Our History
In 1980, The Dream Factory began with one all-volunteer chapter in
Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Since then, The Dream Factory has grown
into the second-largest children's wish-granting organization in
the United States, granting over 25,000 dreams since its inception
-- all while maintaining a grassroots approach. The Dream Factory
continues to operate over 35 of its local chapters with over 5000
very dedicated volunteers. These hard-working individuals raise
funds within their own communities and then use those funds to
grant the dreams of local children. Because we do not employ people
on a local level, 84% of all money raised by The Dream Factory
nationally is used directly to grant the dreams of critically and
chronically ill children.
Eighty-Eight (88%) percent of all the money raised in St Louis goes
directly to granting dreams in the St Louis metro
area.
The Dream Factory is the only children's wish-granting
organization that does not limit its mission to children who have
life-threatening illness. The organization believes children with
chronic illnesses and disorders also suffer from substantial
emotional and physical pain. We strive to provide hope and relief
from the trauma and corresponding stress and depression that both
the children and their families can endure on a day-to-day basis.
Doctors agree that providing a dream can improve the quality of
life for these children and extend the life of a critically ill
child.
Our Mission
"To grant dreams to critically and chronically ill children from
the ages of three through 18."
>> Create smiles on the faces of children who are either
seriously or chronically ill.
>> Promote a better family atmosphere during a time of great
suffering.
>> Locate children who are seriously or chronically ill and
insure that their dreams come true.
>> Raise the funds necessary to provide these dreams
whenever the need arises, and never be forced to refuse any child's
request due to the lack of funds.
>> Involve the whole country in the pleasure of granting
dreams to children in need of a little ray of sunshine in their
lives.
Our Core Values
The Dream Factory operates under five core values. These values
are:
|
Dedication - We will do everything in our power to create a
positive, memorable experience for our dream recipients and their
families. |
|
Responsibility - We are committed to being an ethical, fiscally and
socially responsible all-volunteer organization. |
|
Empathy - We place the medical and personal needs of our dream
children and their families above all else. |
|
Attention - We are attentive to the desires of our dream children,
their families, our volunteers, sponsors and donors. |
Mission-Driven - We will fulfill our mission of granting dreams for
critically and chronically ill children and are committed to
working as a team and with mutual respect.
|
|