Once a Dreamer,
Always a Dreamer…
The brave children battling life-threatening illnesses can only receive one dream. The reality, however, is that when their dreams are fulfilled, their illnesses and struggles do not end.
For that reason, Dreams Come True creates hope and joy through the “Moment in Between” a child being referred to, their dream and following it. These special moments allow children and their families to forget life’s realities momentarily.
We strive to support our Dreamers at every step of their journey. From holidays to college and all the moments in between, we designed our programs to provide Dreamers and their families with much-needed relief as they battle their illnesses.
Keep reading to learn about our different programs and how you can get involved!
Holiday Sponsorships
Holidays can be a very stressful time for Dreamers and their families due to the financial strain of ongoing medical treatments.
Many of our families do not have the time or resources to purchase gifts or groceries in preparation for special occasions because their lives are focused on making their children healthy again, but you can help!
Please consider adopting a family for one or more of these upcoming holidays.
Kaye’s Kids
In December 2014, Mark Kaye, from the syndicated Mark Kaye Show, and his wife, Pam, partnered with Dreams Come True to create Kaye’s Kids.
Through this program, together with Mark and Pam, we deliver “dream gifts” to some of our precious Dreamers. More than 180 children in Northeast Florida have received a dream gift through Kaye’s Kids. Gifts can range from electronics to playsets, experiences, and even a snow cone machine or surfboard!
Kids Helping Kids
Our Kids Helping Kids program has made many dreams come true!
Through the Kids Helping Kids program, students and young individuals raise money to sponsor the dream of a child battling a life-threatening illness.
Fundraising projects can include Car Washes, Bake Sales, Dances, Talent Shows, Coin Drives, and more.
Dreams Come True of Jacksonville Moore Scholarship
Thanks to the support of the Honorable John H. Moore, II and Joan Kraft Moore Living Trust, Dreams Come True has been able to award over 30 scholarships to Dream children and their siblings.
Our scholarship is available to all eligible Dreamers and their siblings, and applicants are approved by the Dreams Come True Scholarship Board. Scholarship applications open in the fall and are due in April.
New Birthdays
For some children, a bone marrow transplant, also known as a new birthday, is a crucial part of their treatment. With the support of the Wolfson Children’s Medical team, we transform a child’s hospital room to celebrate their new birthday.
From Harry Potter themes to Baby Shark and Stranger Things, we find out precisely what our children love and bring that directly to them for a fun celebration of their strength and bravery.
Tax Slayer Gator Bowl Dream Team
We are honored to partner with the Tax Slayer Gator Bowl each year in forming the Dream Team. Dream children are selected as members of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Dream Team and serve as official ambassadors for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl.
Part of their experience includes participation in Gator Bowl events, a scouting trip to a University of Florida football game, attending the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl game, and visiting with the teams playing in the bowl game. Each team member also receives their official Dream Team playing card to pass to friends and family.
Parent’s Nights Out
Sometimes, our dream parents need a night out. Thanks to our fantastic community partners, we can schedule various night-out days for our Dream moms and dads. The evenings are more than a night out; they are filled with laughter, creativity, and fellowship.
Local Concerts and Attractions
Northeast Florida is a happening place. There are always great attractions, concerts, and special events taking place. For many dream families, the cost of attending these activities is not a priority; covering their child’s medical expenses and other needs comes first. But we know these special outings can provide a much-needed break for a family.
We work with community partners to obtain tickets and admission to many northeast Florida special events to ensure our families can experience the excitement of their hometown. One of our partners is Amazing Grace Family Farms, which provides dream families free admission to their fall crop maze.
Fishing Excursions
Located at the heart of the St. Johns River and Atlantic Ocean, northeast Florida is a top spot for fishing adventures. Each year, we team up with the Kingbuster Fishing Tournament, inviting our Dreamers and their siblings to join the Brian Dingman Memorial Junior Angler King Buster Fishing Tournament.
Led by Captain Don Dingman, Dennis Redmond, and other expert captains, our Dreamers embark on a memorable fishing trip along the St. Johns River. This tournament not only offers an exceptional fishing experience but also supports Dreams Come True in a meaningful way. Dingman and his team generously donate any remaining funds to help fulfill the dreams of children in need.
Trunk or Treat
One small act of kindness can make a difference! With our community partners, we create smiles and endless memories for over 250 kids and their families at our Annual Trunk-or-Treat.
More than 70 community partners join us at Miller Electric each year, decorating their cars in various themes and passing out candy to all our families as they pass by in their cars. It is a safe way for our dream families to receive ghoulish treats and toys.
Meals and Dinner Baskets
Every holiday season, we work with our Women’s Board, Horizon Board, and community partners to assemble dinner baskets filled with all the necessary food to make it an unforgettable holiday for our families around their dinner tables.
Our fantastic community partner, Cinotti’s Bakery, also provides hot-prepared meals.
