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Since its inception, Dreams for Kids has impacted the lives of over 25,000 children and has begun a global expansion to work to end the isolation of all children who suffer from all forms of disability. Dreams for Kids has scholarship funds for children of single parents and the organization hosts the largest Christmas party of its kind for homeless and disadvantaged children. Each year, on the Saturday before Christmas, over 1,200 excited children and 150 dedicated volunteers come together from all over Illinois and several states to enjoy a day giving, complete with clowns, face painters, games, and over 3,000 gifts raised by the United States Marines.
For many years, Tom Tuohy personally paid most of the administrative costs of running Dreams for Kids so 100% of the donations would go right to their cause. Today, with a global expansion, the organization still boasts one the best ratios in the world, with over 94% of the funds collected used for programs benefiting the kids.
The mission of Dreams for Kids says it all: Our mission is to empower young people of all abilities through dynamic leadership programs and life-changing activities that inspire them to fearlessly pursue their dreams and compassionately change the world.
Education: Degree in Marketing from DePaul University ; Law Degree from DePaul Law School ; Legal Study, Emanuel College , Cambridge England .
Assets/ Resources: personal attributes?, Executive Board of Directors; Executive Director, Tom Richey; numerous volunteers. Kiss of a Dolphin, the story of Dreams for Kids in wide release, helping to inspire others to make a difference in their communities and world.
Second Home: With those who are homeless and those who suffer from the isolation of disability.
Biggest Influences: His Mother: Patricia Tuohy; Father Wally Brennan; and Jesse White, the attorney general for the state of Illinois .
Sources of funding: Individuals, corporate support, foundation grants, and a host of fundraising events raising awareness.
The Story: On the suggestion of his mother, Tom Tuohy gathered his friends and initiated Dreams for Kids in the fall of 1989. Soon after, Clara Kirk would bring the organization into the desperate world of the homeless. Dreams for Kids would adopt Clara’s House and help Clara to build transitional housing for over 10,000 woman and children; They will soon dedicate Clara’s Village, an entire neighborhood of permanent housing for those in need of hope and an opportunity for a secure future.
Along the way, Dreams for Kids initiated scholarship funds for children of single parents. The organization hosts the largest Christmas party of its kind for homeless and disadvantaged children. Each year, on the Saturday before Christmas, over 1,200 excited children and 150 dedicated volunteers come together from all over Illinois and several states to enjoy a day giving, complete with clowns, face painters, games, and over 3,000 gifts raised by the United States Marines.
In 1996, a fifteen year old quadriplegic, J.J. O’Connor, now the organization’s Vice President, introduced Dreams for Kids to the world of physical and mental disabilities. The organization initiated an expansive recreational and sports program giving thousands of children with physical and mental limitations the social and life changing opportunity to play dozens of sports, such as baseball, basketball, waterskiing, and kayaking.
Tom has seen what the impact of reaching out has had for those in need and also for those who have given of themselves. “The true path to personal fulfillment and happiness is to be of service to others.” As for accessibility for those with disabilities, Tom says simply, “If some of us are invited, all of us must be invited.”
Future Aspirations: Create partnership boards and Dreams for Kids chapters in all 50 states and expand across the world to bring an end to the isolation of those who suffer from disabilities.
In 2006 Dreams for Kids will bring its Christmas Party to over a dozen states on the same day and time. The hope is that this collective energy of giving will carry over to a year-long commitment to those in need.
Build multipurpose, multi-ability facilities, providing social and recreational opportunities for those with disabilities, alongside of those who are able bodied. The result will help bridge the gap and lessen the misunderstanding among people from all walks of life.
Spread disability awareness in schools and in countries around then world where those with disabilities are not an active and accepted part of society.
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