In 1981, business leaders from the Sunshine City Jaycees banded together to help an 8-year-old with the aging disease progeria make his dream come true: He wanted to meet Pinocchio. Soon afterward, they decided to continue granting wishes, and eventually the Children’s Dream Fund was born.
Headquartered in downtown St. Petersburg, the organization works throughout West Central Florida to organize and make dreams come true for those ages 3-21 at critical times in their lives, aiming to lift the spirits of each child and their families. No wish is too big or too small, nor must children be deemed terminally ill to qualify.
Serving Kids Close By
Since its inception, the Children’s Dream Fund has grown to serve thousands of sick children who live or are being treated in and around the West Coast of Florida. It is able to meet the needs of any children referred by area hospitals.
Children’s Dream Fund works with children being treated at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Sabal Palms Health Care Center, Moffitt Cancer Center and Tampa General Hospital, to name a few. Kids are also referred to the program by doctors, nurses, family members, social workers and friends.
Whether it’s a trip to the popular Give the Kids the World Village in Orlando or a flight to see the Northern Lights, no dream is too big, or too small.
“Kids just think of the wildest things in the world,” marketing and communications director Stephanie Mitchell said.
CDF children are honored at Celebration of Life parties before they set off on their adventures, receive their special gifts or meet their heroes. All appropriate dream-related expenses are covered by donations from individual and corporate donors, memorial gifts, estate gifts, grants, the charity’s Share the Dream and Kids Who Care Programs, and special events such as the annual Rays On the Runway event in July.
Making the Dream Work
Part of the goal, Mitchell said, is to give respite and the anticipation of something fun to youngsters who are worn out by frequent hospital visits, medication and worry. “It’s a break for the whole family,” she said.
“So many times, I’ve seen how a dream has lifted the spirits of a sick child,” she said. “Just the opportunity to start thinking of a dream brightened them up so much.”
The Dream Fund staff and about 200 volunteers continuously work together throughout the year. From connecting with dream children, creating Celebration of Life baskets, organizing parties to planning every detail of a dream, there is always something to do to give children what many call their “best day ever!”
“We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers,” Mitchell says. She herself started with CDF as a volunteer. The organization is always looking to connect with locals willing to donate time, whether in the office or at events.
Connect with Children’s Dream Fund
The Children’s Dream Fund is not affiliated with a national organization, nor does it telemarket to raise money. Since the beginning, it has made dreams come true for 3,000 children.
To help make a dream come true, or to volunteer go to childrensdreamfund.org, or call (727) 896-6390. Checks payable to “Children’s Dream Fund” may be mailed to 200 Central Ave., Suite 410, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
