in this issue celebrating the fulfillment of 10,000 ...€¦ · in honor of our 10,000 dreamers,...

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www.dreamfoundation.org S P R I N G 2 0 1 0 NEWSLETTER The mission of the Dream Foundation is to enhance the quality of life of individuals and their families who are battling life-threatening illness. IN THIS ISSUE Founder Message .................................................. 2 Soul Food ............................................................ 3 Dreams Come True ............................................... 4 In the News ......................................................... 5 Above and Beyond ............................................. 8 Here’s What’s New ............................................. 7 In Memorium ..................................................... 7 Holiday Help ...................................................... 8 Events ................................................................ 9 Dream Store ..................................................... 10 Celebrating the fulfillment of 10,000 dreams in 2010

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Page 1: IN THIS ISSUE Celebrating the fulfillment of 10,000 ...€¦ · In honor of our 10,000 dreamers, ... dreams fulfilled - like Trudy ... Heliaz 19 A television to watch favorite movies

www.dreamfoundation.org

S P R I N G 2 0 1 0N E W S L E T T E R

The mission of the Dream Foundation is to enhance the quality of life of individuals and their families who are battling life-threatening illness.

IN THIS ISSUEFounder Message .................................................. 2

Soul Food ............................................................ 3

Dreams Come True ............................................... 4

In the News ......................................................... 5

Above and Beyond ............................................. 8

Here’s What’s New ............................................. 7

In Memorium ..................................................... 7

Holiday Help ...................................................... 8

Events ................................................................ 9

Dream Store ..................................................... 10Celebrating the fulfillment of

10,000 dreams in 2010

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never know the magnitude of what it meant to both of them – and that his contribution was in acknowledgment of Trudy’s desire for us continue helping others. I wonder if I adequately expressed the magnitude of what his words meant to me. We had a nice long conversation, and then towards the end he disclosed that I had unknowingly called on the one-year anniversary of her passing.

In this newsletter we hope you feel the weight of our gratitude to you through a small sampling of the precious stories that unfold here everyday. I ask that you take time to witness these “expressions of life” and the different voices who share them with us, like intern, Elena Orozco. (See story on opposite page.) As this is the first newsletter of 2010, I wanted to reflect for a moment on 2009. Naturally, it was a challenging year for the non-profit world. Yet these are the types of circumstances that allow us good insight into the efficiency of our mission and the loyalty of our supporters. Even with our 4-Star Charity Navigator rating, we - like other businesses, families, and individuals - learned how to do more with less in 2009. We learned how to better manage your support. The great news: we were able to fulfill even more dreams than we did the previous year, serving the dream requests of 1,777 families.

We want to continue this momentum of helping more into 2010, as we prepare to hit a major milestone with our 10,000th fulfilled dream. In this newsletter - and over the course of the year - you’ll hear about our “10,000 in ‘10” challenge, and we’ll be looking to your stewardship and support in achieving our goals.

In honor of our 10,000 dreamers, we hope to collect 10,000 gifts, which will serve as the resources to fulfill more tender wishes in the years ahead.

This is truly the best way we could honor our dream recipients, as those who have had their dreams fulfilled - like Trudy - are the most invested in seeing us to carry on our mission. No one knows better the importance of the service we provide than our dreamers and their families.

Again, thank you for the gifts and support you offer our organization. The compassion you show our dreamers is huge.

2

One of my favorite ways to spend my Sundays is by making calls to our donors to personally say thank you. Often as extraordinary as the stories of our dreamers are the stories from our donors. Every donation is significant to me, because regardless of the size of a gift, when someone gives from the heart, it’s huge.

Walt made a donation in memory of his beloved wife and former dream recipient, Trudy. I called to express my gratitude to Walt, and he said he wanted to thank us for enriching the final days of Trudy’s life. Walt said we’d

Gifts from the Heart

making dreams come true for adults battling life-threatening illness

“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.”

A Message From The Founder

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

on an annual basis that they

meet the highest standards of

public accountability, program

effectiveness, and cost

effectiveness. It is estimated

that fewer than five percent

of charities reviewed meet or

exceed these standards.

cover photo: On a beautiful August day, Francis realized her wish to see a Colorado Rockies game with her family. Her daughter said, “Our mom had the best time. To see her smiling with the sun on her face and rooting for her team, was amazing. Thank you for the joy that filled our day.”

From the heart,

Thomas W. RollersonFounder/President

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Soul Food:

dreamfoundation.org Spring 2010 | 3

“Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.” Joseph Addison inspired me with this quote, and I found truth in this statement while working at Dream Foundation. Most of my friends have all three of these things. They have school, jobs, or chores to do on a daily basis; they have family members, boyfriends, hobbies, or sports to love; and on the brink of young-adulthood, they are filled with hope for the future. This is an exciting time for me, but had it not been for my discovery of Dream Foundation, I might never have understood the importance of having something to hope for.

When people call upon Dream Foundation to grant them a final wish, they are allowing us to come into their lives at a most vulnerable time. When I started to probe into the lives of some of our dream recipients, I learned that Joseph Addison was right about his essentials to happiness, but I had to apply them in a different way.

When it comes to loving, our dream recipients don’t hold back. They proclaim their love like it is their last day, because technically it could be. One of the things I enjoyed most about Dream Coordinating was reading their dream submission letters, because this is where I would discover what they truly love in life.

“Something to hope for”: This is the fragile piece of Addison’s quote, because our dream recipients have been told that nothing else can be done. There are no chances for donors, surgeries, cures, or medicine. They are given a life-prognosis and no encouragement of hope. This is where I know we make a difference: we provide dream recipients with a dream that they can hope for.

When it comes to loving, our dream recipients don’t hold back. They

proclaim their love like it is their last day, because technically it could be.

My first dream that I planned on my own was for Thomas. He was a Southern California resident, suffering from liver cancer, and his wish was to go to the Columbia River in Oregon to go Walleye Fishing. After consulting with Tom about his dream for a few months, our professional phone conversations grew into friendly banter. After finding a very generous fishing guide, Jack Glass, to donate Tom’s trip, I settled details of his transportation and accommodations. Everything fell right into place and I sent Tom a “dream box,” complete with his travel itinerary and fish decorations. He was delighted to receive it and his mom sent me pictures of Tom and the “fish box.” She told me that she hadn’t seen him so happy since before the news of his cancer.

That was one of my best days at Dream Foundation, which was followed by one of the worst.

I received word from Jack that he would be returning my check for the fishing licenses for Tom, because Tom and his mom had to cancel their trip. I later found out that Tom had fallen too ill to travel, and a few days later he passed away. I was heartbroken for Tom; I had come to call him a friend, and he had been so excited about his trip. I thought he deserved this dream with all of my heart and I couldn’t fathom how he didn’t make it. (continued)

Thomas with his “fishing dream package”

A Dream Is Something To Hope ForBy Dream Foundation Intern, Elena Orozco

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Soul Food:

4 making dreams come true for adults battling life-threatening illness

Tom’s mom helped me realize that, even more important than attaining his dream was the fact that Tom was able to hope for it.Tom’s mom helped me realize that, as important as attaining his dream was the fact that Tom was able to hope for it. After he received his final details about his trip, he knew it was really going to happen, and that gave him something to be excited about each morning when he woke up. Every day he would daydream about fishing on the Columbia River; it was all-the-more real, because he knew that day was actually coming. Tom spoke animatedly about his trip when he was on the phone with his sister or friends, he kept himself busy reading books about Walleye Fish, and he even started browsing the web for pictures of Jack Glass’ fishing tours and the Oregon River trails.

Notes from the Heart

His mom helped me see that the realization of his dream come true was a miracle, because he had never even been able to comprehend such a trip before. When he had the details, pictures, and itinerary in front of him; he was truly able to let his heart discover the joys of his dream.

Now I know what it means to hope for something and how it can bring so much happiness to the one who allows himself to dream. It is important to have something to hope for, because while you may stray from your destination, true joy lies in planning the journey and discovering happiness along the way.

The Columbia RiverIn loving memory of Dreamer, Thomas

Gerene and her best friend as they visit the ocean for the very first time.

(continued)

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dreamfoundation.org Spring 2010 | 5

In Memorium12/2009 - 02/2010

Karyn 54 To go on a hot air balloon ride

Denise 43 Family vacation to Florida for Christmas

Raymond 72 Reunite with his son

Kevin 54 Belated honeymoon in Florida

David 48 See his daughter & grandson

Heliaz 19 A television to watch favorite movies

Andrea 35 Family trip to Disneyland

Joanne 51 Trip to Disney World

Karry 39 Meet Matt Sorun from Guns & Roses

Wilmer 66 To see his twin sister and son one last time

Donald 75 Motorized scooter

Kenneth 19 Meet the rapper Eminem

Jeannie 51 Purchase of groceries

Cameron 54 Assistance locating his daughter

Eugenio 80 Washing machine

Isam To have life chronicled

Loretta 62 To have her daughter by her side as she passes

Geno 52 Family trip to Milwaukee

Lydia 57 To visit her son, Harold

Livingston 76 Power chair

Annie 26 Attend a Britney Spears concert

Steven 51 Trip to Disney World

Cheryl 53 Trip to Taladega Super speedway

James 40 Family trip to Disneyland

Lisa 26 Trip to Disneyland

Felix 55 Visit from his son, help with lodging & gas

Audrey 65 Have daughter from Hawaii come visit

Brian 37 Attend a Nascar race

Ethel 82 Walmart Gift Card

Karma 77 Travel assistance for her two children to visit

Anna 32 Receive the company of a puppy

Ann 50 Telephone call with George Clooney

Linda 61 Meet the New England Patriots

Lorraine 43 Honeymoon weekend and wedding bands

Barry 62 Have Beatles sculpture displayed at Granada

David 50 Trip to Disney World

Dream Foundation celebrates the livesof our dreamers and their final wishes.

“It’s about saying goodbye from a happy place.” – Dream Foundation Supporter, Lisa Snyder

The 10,000 in ’10 Challenge

Some say there is power in numbers. This year, for Dream Foundation, the number is 10. In 2010, we will fulfill our 10,000th dream for adults battling

life-threatening illnesses. As we are in the business of hope, we’re offering a challenge in celebration of this momentous milestone.

For the 10,000 fulfilled dreams we hope to get 10,000 gifts in 2010. These gifts can come by way of any of the ideas listed below. After all, we’re not just celebrating a number. We are honoring the 10,000 families who have

touched our lives over the years… and gathering resourcesto fulfill the next 10,000 dreams.

Be counted as a dream maker!We invite you to join us on this journey of 10,000 in ’10.

Individual Dreamers • Offer 10,000 miles or 10,000 hotel points to fulfill dreams that reunite families • Host your own Dream-theme party with 10 or more of your best friends: we’ll help! • Insert a check (in any denomination of $10) in the enclosed envelope • Share the 10,000 in ’10 challenge with 10 friends, via Facebook, Twitter, or a personal letter • Volunteer 10 hours to any of our programs • Tell us what dream means to you in 10 words or less • Create a “10,000 in ‘10 dream theme” illustration and share it with us

Corporate Dreamers • Become an official Corporate Sponsor for $10,000 • Adopt 10 Dreams • Encourage 10 employees to sign up for our Employee Giving Program • Donate 10% of proceeds from an event or retail sales • Provide ten gift cards related to groceries, gas or restaurants • Share with us your 10,000 in ’10 ideas Visit our 10,000 in ’10 page at www.dreamfoundation.org

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making dreams come true for adults battling life-threatening illness

Dreams Come True...CREATING HAPPY MEMORIES WITH THE FAMILYJoanie is from Bridgeton, Missouri. At the age of 57, she suffers with Multiple Sclerosis. Although her disease has progressed to the point that she is only able to move two fingers on one hand, her courage is felt by all who know her. With the help of Hope Hospice and her 90-yr old mother, Joanie contacted Dream Foundation for a final wish from the heart…a trip to Disney World. Though her activities are restricted, there will be no limits to the joy and memories she will create with her family.

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In the MEDIABringing voice to our dream families.

LOS ANGELES TIMES – All The Rage: The Dream Foundation grants a wish to attend New York Fashion Week

NBC NEWS DENVER – Learning to Read Again

DENVER POST – Rewriting love of reading, stroke patient, 85, determined to enjoy pleasures of reading, writing again. Texana Striggles lost some of her basic faculties as a result of a stroke eight years ago. Now suffering from cancer, her final wish is to learn to read again. Texana’s Evercare Social Worker, Cinta

Porter was quoted in the Denver Post article. (Excerpt) “…’I was so impressed that this lady who is 85-years old, and has heard she has a limited time to live, wants to read before she dies,’ Porter said. Someone in the group told her about

the Dream Foundation, a California-based wish granting organization for adults battling life-threatening illness. Porter began to work on the application. ‘Texana got a little paranoid, asking if it would cost her money,’ Porter said. ‘She’s a real country lady. She said, ‘Nothing comes to me for free.’

Porter finally persuaded her to sign the application, and then the Dream Foundation agreed to help, enlisting the help of Sylvan Learning Center, which agreed to match the contribution by the Dream Foundation and also discount its tutorial rate…” Colleen O’Conner, Denver Post, CO

WOMEN’S WEAR DAILY – Fashion Dream. Diane von Furstenberg is no stranger to celebrities in her front row, but Sunday she will have a special guest. Latoya Headley always dreamed of attending a fashion show.

PR NEWSWIRE – The SCOOTER Store Donates Scooter to Military Spouse

SANTA BARBARA MAGAZINE – Sweet Dreams. The Dream Foundation, which grants wishes for terminally ill adults, held its eighth annual Celebration of Dreams event – a soiree of music, fashion, and auctions – at Bacara Resort and Spa.

NOOZHAWK– Marymount Students Help Dream Foundation Spread Holiday Cheer

MONTECITO JOURNAL - Compassion is always in Fashion

Joanie’s daughter upon hearing the news the family was going to Disney World.

Todd with his son

Kathryn and Bette Midler after the show.

STAYING CONNECTED WITH A SON OVERSEASTodd is 44 years old, he lives in Roseville, CA, and he is losing his battle against colon cancer. When faced with the reality that his days are numbered, he has recognized that time spent connecting with his family means the most to him in the whole world. With the help of Kaiser Permanente, Todd shared with us his dream: to receive a laptop computer with a camera so he could talk with his son, who is currently serving in Iraq.

MEETING A MUSICAL HEROKathryn is 26-year old music aficionado who hails from Urbandale, Iowa. She is a member of her local church choir, and has performed the National Anthem at several Special Olympics events. During her tough battle with Leukemia, Kathryn’s father contacted Dream Foundation with her wish: to go to a Bette Midler concert with her parents.

Not only did Kathryn and her parents get to see the “Devine Miss M” at her Vegas show – they were sitting in coveted second row/ center seats – the best way to enjoy an amazing performance. At the end of the evening, Kathryn’s heart was singing. The next day, Kathryn’s father told us, “She was in heaven and this morning is still talking about the kiss from Bette...”

“I’m not sure when, or even if, I will ever see him again... my wish is to have a laptop computer that will allow me to talk to him every day whenever he can…to see his face on the monitor.”

Compassion is Always in FashionFashion industry shows its inner-beauty

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dreamfoundation.org Spring 2010 | 7

THE LEGACY OF A DREAMERThe other day, Dream Foundation received a check for $25. It was a powerful and meaningful contribution, offered by Randall in honor of his wife, and former dream recipient, Sharilee.

We first got to know Sharilee through her dream to take her children to a Broadway play. Sharilee’s wish was joyfully granted. A little over a year ago Sharilee, passed away from a tough battle with pancreatic cancer. Since Sharilee’s passing, Randall and his family faced difficult times. Dream Foundation was moved and humbled by Randall’s recent donation, despite his own family’s hardships and challenges.

Sharilee’s dream meant the world to her and she wanted to see the dreams of others fulfilled. In her thank you note to Dream Foundation, Sharilee included the lyrics to her favorite childhood song, “When you wish upon a star” – and a note that said:

Randall, Sharilee and their children

“We pray that Dream Foundation will move forward at an incredible pace and that ‘Dreams’ will fall like shooting stars and be granted to all who are in need of the sweet fulfillment of their secret longing.”

Thank you Sharilee – and thank you Randall, for keeping her dream alive.

Latoya and Diane von Furstenberg

COMPASSION IS ALWAYS IN FASHIONTwenty-five year old Latoya suffers from Glioblastoma Multiform, an aggressive form of brain cancer that was discovered in her spine and paralyzed her from the waist down. In January, Latoya personally wrote to Dream Foundation with a wish that reflected her own design aspirations.

On Valentines Day, Dream Foundation fulfilled Latoya’s lifelong dream to attend New York Fashion Week along with her sister, Naima, and Dream Foundation’s Hollye Jacobs. In synch with the “heart theme” of the day, the fashion industry definitely showed Latoya the love with tickets to Diane von Furstenberg’s fashion show and a tour of Oscar de la Renta’s showroom.

This is a recap of her experience in Latoya’s own words: “I must say this experience was unreal. My favorite moment was when I asked Diane about dealing with the anxiety and stress just before her shows and she said the joy and presence of her grandchild helped put her at ease. That’s when I knew we shared something in common. My nieces and nephews are such a joy to be around. Just when I want to give up they put a smile on my face and I become a fighter again. It was an honor to be invited to Oscar de la Renta’s showroom. He had a great sense of humor. In between making adjustments on the clothing, he’d lean over and crack a joke. Before Naima and I left, he gave us a bag of gifts. In mine, there was a pink blanket which really touched me. In the winter my Grandma always says, ‘Cover up them legs with a blanket Toya.’ I smiled to myself because Oscar had to put some thought into that gift. Not a lot of people think about the things people in wheelchairs really need. I so enjoyed my experience, I completely forgot how fatigued I was that day. Talk about a dream come true. I believe dreams come true as miracles.”

At Dream Foundation, nearly 40% of our dream requests involve travel of some kind. Our dream recipients often come to us seeking pleasures that can only be provided by a trip. They yearn for joy-filled escapes from their diseases; they want to be reunited with their families; and they wish to create

happy memories with their loved ones away from the drudgeries of hospital rooms and treatments.

Dreams like Latoya’s are able to happen because of our generous supporters who donate airline miles and hotel points. We are proud of our partnerships with Delta, Alaska, Continental and

United. By going to our website at www.dreamfoundation.org, you can donate miles as part of their established charity miles programs. Thank you for giving our dreamers the gift of flight.

Too busy to travel?Taking a “staycation” this year?

Donate your miles and help dreams take flight

Latoya and Oscar de la Renta

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making dreams come true for adults battling life-threatening illness8

Above BeyondTeenage Sisters Give back to Dream Foundation, Through Stylish Jewelry DesignsRaised in Palm Beach, Florida, 18-year old Kendall and 16-year old Libby were always up to date with the latest accessories. Arms filled with bracelets, necks draping with necklaces and fingers covered with rings, jewelry was the fashion item favorite for these two stylish sisters.

One day, instead of buying accessories, they decided to use their creativity and craft their own---hence the birth of Stoney Clover Lane. Making and stacking the trendy beaded bracelets with hip and funky charms created an instant buzz and celebrity following for the company; prompting the launch of www.stoneycloverlane.com.

After only 7 short months, their bracelets were a hit. Yet for Ken and Lib, seeing the happiness of others in their bracelets was not enough; they wanted to use Stoney Clover Lane to give back and put a smile on the face of someone who may not be as fortunate.

The sisters heard of Dream Foundation and after a little research knew that the charity was the perfect match.

Ken and Lib donated 25% of their 2009 sales to Dream Foundation and are continuing their contributions in 2010. In December of 2009, the sisters and Stoney Clover helped grant their first wish by sending a terminally ill woman and her family to Disney World. To date, they are in the process of granting three more. Kendall and Libby

Carmen Romero

“She has a giving heart”by Nora McNeely HurleyThat’s how those who know her describe a very special volunteer of Dream Foundation’s Flower Empower program, Carmen Romero. Known for her warm way with people and her expertly arranged floral bouquets, Carmen shares her positive outlook on life and passion for flowers.

Born in the Philippines 73 years ago, the daughter of a diplomat, Carmen traveled extensively living between five countries: Argentina, Korea, Hong Kong, the Philippines and United States. Doting and hard working, Carmen is the single mother of four children and the proud grandma of six grandchildren, with whom she enjoys close ties. Years ago while visiting her son Jorge at UCSB, she fell in love with Santa Barbara and vowed to settle here. When her wish became a reality Carmen volunteered at several different nonprofits in town and happened to read an article featuring Thom Rollerson and Dream Foundation’s Flower Empower Program. She exclaimed, “That’s the one for me!”

For more than 12 years, Carmen has spent her Saturday mornings at Santa Barbara’s downtown farmer’s market creating fresh and cheerful bouquets, which she hand-delivers to those in need of a little joy. Carmen had studied Oriental floral design in Korea and exhibited real talent for it. She also enjoys giving to people for no other reason but to make them happy. This program offers an inspiring combination of all her favorite pleasures. Carmen loves to take walks, cook, scrapbook and attend the symphony and Russian

ballet. She believes that flowers inspire joy. Carmen reflects a spirit which is centered and content and she is every bit as unique and beautiful as the flowers she so

artistically arranges for those in need. Thank you Carmen for your caring heart and tireless efforts on behalf of others.

Dream Foundation is so grateful for the generous hearts of these young fashionistas.You can purchase bracelets online at www.stoneycloverlane.com

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Celebration of Dreams 2009

“Dream Foundation held its eighth annual Celebration of Dreams event – a soiree of music, fashion, and auctions – at Bacara Resort & Spa. Carolina Herrera’s cheerful 2010 resort collection graced the runway, and Peter Noone hosted the auctions. The stage was packed with entertainers, including American Idol winner Kris Allen, Grammy award winner, Michael McDonald, Grammy award nominee Taylor Dayne, and star crooner Kenny Loggins,” as reviewed in Santa Barbara Magazine.

Dream Foundation presented the Founder’s Award to Dream Ambassadors, Priscilla Presley and Jeff and Susan Bridges. Our sincere appreciation to our board of directors, dedicated staff, and generous donors who helped raise funds to fulfill many dreams in 2010.

Events

dreamfoundation.org Spring 2010 | 9

Dream Supporters Open Heartsand Homes

Dream Foundation supporters around the country have been so gracious in hosting intimate “dream dinners” at their homes to raise awareness about our mission with friends and family.

On February 11th and 12th, three of our most loyal donors, Leslie Benz, Tom Livermore, and Scott Shadrick, opened up their hearts and their beautiful Sun Valley homes to host dinners in honor of Dream Foundation. We are incredibly grateful to our gracious hosts and thankful for the funds we raised to help make so many dreams come true. Thank you to Leslie Benz, Tom Livermore, Scott Shadrick and all of the wonderful guests who were able to share this special time together. If you would like to find out more about hosting a donor dinner in honor of Dream Foundation, please contact our offices for more information.

Stars Come Out To Celebrate Dreams with Music

On January 24, 2010, David Pack and friends, gathered at Spaghettini Jazz Club & Grill for an unbelievable night of music, featuring Kenny Loggins, AMERICA, REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin, Pablo Cruise, David Benoit, and surprise guest Brian Culbertson, hosted by legendary TV & Radio personality Rick Dees.

Guests enjoyed pre-concert dinner and cocktails in Spaghettini’s Performance Lounge and then were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime concert of iconic pop hits from each artist. The evening concluded with Kenny Loggins leading his fellow musicians and the entire audience with a rousing performance of the mega-hit, Footloose! Established singer, songwriter, and Grammy-winning record producer, David Pack (former frontman of rock group Ambrosia) generously partnered with Dream Foundation for the silent auction portion of the event. Our sincere appreciation goes out to David Pack and all of the amazing performers. A special thank you to Spaghettini owners, Cary Hardwck & Laurie Sinsero and the incredible event producers, Ross Shafer and Chris Pelonis, for working so hard to make this event a success.

Donations in kind

Resources are essential to our mission. Here are a few of the things we need and wish for...

• Frequent Flyer Mileage Donations • New Laptop Computers • Hotel Point Donations Marriott Embassy Suites Radisson Starwood • Gift Cards from Walmart, Target and Kmart • Volunteers for dream management and office administration

For further information please call us at 805-564-2131 or email Jackie Waddill at [email protected]. Thank You!

Carolina Herrera fashion show

Jeff and Susan Bridges

Kenny Loggins, David Pack and friends

David Pack, Thomas Rollerson, and Rick Dees

Leslie Benz dinner

Start planning for our 2010 Celebrationof Dreams in November – featuring

fashion designer, FERRAGAMO!

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making dreams come true for adults battling life-threatening illness10

dreamfoundation.org

Hanes White UnisexCrewneck Tagless

T-Shirts

Baseball Caps

Recycled Tote Bags

Dream Candles

15 oz Stainless SteelThermal Mugs

Baby Bibs

visit our gift store at

Full Zip Track Jackets

Merchandisespread the word

15% OFFALL GIFTS

Stock up on the perfect “in-a-pinch” hostess gifts, or find a meaningful way to celebrate someone special. Give the gift that gives twice! 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.

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE!

The world always looks brighter from behind a smile!

Gratitude reflected in a simple needDream Foundation’s 10,000th dream is a milestone that represents a broad spectrum of wishes, from dream weddings and family trips to basic needs.

Dream applicant, Ermelinda, beautifully articulates the impact of these simple wishes.“Dear Dream Foundation, although I’m just 53 years of age, diabetes has causes all but 7 of my teeth to fall out. I am normally a sociable, happy person despite my medical afflictions, but only feel safe to smile and laugh when I’m with my loved ones. My request is not to take measures to prolong my life, but to facilitate the quality of my remaining life. My dream is to have a full set of dentures, so that I can feel free to talk, laugh, yawn chew – but mostly smile – without feeling self conscious.” Ermelinda told us she wants to show her gratitude for the care she has received from nurses and doctors the best way she knows how…with a smile.

The world always looks brighter from behind a smile!

Josh Kass, Ron, Dream Foundation’s Jackie Waddill, and Debbie Kass

CD Cover for Ron’s music

– delivering dreams with compassionDreams Foundation is blessed to have an active group of board and committee members, who not only contribute to our mission but also help us deliver our dreams with a personal touch. A beautiful example: the delivery of Ron’s dream. Ron is 57 and currently resides at Sarah House, a hospice “home” in Santa Barbara, California. An avid musician, Ron’s final dream was to have CDs of his music created and professionally packaged so that he’d have something to leave behind for his friends and loved-ones. “This is my legacy,” he said.

Dream Foundation Marketing Committee Member, Maria Jones, applied her marketing talents to the CD jacket, using an original sketch created by Ron as the cover, and a photo of the ocean (Ron’s musical inspiration) as the inside image. Debbie Kass, Dream Foundation Advisory Board Member, wanted to deliver Ron’s CDs with a celebration, so she enlisted the help of her son Josh Kass, an eighth grader at Laguna Blanca School. Josh has been learning to play the acoustic guitar for a year, and hoped to share in Ron’s musical passion as part of the dream experience. In the living room of Sarah House, Josh played while Ron tapped his foot and sang along. “You’ve got great natural rhythm with your strumming,” he mentored Josh. On the drive home Debbie and Josh popped in Ron’s CD, and enjoyed his music in silence. Debbie said, once back at the house, Josh spent another 20 minutes in the driveway listening to all of Ron’s songs. “The delivery of Ron’s dream was mutually impacting,” noted Debbie.

The Dream Network

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Board of DirectorsDavid Glickman, Vice Chairman

President & Managing Director, Glickman Capital

Ronald R. Macleod, SecretaryManaging Partner, Bacui Family Capital

Thomas Rollerson, President/FounderFounder/President, Dream Foundation

Jon BullSenior Managing Director & Portfolio Manager

First Republic Investment Management

Richard BurnhamCo-Founder & Chairman, Odyssey HealthCare

Kirsten CavendishBrainstorm Creative Inc.

Mel FarberPresident, Creative Designs Hawaii

Greg Grabowski, President & CEOLeader Dogs for the Blind

Hollye Harrington JacobsRN, MS, MSW

David JohnsonThe Johnson-Roessler Company

John F. KellyPresident & CEO, John F. Kelly Associates, L.L.C.

Holly MurphyCo-Founder, Santa Barbara Advisory Board

A.J. Rice, Co-Founder, Software.com

Kenneth P. SlaughtPresident, Investec, AJ Inc.

Richard Weston-SmithBrainstorm Creative Inc.

Diana WilsonCEO, DMW Consulting

STAFF

Thomas Rollerson, Founder/President

Carol Brown, Chief Operating Officer

Valerie Banks, Part-time Flower Empower Coordinator

Joslyn Charles, Part-time Dream Coordinator

Lisbet Frey, Dream Coordinator

Cindy Hellriegel, Finance Manager

Adam Lichtenstein, Internet Technologies Manager

Erinn Lynch, Communications Manager

Nora McNeely Hurley, Part-timeFlower Empower Manager

Michelle Mullaney, Events Manager

Emily Mullranin, Dream Coordinator

Nani Oesterle, Part-time Grants Manager

Piper Presley, Part-time Office Manager

Sonia Salazar, Data Entry Manager

Barbara Schoch, Dream Program Manager

Jackie Waddill, Donor Relations Manager

dreamfoundation.org Spring 2010 | 11

Dream Foundation

Flower Empower is a volunteer driven program of Dream Foundation with the mission to deliver flowers – and a little cheer – to those in the community in need of support, whether it be due to illness, grief or recovery.

We could not do what we do without our dedicated volunteers and generous growers, cookie bakers, and chocolatiers.

“Dear Dream Foundation Donors

Thank you so much for the box of toys for Sofia. She played with them for hours. Dream Foundation has done so much for us already – we were “blown away” by the additional act of generosity. We appreciate the attention to our daughter who is the true victim in our cancer case.”

Hasbro Children’s Fund has generously donated all of the toys for our Toy Program through 2010.

2010 Program Adopted by David Johnson, Irma & Morris Jurkowitz,Michael McDonald, and Lady Ridleytree

Thank you: B&H Flowers, Chocolates du Cali Bressan, Domingo Farms, Ever-Bloom, Robin Himovitz, Bontanik Valley Flowers, Westland Floral, and Jano Stack

2010 Program Adopted by Angie and Steve ReddingLet us know if you’re interested in starting your own Flower Empower Program!

Dream Foundation’s Toy Program acknowledges and honors the children of our dream recipients. Each toy package is packed with the child’s age and interests in mind and cheerfully decorated by our talented volunteers. It is our hope these colorful gifts give our dreamers’ children a little reprieve from their family’s suffering.

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NonprofitOrganizationU.S PostagePAIDSanta Barbara, CAPermit Number 692

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS:1528 CHAPALA ST., SUITE 304SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101805.564.2131 FAX 805.564.7002

LOS ANGELES OFFICE:11500 OLYMPIC BLVD., SUITE 400LOS ANGELES, CA 90064310.444.3070 FAX 310.444.3071

www.dreamfoundation.org

It is our strong belief that every action is an important step towards the healing of the environment and that everyone should be able to participate in protecting our earth. If you would like to receive your next dream foundation newsletter paperless, email your request to: [email protected]

GOgreenTHINKACTPROTECT

Corporate Partners Dream Partners

Airlines

We are proud to feature some of our Corporate Partners in Dreams as well as other companies that have graciously donated or served as Dream Foundation event sponsors. This is a partial listing. All of our partners and donors are listed in our Annual Report.

100k and above

50k and above

25k and above

Events

Flower Empower

Botanik Himovitz Family Domingo Farms Valley Flowers