10 Dreams Granted! (PDF)

What are your summer dreams? Newsletter Summer Edition 10 Dreams Granted!     While embracing the summer activities treasured during this time of year, in what ways are you also positively impacting the community or someone in need? As you begin to think about your response, I want to report the many ways Dream Factory of Greater Kansas City is being impacted! We are delighted to share that Dream Factory of Greater Kansas City successfully turned 10 dreams into reality throughout the month of June! The resources that made this possible were generated by a diverse team of volunteers, partners and a generous community who invested talent, time, funding, connections and creativity. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all who graciously contributed to making these dreams come true! Ella and Tommy, 8 and 10 year old siblings, set up a lemonade stand and selected Dream Factory of Greater Kansas City as 1 of 2 beneficiaries to receive the revenue generated. Two motorcycle clubs, Soldiers for Jesus and City Kings, learned of a dream child’s story and pulled together funding and memorable gifts while donating their time and resources to ensure he was granted an unforgettable dream experience. A business club, Professional Partner Alliance, and Bull Creek Distillery, co-  hosted Dreamin’ at the Creek, a fundraiser benefiting Dream Factory of Greater Kansas City. Through their social media promotions of the event, a Spider-Man from Denton, TX learned of our child’s dream to meet Spider-Man and he drove from Texas to make certain his dream would come true! BMA Foundation hosted Dance & Dine with the Stars and selected Dream Factory of Greater Kansas City as 1 of 11 beneficiaries. Beth Ott generously represented our organization by dancing during the event and worked diligently throughout the year to raise nearly $30,000 to benefit Dream Factory of Greater Kansas City. A team of musicians, videographers, producers and photographers donated their time and talents to create an amazing evening of entertainment to celebrate the Fifth Annual Rockin’ for Dreams in an effort to make dreams come true for Dream Factory of Greater Kansas City. As you enjoy summertime activities, I encourage you to identify opportunities to lend a helping hand and in doing so, you will be blessed as well. Sincerely, Lisa McIntire President, Dream Factory of Greater Kansas City Featured Dream Story Dominic Jaramillo  Dominic Jaramillo’s dream almost never happened. Dominic has cerebral palsy and dreamed of performing on stage with a live band at a live concert. With Dominic's 18th Birthday fast approaching, our Dream Manager, Bob Pennington, acted quickly by approaching his connections in the music industry. It was quickly adopted by the local band, Fast Times, who responded without hesitation by saying, “We will make this happen!”. This band has become a great supporter of the Dream Factory of Greater Kanas City. Fast Times is one of the top 80’s Cover Bands in Kansas City and is led by Gin Dorsey. The song that Dominic wanted to perform was "Don’t Stop Believin'" by Journey which Dominic knew word for word. The Levee, a local well-known venue, agreed to host the event and allow Dominic and his classmates entry into the venue which was packed the evening of the event! The time had come. Dominic was brought to the stage and introduced. The crowd ROARED with over 200 attendees chanting "Dominic, Dominic, Dominic!". The music started and Dominic's Mom’s tears began to flow. The crowd was filled with smiles, tears and laughter as they began to sing along with Dominic while cheering him on! Dominic ruled that moment in time which will never be forgotten. The support for Dominic continues as his high school Gardner Edgerton, put a full page spread of his performance in the yearbook. This incredible story was a life-changing event and will be told for many years to come.  Board Member Spotlight Our Board Member of the month is Bob Pennington Bob generously invests many hours per week volunteering for the Dream Factory of Greater Kansas City. As a Dream Manager, he strives to deliver the experience of a lifetime for the dream child. As Vice-President, he consistently offers support to the members of our board and continuously seeks resources that will provide value for the organization. Bob is a great asset to our local and National Chapters and we are blessed to have him on our team! Q: How long have you volunteered with the Dream Factory? I started as a Dream Manager in April 2017, became the Director of Screening in 2018 and promoted to Vice President Dream Factory of Greater Kansas City in November 2019. I also serve on the National Dream Factory Board as a Chapter Representative. Q: Why did you join as a volunteer? The very first Rockin' For Dreams event was being held in May of 2017. Brenda Simons organized the first one; we were friends and she asked me to come take pictures. She told me I needed to attend a meeting first, I did and listened to folks speak and thought it might fit into my retirement plan since my wife was telling me I must find something to do. About 15 minutes before Rockin' For  Dreams was supposed to start, Brenda told me she had lost her voice and asked me to MC the event, I guess that hooked me into the role. Once folks started finding out about my background, I quickly moved into other positions. However, I still consider being a Dream Manager the best role! Q: What does the Dream Factory mean to you? I've always liked helping people. The Dream Factory gives me the chance to do just that! My favorite saying is "You are only one person away from finding whatever you want in life...You just have to find that person!" It allows you to put a smile on a child, parent, grandparent's face that if for only a second may help a family through a very difficult time. Q. What is the highlight of your time as a volunteer? Over the past 5 years there have been many. Rockin' For Dreams, Hudson Sands Parade, & many more. However, the dream that means the most to me is Dominic Jaramillo's dream. Putting that young man on stage with Fast Times was amazing. Add to it that we could recreate the moment over a year later was unbelievable! Q. What is your occupation? Some folks would tell you I'm retired. I spent 21 Years in the United States Air Force (Retired) and worked in Human Resources for 17 years with McDonald's Corporation. I had my own Mobile DJ Business for 16 years. Now I do Photography for a little extra money on the side. I love shooting concerts the most; the most well known band I've been backstage with and took pictures...KISS! Q. What are your interests? Photography, music, Football (both College & Pro), finally spending time with my two beautiful granddaughters. Q. Fun facts about you? I was in Air Force Recruiting for 12 years. In 1997 I was selected as the Air Force's Top Supervisor. During that same year I was STEP promoted (1% of the Air Force) to E-7. My wife and I met in the Air Force and got engaged after 6 days together. That was 42 years ago! I guess when you know, you know. Upcoming Dream Factory Events  7/24/21: Dreamville USA event @ Downtown Lexington, MO 9/16/21: 5th Annual Driving for Dreams Golf Tournament @ Shoal Creek Golf Course 10/8/21: Rockin' for Kids event @ Knuckleheads Dreamville USA  Driving for Dreams  We are seeking sponsors and golfers for our event! To sign up for the Driving for Dreams Golf Tournament visit: www.kcdream.org/driving-for-dreams-1 Scholarship Winners The Larry Moore Scholarship winners have been awarded. Congratulations to these amazing Dream children that will receive a college/ trade school scholarship for $3,000!  The Scholarship winners include Cayden Carter, Grace Burton, Isabel Williams, Jade Ratterman and Kevin Rauch. Supporting Dream Factory Through Monthly Giving Our Mission at the Dream Factory is to make dreams come true for children with life-altering illnesses. Monthly gifts to support this mission may be made to Dream Factory through the following methods: 1. One time donations 2. Recurring Giving; which is an easy way to participate in funding the dreams of children battling chronic and critical illnesses to bring them hope and courage as they fight to combat their disease. Copyright © 2021 Dream Factory of Greater Kansas City, All rights reserved. Find Out More & Get Involved Donate Now  Our mailing address is: P.O. Box 26185 Overland Park, KS 66225 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.