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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.
2
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
dreamfoundation.org
Fall 2009 | 3
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.
4
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
dreamfoundation.org
Fall 2009 | 5
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
6
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
dreamfoundation.org
Fall 2009 | 7
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 certificates 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
benefit 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
www.dreamfoundation.org
Botanik Himovitz Family Domingo Farms Valley Flowers
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS:
1528 CHAPALA ST., SUITE 304
SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101
805.564.2131 FAX 805.564.7002
LOS ANGELES OFFICE:
11500 OLYMPIC BLVD., SUITE 400
LOS ANGELES, CA 90064
310.444.3070 FAX 310.444.3071
GOgreen
THINK ACT PROTECT
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]