Dream Foundation’s Tom Rollerson and Michelle Hunter attended the 2012 Get Hitched Give Hope gala with dream recipient Sarah Parrish’s mother Shari and sister Rachel. Photo by La Vie Photography.

His face is kind. His mission is kinder.

His speech brought tears to every eye under our big top. His personal struggle was the inspiration that has brought many joy. Meet Tom Rollerson, the founder of Dream Foundation.

Tom founded Dream Foundation in 1994 after a very personal experience that he shared with us all the night of Get Hitched Give Hope. He realized that there was no organization that granted final wishes to adults, and here began his journey to make it happen. Over a decade later, they have delivered thousands of dreams, ranging from one final family vacation to talking shoes with Lady Gaga.

We were honored to have the support of Tom and one of his colleagues, Michelle Hunter, at our event. It was because of them that we had the opportunity to meet Sarah and her family; Sarah spoke at last year’s Get Hitched Give Hope after receiving her dream of seeing a Broadway show. We were elated to hear that Sarah’s mom and sister would be joining us at GHGH this year. The love in the room was unparalleled as each of them took the stage to tell their stories. And then a week after the big event, this arrived: a letter from Tom. What a whirlwind of a year it’s been, and how our hearts are warmed by the dedication and love this organization has shared.

To all the guests, volunteers, and the Get Hitched, Give Hope team… Thank You!

Just thinking about how to express my appreciation I am speechless. For all you’ve done to help ensure no dying adult is ever denied a heart’s final wish… my gratitude is boundless.

Michelle and I were honored to attend the event and witness the manifestation of so many kindred and good-hearted people coming together to celebrate love and give to the greater good. From the volunteers, vendors, entertainment and food to the spectacular circus theme, the event was very impressive… but mostly for its heart.

The opportunity to be present with you was a “full circle moment” for the mother and sister of our beloved dream recipient, Sarah, who’d stood on the very same stage last year with Sarah at their side. Shari and Rachel felt your love. And they knew Sarah had made a difference in your heart.

I’ll never forget Shari’s comment that when she thinks of her daughter, it’s not cancer that comes to mind, but the memory of her having been there with you and sharing her dream.

I’ll also always remember sharing a special corner of my heart and the unexpected and overwhelming support and love I felt in return.

It was just last year that you all came to know Dream Foundation. I am humbled at the support you’ve so generously shown our dreamers in such a short period of time.

I hope to see you again, and that together we can continue honoring the final wishes of others. Please come visit us in Santa Barbara!

On behalf of Michelle, the Dream Foundation staff and the dream families we serve, I thank you.

From the heart,

Thomas Rollerson, Founder/President of Dream Foundation

 

If you’d like to be directly involved with their dream granting program, donate airline miles, choose something off their wishlist (gift cards, hotel stays, etc),  or help make a featured dream come true, visit their website at www.dreamfoundation.org.