LOS ANGELES, Nov 9, 2010 / — Dream Foundation, the first and largest national wish-granting organization for adults in the end stages of life, held its 9th Annual Celebration of Dreams on November 6, 2010 at the Bacara Resort and Spa.
The event featured a runway show by famed luxury fashion brand, Salvatore Ferragamo and a Founder’s Award Presentation to actor Rob Lowe and his wife, Sheryl Lowe.
This year’s event was especially significant as Dream Foundation marked a major milestone with the fulfillment of its 10,000th dream in 2010. An event unlike any other, Celebration of Dreams combined high fashion (on and off the runway), world-class entertainment, and creative cuisine – all benefiting Dream Foundation.
The evening’s festivities took guests on a journey of 10,000 dreams, including special messages and testimonies from Dream families.
Straight from the Milan Fashion Week, Salvatore Ferragamo presented their Spring 2011 Collection. Celebrity entertainers wowed the audience, including Orianthi (performing “According To You,” among other songs), American Idol’s David Archuleta (performing “Imagine” and others), American Idol alum Kimberly Locke (performing “8 World Wonder”) and Dan Aykroyd gave the audience a special surprise by closing the show with Jimmy Messina and a revival performance of Blues Brothers hit songs, including “You’re Mamma Don’t Dance.”
Famed dancers of “So You Think You Can Dance,” Caitlin Kinney and Miriam & Leonardo – along with the youth dance group, Rage – rounded out the live performances.
Actor Bill Paxton presented the Founder’s Award to Rob and Sheryl Lowe, who have been active with Dream Foundation since its inception. They accredited dreamer, Ayrton Carter – who in 2000 had a dream to visit the set of West Wing – for showing them the impact of a dream come true.
Infectious disease physician, Dr. Stephen Hosea, was presented the Unsung Heroes Award, for his dedicated and compassionate care of those facing life-threatening illness.
When welcoming the audience, Dream Foundation founder Thomas Rollerson defined his organization for the audience: “Who are we?” he asked. “We are the social workers, the caregivers, and the hospice nurses who go above and beyond their roles to get a wish in motion. We are the children who are facing an impending loss of a parent, and the dreamers who want to find closure with the loved-ones they leave behind. We are the widow who sends $10 every year on her husband’s would-be birthday. We are the volunteers. We are you, our dedicated supporters. This is your Dream Foundation.”
Silent and live auction items included high-ticket items such as a luxury getaway to the Four Seasons Resort in Koh Samui, Thailand, The Hotel Le Toiney in St. Barts, a Crystal Cruise to Alaska, a private celebrity poker tournament with Ray Romano and Brad Garrett, and an autographed guitar by Tim McGraw.
Celebration of Dreams Sponsors include: Salvatore Ferragamo, Maryann and Chris Edgecomb, Suzanne and David Johnson, Tracy and Michael Bollag, Hollye and Jeff Jacobs, Debbie and Dan Kass, Arlene Montesano and Ursula Nesbitt, Holly and Bob Murphy, Betsey and John Moller, The Norris-Rocaberte Family Foundation, Bui and Herb Simon, Roxanna and Randall Solakian, Colleen and Michael Taylor.
