As you all know the Dream Factory is the largest
all-volunteer driven wish-granting organization
in the United States.
And we have AMAZING volunteers.
Yea.. You should be jealous!
We have been lax about highlighting our amazing
volunteers.. but that is going to change!
Each month we are going to highlight one of
our INCREDIBLE people. So look forward to a
story of inspiration and selflessness.
Our volunteer highlight for March...
~ Tara Schneider ~
Tara is the area coordinator for our Brooklyn
Chapter and she has done amazing things!
Since stepping into the role of area coordinator
two years ago, Tara has re-energized the Brooklyn
Chapter beyond anything it had ever been in the
past.
Every aspect of the Brooklyn Chapter has increased.
She has increased the number of dreams they grant,
increased fundraising events and profits, increased
community outreach, and increased overall awareness!
Can you say WOW!
She says, "I have a large vision and not much fear
when it comes to getting things up and running."
We can certainly see that! Tara has pushed The
Dream Factory Brooklyn Chapter into the light -
there is no stopping her now!
The organization has noticed all of Tara's hard
work and she has earned the respect and admiration
of her fellow volunteers. This was shown as they
elected her to the Executive Committee of the Dream
Factory at the beginning of this year!
Tara, Thank You for bringing your love, passion,
and dedication to the Dream Factory. Your hard
work and determination do not go unnoticed and
are more than just appreciated!
"The Dream Factory cannot remain a secret in NYC
anymore" - Tara
More about Tara:
-She loves to swim, ski, be outside, travel, and
go out to dinner
-She volunteers at St. Jude's Children's Hospital
as well
-She was born and raised in Brooklyn
-She graduated with her MBA in International
Finance from Richmond College in London
-Her love, dedication, and selflessness gives us
hope
Want to know more about the Dream Factory?
Check out our Website
Help Make A Child’s Dream Come True!
Children who dream of attending a game get so much
more than that on their dream trip! They attend the
game, sit in the dugout, meet the players, watch
batting practice, play a little catch with the
players, and are featured on the Crown Screen!
The Dream Child, and their family, from beginning
to end are treated like Royalty.
The Royals players are outstanding with the
children and many of them take a few minutes to
talk to the child and get to know them. There
have been many times when the player will go
back into the clubhouse and return with a bat
or baseball gloves for the child to keep as a
souvenir. The smiles on their faces are priceless.
The players treat the children like Royalty.
The 2015 World Series Champions are known for
“Taking the Crown” and they deserve it not just
for their skill and perseverance on the field
but for the way they treat their fans and how they
interact and embrace their community and making
sure that dreams come true for all.
In addition to the impact the Royals program has on
the kids, families, volunteers, Royals players and
staff it has been a priceless way to bring
awareness to the Dream Factory.
The Dream Factory of Kansas City, and The Dream
Factory overall, is grateful to be a partner
of such an outstanding organization and look
forward to many more years of making our kids
part of the royalty in KC.
(Special Thanks to Myra from The KC Chapter for
the information and images! Great job Myra!)
Want to learn more about our partnership with The
Kansas City Royals? Keep an eye out for our 2015
Annual Report, available on our website soon!
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter,
and Instagram for the latest Dream pictures and
news!
Hudson has a rare disease called B3GAT3,
actually he is the only person in the world
who has been diagnosed with this specific
disease, which affects his whole body, robbing
him of joint stability and muscle tone.
The only time he can be free from his wheelchair
and back brace is when he is submerged in water
and he dreamed of having his own swimming pool.
"Just knowing how much he loves to be in the pool,
and the freedom it allows him when being restricted
most of the day.When he's in the pool you can tell
there's enjoyment," Scottie Hayes, Hudson’s Father,
said.
Hudson had no idea, but his dream was about to
come true. The Dream Factory is comprised of 34
chapters and the chapter located in Dyersburg
tackled this challenge head-on. With the help of
over 20 local companies who donated their time and
products, Hudson came home from a trip to Six Flags
St. Louis (which he thought was his dream being
granted) to a brand new in-ground pool in his
backyard!
Over 100 family members, friends, and strangers
waited to great him and celebrate this brave little
boy’s dream coming true.
The community came together to make a difference,
one that not only brought immense joy to a six
year old, but that will also improve his life –
having a pool allows Hudson the ability to walk on
his own (he is only able to when completely
submerged), and gives him the ability to work his
body pain free.
(News Articles about Hudson’s Dream)
Join us and 
Their childhood is overrun by pain, fear, doctors
appointments, trips to the hospital, injections,
medication, stress, and so much more.
The most influential people in life are usually the
ones who face the most challenges, like our Dream
Kids! We are always so inspired and motivated by
their positive attitudes and joy for life!
You can Make A Difference just by making a small
donation!
For more information visit our 
Like, literally staring us in the face. Reminding
those who have yet to plan something special,
that they are almost out of time and they better
hurry up - or be in trouble. Reminding those that
are single, that chocolate goes on sale the day
after (Yipee!).
Valentine's Day is a reminder to show the people
we love that they are incredibly important to us.
To show them that they are beautiful, handsome,
caring, supportive, amazing people. Valentine's
Day is more than just flowers and chocolate.
More than a fancy dinner or a night out on the town.
It is a day to say thank you. It is a day to remind
your Valentine how much they mean to you.
So we, at The National Headquarters of the
Dream Factory, have only one question...
To ALL of our amazing volunteers...
Will you be our Valentine?
Yes we can just hear you now.. Wow that was really
corny? Are they serious? They can't be serious..
But we are!
The Dream Factory, Inc. is the largest volunteer-
driven children’s wish-granting organization in the
United States. We proudly operate using a grass-
roots approach, with more than 30 chapters run
by hundreds of EXTREMELY dedicated volunteers who
have granted thousands of dreams since 1980.
These volunteers are the foundation of everything
we stand for! They are the hope bringers and the
smile makers. They are the most valuable asset that
our organization has.
Granting a child’s dream provides them, and their
families, with a little bit of happiness, hope, and
relief from the daily stress they face. Dreams
create memories that provide these children and
their families with the fuel to fight through
emotional and financial difficulties.
Without our volunteers, we wouldn't be granting
dreams.
So this Valentine's day don't just show your
significant other how much you care about them.
Make a difference in the lives of people around you.
Did you know that there are candles that not only
smell spectacular but also have a surprise in them!
And this:
And ALL of these:
On Thursday, January 28th, The Dream Factory will
be attending a 
I know, we are very excited too!
This company started a community of positive
energy through one simple task - the art of
stacking rocks. Their rock stacks are a symbol
of people's hopes, dreams, and good wishes. With
each adjustment to your rocks you are faced with
a simple, slowed, moment of time to reflect on
what is truly important to you. We encourage each
and every one of you, yes YOU, to step out of
your comfort zone and give it a try, you won't
be disappointed in the peacefulness of the moment.
Wish Upon A Rock sells beautiful genuine stone
bracelets. These bracelets provide you the
opportunity to carry your hopes, inspirations,
and dreams with you around your wrist (Don't worry
guys they have bracelets for you too). Make a wish
on the stones and always stay focused on what truly
matters to you! Not only are these pieces beautiful,
they also hold true meaning.
"What do my taxes have to do with a child's dream?"
"Why am I even reading this?"
I'll tell you why. It is time to pull out the
receipts, thank you notes, and correspondences
that prove that you made a donation to a non-
profit organization in 2015, because they are tax
deductible.
What is a tax deduction? Well in essence it is a
reduction in your tax liability. The boring,
technical definition is "a deduction from gross
income that arises due to various types of expenses
incurred by a taxpayer. Tax deductions are removed
from taxable income (adjusted gross income) and
(*here is the important part*) thus lower the
overall tax expense liability"
The short and sweet explanation: you can owe less,
end up owing nothing, or *gasp*...
...get more "dough" back!
Because The Dream Factory is classified as a 501(c)3
not-for-profit organization by the IRS and since you
received no goods or services for your contribution,
donations made are 100% deductible. We suggest that
you consult your tax advisor for specific
instructions regarding the deduction of this
contribution, that way you will get the most out of
your investment!
So, not only are you helping GRANT A DREAM and
provide hope, happiness, and relief to a critically
or chronically ill child and their family when you
donate to The Dream Factory, but you are also
getting a tax deduction! Can you believe it?!
I don't think it gets any better than that.
Don't freak out if you didn't make any charitable
donations in 2015, because we have you covered for
2016 taxes! Get started now by visiting
Have a question about The Dream Factory or this post?
Leave a comment below and we will get you an answer!
granting dreams 