John Paul DeJoria Pledges $100K to Dream Foundation to Serve the Final Dreams of U.S. Military Veterans » Dream Foundation

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John Paul DeJoria Pledges $100K to Dream Foundation to Serve the Final Dreams of U.S. Military Veterans

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John Paul DeJoria and Dream Foundation’s Executive Director Kisa Heyer. (Photo: Getty Images)

Dream Foundation—the only national dream-granting organization for adults and their families suffering life-threatening illness—has received a $100,000 contribution to continue serving the final dreams of U.S. military veterans.

The gift comes from the co-founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems and The Patrón Spirits Company, John Paul DeJoria, who pledged the support November 8th at Dream Foundation’s 20th Annual Celebration of Dreams Gala, where he was being honored with the 2014 Humanitarian Award for his dedicated service to the organization over the past 10 years.

“Veterans of this nation put their lives on the line every day to help maintain our way of life,” DeJoria said. “On behalf of the families at John Paul Mitchell Systems and The Patrón Spirits Company, and as a veteran myself, it is with great pride that I make this donation to help the new division of Dream Foundation flourish on behalf of veterans nationwide.”

DeJoria’s gift comes as Dream Foundation prepares to launch a new sub-program called Dreams for Veterans, which effectively tailors the dream experience to veterans and their families and will launch officially in Spring 2015.

To date, dreams for U.S. military veterans dreams have been made possible and will continue to be delivered via support in part from Corporate Partner in Dreams CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. (parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s restaurants) and its annual Stars for Heroes fundraising campaign. CKE CEO Andy Puzder has been a long time supporter of Dream Foundation.

“It is a privilege to have served the final dreams of more than 20,000 adults including thousands of veterans and their families,” says Kisa Heyer, Executive Director of Dream Foundation. “Having learned the importance of acknowledging veterans and honoring their service over the years, we are inspired and committed to continue giving back to terminally ill veterans and their families through the fulfillment of a final dream.”

Dreams for Veterans will provide the invaluable opportunity to honor veterans’ service while engaging, honoring and appreciating their families and communities. Dream recipients are U.S. military veterans 18 years or older with a life expectancy of 12 months or less. Final dreams range from basic needs items such as a mobility scooter, lift chair, working appliance or laptop, to bedside reunions, final vacations with family, meeting a personal hero, or reconnecting with aspects of former military service.

In addition to his generosity toward Dream Foundation, DeJoria supports a multitude of organizations dedicated to helping others, including the solely-funded philanthropic venture, Grow Appalachia, which aims to empower the hunger-stricken people of Appalachia by providing skills and resources to grow, prepare and preserve organic, nutritious food.

DeJoria, who came from humble beginnings, regularly supports the Los Angeles community where he grew up. His ongoing support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, where he spent much of his time as a child, includes funding the renovation of his hometown, Echo Park, CA Variety Boys & Girls Club location. He also takes great pride in his support of the Los Angeles-based nonprofit, Chrysalis, dedicated to creating a pathway to self-sufficiency for homeless and low-income individuals by providing the resources and support needed to find and retain employment.

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