romano, Teri Hatcher, Brad Garrett, Joely Fisher, Robert Davi and Michael Chiklis
Michael Anderson, Cliff Albritton and Captain King Williams
Jim Northey
Sharon Anderson and Sue Bennet
Cheryl Hines
COOLEST 24 The“Coolest 24hr Race Against Cancer,” mountain bike race was held May 2 and 3 in Cool, California. Jim Northey, owner of Global Biorhythm Events and Mark Thompson of HP Procurve have worked together on this race for the last three years, raising funds in memory of their close friend, Brice Clark. Close to 700 riders began 8-hour and 24-hour courses, pedaling to raise money for Dream Foundation. Despite the rain and mud, everyone had a fantastic time. Participants rode for fun, while remembering loved ones fighting cancer or those lost to the disease. Dream Foundation would like to thank Jim Northey and all the sponsors and riders who came out to support this extraordinary event. ANNUAL ANGEL BALL Once again, the lavish gala was hosted by Richard, Susan and Chandler Lutz, longtime supporters of Dream Foundation, at their private estate in New Jersey on May 16. As always, the event was a success and raised significant funds to help dream families in need (www.angelball. org). Thank you to the Lutz family and to everyone who participated in this spectacular fundraising event.
ALL IN FOR ALL GOOD On Saturday, May 30, the stars aligned in Commerce, California, for Dream Foundation and Maximum Hope Foundation’s “ALL in for ALL Good” celebrity poker tournament. Brad Garrett, long-time Dream Foundation supporter and founder of Maximum Hope, gathered his friends in the ballroom of the Commerce Casino for an afternoon of fun and card playing. COMMUNITY CARE NETWORK AUCTION IN DALLAS On June 17, in its first year after branching off from Social Work Department of Texas, Health Presbyterian Dallas, Community Care Network held a very successful silent auction at Sherlocks Pub & Grill, with all proceeds benefiting Dream Foundation. Over 200 guests, including Cindy Manning, the daughter of a dream recipient, attended the event. Cindy shared her story and put a face to our mission of making dreams come true. Many thanks to everyone who attended the event and a special thank you to the Danielle Borton of the Community Care Network committee, for all your dedication and hard work in support of Dream Foundation.
DREAM CRUISE Dream Foundation’s July 12 “Dream Cruise” reception, aboard the beautiful Channel Cat, was a sensation. A beautiful evening at sea, the night was punctuated by the sweet sounds of singing group, Bella Sorella, family to one of our dream recipients. On behalf of our Board of Directors, staff and the families we serve, thank you to our wonderful donors, Charles & Nancy Munger, New West catering and Kalyra Winery for making our Dream Cruise a night to remember.
DREAM FOUNDATION HAS WISHES TOO! Here are a few of the things we need and wish for.... • Frequent Flyer Mile Donations • New Laptop Computers • Flat Screen Televisions • Gift Cards from WalMart, Target, Kmart • Disposable Cameras • Volunteers for dream management, office administration and public relations For further information please call us at 805-564-2131 Thank You!
dreamfoundation.org
Fall 2009 | 9
Merchandise
dreamfoundation.org
spread the word
ALL NEW
Just in time for holiday gift-giving, we introduce our new store. A great opportunity to spread cheer to family and friends while making a holiday dream come true. Not sure what to buy, we have gift certiďŹ cates too! Give the gift that gives twice! visit our store at www.dreamfoundation.org By making a purchase today, you will not only be spreading the word about the work Dream Foundation does, but you will also be making dreams come true for adults with life-threatening illness.
Baby Onesie $18.00
Hanes White Unisex Crewneck Tagless T-Shirt $10.00
American Apparel White Unisex V-Neck Tee $18.00
Hanes Black Unisex Crewneck Tagless T-Shirt $10.00
American Apparel Black Unisex V-Neck Tee $18.00
Baby Bib $10.00 Black Baseball Cap $15.00 Recycled Tote Bag $5.00
Full Zip Track Jacket $45.00
Lanyard $4.00
15 oz Stainless Steel Thermal Mug $20.00
ALL
proceeds beneďŹ t making dreams come true. 10
Dream Candle Ocean Scent $18.00
making dreams come true for adults battling life-threatening illness
Lapel Pin $9.00
Dream Foundation Board of Directors Flower Empower is a volunteer driven program of the Dream Foundation that delivers hope and compassion to individuals in Santa Barbara and San Francisco counties who are battling serious illness. Its mission is to remind these individuals that they are not alone and that their community truly cares. If you are interested in starting a Flower Empower program in your community let us know!
A.J. Rice, Interim Chairman Co-Founder, Software.com David Glickman, Vice Chairman President & Managing Director, Glickman Capital Ronald R. Macleod, Secretary Managing Partner, Bacui Family Capital Thomas Rollerson, President/Founder Founder/President, Dream Foundation Jon Bull Senior Managing Director & Portfolio Manager, First Republic Investment Management Richard Burnham Co-Founder & Chairman, Odyssey HealthCare Kirsten Cavendish Brainstorm Creative Inc. Mel Farber President, Creative Designs Hawaii David Johnson The Johnson-Roessler Company John F. Kelly President & CEO, John F. Kelly Associates, L.L.C. Holly Murphy Co-Founder, Santa Barbara Advisory Board
Dealing with the loss of a parent and the family’s intense emotional, physical and financial battle with terminal illness may very well be one of the most difficult life challenges a child can face. The Dream Foundation Toy Program sends age appropriate toys to the dream recipient to in turn give to their children. Bringing a smile to their children’s faces, when their illness has brought so much pain and adversity, is a gift beyond words.
Dear Dream Foundation: My family is writing to thank you for your generous and wonderful gift package. We received it on Friday and the kids have been thrilled and playing with the toys all weekend. I must say that the excitement started just with the box. Someone took the time to wrap it in brown paper and address it and decorate it as if it contained the most precious ware in the world. It set the tone for the treasures inside. The fact that everyone received something special just for them, made it all the more wonderful. Again, we thank and pray that you will be blessed for your love and generosity. I am a 45year-old woman with a beautiful family. I have a husband who surpasses any dream of a “knight in shining armor” and I have four children, 3 boys aged 15, 14 and 13 and a beautiful daughter aged 4 whom we adopted from China only 2 short years ago. It is a perfect family that didn’t ask or expect the evils of cancer, but somehow we decided to learn and grow over these last years. We will enjoy each day to the fullest and someday my family will “pay it forward” through their love and generosity, which has been fostered by yours. Thank you, Robert and Holly Alexander, Max, Daniel and Rosemary
Kenneth P. Slaught President, Investec, Inc. Richard Weston-Smith Brainstorm Creative Inc. Diana Wilson CEO, DMW Consulting
STAFF Thomas W. Rollerson, Founder/President Carol Brown, Chief Operating Officer Sherry Villanueva, Strategic Development Sue Anderson, Dream Department Manager Valerie Banks, Flower Empower Coordinator Cindy Hellriegel, Finance Manager, part-time Adam Lichtenstein, Manager Internet Technologies Jennifer Muir, Receptionist Michelle Mullaney, Events Manager Michelle Reid, Dream Coordinator Sonia Salazar, Data Entry Specialist, part-time Barbara Schoch, Dream Coordinator, part-time
Hasbro Children’s Fund has generously donated all of the toys for our Toy Program through 2010!
Jackie Waddill, Donor Relations Manager
dreamfoundation.org
Fall 2009 | 11
Nonprofit Organization U.S Postage PAID Santa Barbara, CA Permit Number 692
Corporate Partners
Events
Dream Partners
100k and above
We are proud to feature some of our Corporate 50k and above
Partners in Dreams as well as other companies that have graciously donated or served as Dream Foundation event
25k and above
sponsors. This is a partial listing. All of our partners
Flower Empower
and donors are listed in our Annual Report.
Airlines
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Botanik Himovitz Family Domingo Farms Valley Flowers
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