Dream Factory of Maine

NEWS

09/9/07
THE DREAM FACTORY OF MAINE HOSTS THE DREAM CLUB SPEAKEASY AT HARBOUR'S EDGE
On Thursday, October 18th, for the second year in a row, the Dream Factory of Maine will hold the Dream Club Speakeasy - a unique and exciting event to benefit Maine children suffering from chronic and critical illnesses. This 1920's speakeasy casino night features everything from gambling (with funny money, of course) to jazz music, and even cigar girls.

Last year, close to 300 people showed up in flapper outfits and zoot suits ready to play cards and help a great cause, ultimately helping the Dream Factory fulfill children's dreams. This year, the goal is to double the number of people who attend and raise even more.

Tickets are $25 per person. For further information and tickets, please visit the Events page at www.dreamfactoryofmaine.org or call 207.591.7012 / 800.639.149 or email info@dreamfactoryofmaine.org.

EVENTS

9/9/07
The Dream Factory of Maine is excited to hold its second Dream Club Speakeasy, a unique and exciting event to benefit Maine children suffering from chronic and critical illnesses. This 1920's speakeasy casino night features everything from gambling (with funny money, of course), to jazz music, and even cigar girls.

Where: Harbour's Edge, Custom House Wharf, Portland
When: Thursday, October 18
Time: 7pm to Midnight
Cost: $25 per person

DONATION

The Dream Factory of Maine, Portland Chapter is able to grant the dreams of critically or chronically ill children in Maine thanks to the generous support of donors.

We welcome all levels of donation - every little bit helps in our mission to granting dreams to children who need a little sunshine in their lives.

Who we are

We are an all-volunteer 501C organization that raises all of our own money, 95% of which stays in Maine and goes directly to fulfilling some very special dreams. Whatever the dream request, our goal remains the same - to bring a "moment of sunshine" into a child's life, a life that is too often filled with pain and suffering.

Each year there are many Maine children that are stricken with life-threatening or debilitating illnesses. When this occurs, the men and women of Maine's health care system spring into action, working toward the mutual goal of bringing these youngsters back to good health.

With today's medical technology and knowledge, that goal is usually met. However, for many of these children, the months, and sometimes years of treatment and rehabilitation twist childhood innocence into bleak reality. It was for these children that The Children's Dream Factory of Maine was established in 1987.

Through the efforts of our volunteers, our mission is to grant very special dreams of these children. The dream may be something as simple as a dollhouse or it may be as exciting as a trip to the Super Bowl or a trip to Disney World. Regardless of what the dream may be, our goal is to make something special happen for the children and their families.

Working closely with the families, the Dream Factory forges a strong relationship with the dream kids to insure that the dream's fulfillment creates the moment of a lifetime for each child.

Mission Statement

The Dream Factory of Maine grants dreams to children who are between the ages of 3 and 18 years who have been diagnosed with critical or chronic illnesses. Our goal is to create the moment of a lifetime for a critically ill child.

History

The Dream Factory was founded nationally in 1980 by Charles Henault, a South Central Bell employee of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, after he and his friends provided a trip to Disneyworld for a young girl dying of leukemia. It was to be the first of thousands of dreams to come true for chronically and seriously ill children in the United States.

There are now more than 30 chapters across the United States with over 5,000 volunteers who work to produce and deliver dreams, visit children and their families in the hospital and their homes, arrange special celebrations and conduct fundraising events for individual children. This volunteer support ensures that the maximum percentage of donations is used for the procurement and distribution of dreams.

Board

Executive Committee

Steve Strout
President
Gorham Saving Bank

Kimbely Simard
Secretary/Treasurer
L.L. Bean

Mark St. Germain
Dream Team
St. Germain & Associates

Skip Welch
Fundraising
Chapter Founder

Board of Directors

Mary Beltrante
Marketing & PR
Dolce Public Relations

Christine Chapin
fundraising
Hilton Graden Inn

Mary-Carol Haggerty
Dream Team
St. Germain & Associates

Kim Huard
Marketing & PR
Huard Marketing

Jennifer McBrierty
Marketing & PR
Cornerstone Marketing

Christine Scammell
Fundraising
L.L. Bean

Kelley Skillin-Smith
Fundraising
Century 21 - Gorham

Supporters

We are an all-volunteer 501C organization that raises all of our own money, 95% of which stays in Maine and goes directly to fulfilling these very special dreams. We count on the kindness of Maine companies and people to insure we can always grant that special dream, no matter what the request.

How You Can Help

Volunteer opportunities

The Dream Factory is always looking for volunteers and there are many opportunities across the various committees: Fundraising, Public Relations & Marketing and the Dream Team.

If you're interested, please call 207.591.7012 or 800.639.1492 or send an email to info@dreamfactoryofmaine.org

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Dream Factory of Maine raises the majority of its money through fundraising events. Each event presents an opportunity to donate items, time or money to help the organization. If you or your company would like to sponsor any aspect of our event, please call 207.591.7012 or 800.639.1492 or send an email to info@dreamfactoryofmaine.org

Referrals

If you know a child that is critically ill and that could use a moment of sunshine in his or her life, please call 207.591.7012 or 800.639.1492 or send an email to info@dreamfactoryofmaine.org

In-kind donations

The Dream Factory of Maine raises the majority of its money through fundraising events. Each event presents an opportunity to donate items, time or money to help the organization. If you or your company has a service that would help with the organization or administration of dreams, or in raising awareness of the Dream Factory, we'd love to hear from you. please call 207.591.7012 or 800.639.1492 or send an email to info@dreamfactoryofmaine.org

Monetary Support

The Dream Factory of Maine raises all its own money in Maine and 95% of money raised goes directly towards realizing the dreams of critically ill children in Maine. If you would like to make a cash donation, please call 207.591.7012 or 800.639.1492 or send an email to info@dreamfactoryofmaine.org

The Dream Home Program

With the help and generosity of one its members, Patrick Powers, of the Dream Factory recently introduced a new initiative called the Dream Home Program to support the organizations fundraising efforts. Through this program, participating agents agree to list their homes as "Dream Homes". When a home is sold, a portion of the sales commission is donated to the Dream Factory of Maine. If you're interested in learning more about or participating in the Dream Home Program, please contact Patrick Powers at Patrick@patrickpowers.biz

General Enquiries

For more information about the Dream Factory of
Maine-Portland Chapter, please contact us at:

P.O Box 227
Westbrook, ME 04098

Phone:207.591.7012 - 800.639.1492

Email: info@dreamfactoryofmaine.org