Jennifer Dalkowski knew she was dying. “Before I die, I want to meet Jeff Gordon,” she said smiling. With that, the making of Jennifer’s dream come true began. Bob Tyler, CSW, was the Center for Hospice Care (CHC) social worker who was with Jennifer and her family when she shared her wish. “I was truly impressed with this family’s love for each other,” he explained. Bob worked with the Dream Foundation to secure Brickyard 500 tickets and a hotel in Indianapolis for Jennifer and her family. Jennifer had her ticket to the race in hand, but no guarantee of meeting Jeff. She and her family remained confident, though. “I have a strong will,” Jennifer explained. “Once I set my mind to something, I do it. I don’t stop until I do it.”
Jennifer’s tenacity was contagious. A true team effort ensued to make Jennifer’s dream a reality. CHC staff made multiple phone calls and reached out to their own friends and families, to absolutely anyone who could help bring Jennifer and Jeff together. And happen it did. As Jennifer’s mom Sharon related, “Then all of a sudden there was all this commotion and Jeff was right there standing in front of Jennifer. Jennifer grabbed him and he stopped to sign an autograph and say hello to her. We will never forget that day.”
On Nov. 7, Garden Court senior residents honored the Dream Foundation and its Flower Empower program with certificates of appreciation during their monthly tea party.
In attendance was Valerie Banks, founder of the Dream Foundation’s Flower Empower program, and Dream Foundation staff and volunteers.
Garden Court senior residents enjoy their partnership with Dream Foundation’s Flower Empower program, where residents are taught how to make beautiful bouquets for the community.
The other night I found myself in Santa Barbara with tears streaming down my face—which I wasn’t even quick enough to dab at with my dinner napkin. What caused the drips? The Dream Foundation’s Annual Celebration of Dreams.
The Dream Foundation grants wishes to adults (and their families) who are battling life-threatening illnesses. The Foundation orchestrates everything from having folks meet Lady Gaga (I remember Gaga giving one lady a pair of fantastic heels which she called her “chemo shoes”) to planting a garden for a vet’s family. The fundraiser was held at the Bacara Resort and Spa in Santa Barbara/Goleta and honored Barry Manilow, whose heart has only gotten bigger over the years (even if he may be shrinking in size). CKE Restaurants Holdings (Carl’s Jr., etc.) CEO Andy Puzder also received a pat on the back.
The 12th annual Celebration of Dreams Gala was held Saturday night at Bacara Resort & Spa, a key annual fundraiser for the Dream Foundation, generating nearly one-third of the foundation’s entire annual operating budget.
This in large part due to the sponsors and talent who donate thousands of dollars in products and services, this year in excess of $200,000. The 2013 sponsors included American Airlines, AOO Events Inc., Bacara Resort & Spa, Beau Joie Champagne, Bentley Westlake, Carl’s Jr., Gregory Pasetta, O’Gara Coach Westlake, Walter Claudio Salon Studio and Yacht Club Vodka.
The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation held another successful charity golf tournament this year, raising $105,000 to be distributed evenly among three well-deserving nonprofits — Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Santa Barbara County, the Dream Foundation and the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation.
The ninth annual Chumash Charity Golf Classic, which was held in August, included a one-day tournament at Alisal River Course, a live auction conducted by local celebrity Andrew Firestone, a silent auction and a raffle, with all of the proceeds going to the three nonprofits. On Tuesday, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation officially announced that the nonprofits receive $35,000 apiece from the proceeds.