Even though the worst of the pandemic was behind us, it still left its mark. Each year, a number of Dream referrals come from social workers, and many were still unable to meet with their patients face-to-face throughout the start of the year. This meant that the number of Dream applications for this year remained lower than in previous years.
But each Dream fulfilled meant everything to everyone involved. From emotional family reunions to backyard parties celebrating lives and loved ones, final vacations to destinations rich with meaning and memories, and virtual jamming sessions with music legends.
Veterans were once more able to pay their respects at Washington military memorials, and one young U.S. Army service member fulfilled his Dream of attending the Super Bowl.
Commitment from our incredible community remained as strong as ever. Corporate partner Genentech continued its support. At the start of the year, Gilead Sciences, Inc., awarded a grant to help fulfill more than 85 Dreams, and Turo followed soon after by announcing that the car-sharing company would help us fulfill twice the number of car trips for Dreams as it had in the previous year.
Our in-kind supporters continued to play an essential role in making Dreams come true. Dream Vacation Rental Network hosts helped with accommodations, and many restaurants and companies offering day trips and excursions added magic to Dreams.
Many of you were able to attend our second annual Twilight in the Garden event in the fall, with sponsorship and bids on donated auction items raising essential funds for the Dream program.
We also welcomed Elizabeth Farnan Rodrigues, Marissa Freeman, Landon Pollack, Eva Rhodes, and Sheryl Zimmerman to our National Board of Directors.
Thank you to everyone who made this a year that will be remembered by so many who were touched by the magic of a Dream!
With appreciation,
Mario Muredda
Chair, Dream Foundation Board of Directors
Kisa Heyer
CEO, Dream Foundation
