Programs and Special Times
Making Dreams Come True
for children with life-threatening illnesses
Programs
Help Make a Dream Come True
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 simply 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 child healthy again, but you can help. Please consider adopting a family for one or more of these upcoming holidays.
For donation deadlines or more information on any of our holiday programs, please contact us at 904-296-3030 or email Andrea Siracusa.
Special Times
Once a Dreamer, Always a Dreamer…
The brave children battling life-threatening illnesses can only receive one dream. The reality, however, is when their dreams are fulfilled, their illnesses and struggles do not end. For that reason, Dreams Come True developed Special Times, providing children and their families a time to momentarily forget the realities of life. It also reminds the children and their families that they are special and loved. Special Times is a constant reminder both before and after a dream is fulfilled.
We gladly accept monetary donations to help cover the expenses of a Special Times experience, as well. For more information, please contact us at 904-296-3030 or email Andrea Siracusa.
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 the Special Times initiative, Kaye’s Kids. Through this program, together with Mark and Pam we deliver “dream gifts” to some of our precious Dreamers. Through these special gifts we bring hope, joy and entertainment to local children battling to overcome difficult medical journeys. To date, 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 surf board.
In addition to providing special gifts for “Christmas in July” and for the “12 Days of Christmas,” Kaye’s Kids also provides support for families in various ways; from transplant party decorations and treats, to food and gas gift cards, holiday toys, meals and dream sponsorships.
Proceeds for Kaye’s Kids are raised through general donations and the annual Ho Ho Hold ‘Em Charity Poker Tournament in December at bestbet Monument. Save the date for the 2023 tournament, Thursday, November 30, 2023. More details to be posted soon!
Kaye’s Kids would not be possible without the support of our local community. Help us continue delivering special gifts to local children and families. Please donate today!
*When making your donation, please be sure to put “Kayes Kids” in the comments. Thank you!
Kids Helping Kids
Dreams Come True Kids Helping Kids program has made many dreams come true! This signature program pairs students and young people with dream recipients. Kids Helping Kids includes schools, clubs and youth groups, as well as civic, religious and service organizations.
Through the Kids Helping Kids program, students and young people raise money to sponsor the dream of a child who is battling a life-threatening illness. Fundraising projects may include:
- Car Washes
- Bake Sales
- Dances
- Talent Shows
- Coin Drives
You are only limited by your imagination and the restrictions of your school or organization. We are proud that 100% of the funds raised by Kids Helping Kids goes directly to dream fulfillment.
The Kids Helping Kids participants also host a Dream Party. This is an incredible opportunity for the students to meet and spend time with their sponsored Dreamer. Students experience the magnificent satisfaction that comes from doing for others and the Dreams has an opportunity to meet some very caring “strangers” who made his/her dream come true. Following the party, the Kids Helping Kids group and Dreamer are no longer strangers; they have formed friendships unlike any other!
For more information on joining the Kids Helping Kids initiative, please contact us at 904-296-3030 or email Kate Wirz.
Dreams Come True of Jacksonville Moore Scholarship
Timeline Details:
- September 1, 2023 – Applications Open
- April 5, 2024 – Application Deadline
- May 2024 – Scholarships Awarded
Applications will be judged by the Dreams Come True Scholarship Board, which consists of selected members from the Dreams Come True Board of Directors and Dreams Come True volunteers. At least one educator (retired or active) will sit on the committee.
Scholarship Award Amount
- $2,000 as a one-time award (DREAMER)
- $1,000 as a one-time award (SIBLING)
Dreamer Application:
- All applicants must meet the basic requirements established below:
- 2.75 High School GPA or 2.5 College GPA
- Must be a child who has officially been referred and is/has participated in the Dreams Come True program
- Eligible students include high school seniors or those attending community college, a four-year university, graduate school or a technical institution/trade school and are under the age of 24.
Dream Sibling Application:
- All applicants must meet the basic requirements established below:
- 2.75 High School GPA or 2.5 College GPA
- Must be a sibling to a child who has officially been referred and is/has participated in the Dreams Come True program
- Eligible students include high school seniors or those attending community college, a four-year university, graduate school or a technical institution/trade school and are under the age of 24.
Opportunities to Share
We would love to share the magic of a “dream come true!” A Dreams Come True staff member would welcome the opportunity raise awareness and share information about:
- Volunteer Opportunities
- The History of Dreams Come True
- Sponsorship of Dreams
- Dream Stories
- Dreams Come True Programs
Speakers Bureau members are available for breakfast, lunch or evening meetings, as well as weekend engagements. Please call Dreams Come True at 904-296-3030 to schedule a speaker for your business or organization. We respectfully request a two-week minimum notice for any scheduled engagement.