About
Founded in 1984 by local businessman Kostas Kalogeropoulos, Dream Come True is a unique organization that provides hope, joy, and a chance to dream for children who are seriously, chronically, or terminally ill in the Greater Lehigh Valley PA area. We serve children between the ages of 4 and 17 and are dedicated to helping them forget their daily struggles with illness.
With over 35 years of experience, Dream Come True has fulfilled the dreams of over 1,250 children and their families. Our mission is to promote and enrich the lives of children facing serious health challenges, offering them the opportunity to hope, dream, and live their fantasies.
At Dream Come True, we offer more than just dream fulfillment – we also provide college scholarships and funeral expenses for our dream recipients. Each year, we aim to fulfill 30 dreams and bring smiles to the faces of the children we serve. Join us on our mission to make a positive impact in the lives of ill children.
FAQs
Can anyone refer a child?
Yes, even the child themselves. Anyone can refer a child by either visiting this link, writing to us or calling.
Are there age requirements on a dream?
Yes, we grant dreams for children who are between the ages of 4 and 17.
Do you have any employees?
Yes, one part time paid staff member, our Executive Director. Everyone else is volunteer.
Who fulfills the dreams?
We have a 25 member volunteer board of directors and a crew of volunteers who dedicate themselves to granting dreams.
Who can receive a dream?
Any child living in the Lehigh Valley area between the ages of 4 – 17 who have a life threatening illness or an illness that has significantly altered their lifestyle. We serve children from all income levels.
Are there any restrictions on a dream?
Dream Come True has specific policies and guidelines for granting dreams. Our volunteers work closely with the children’s medical team to determine if a dream is feasible. Dream must also fall within our financial limits. Dream Come True does not fulfill dreams for firearms, ATV’s, cars, vans, cash, mortgages or rent. We also will not fulfill dreams for construction or remodeling and in ground swimming pools.
Does Dream Come True Telemarket?
No, Dream Come True never telemarkets. A direct mailing is sent only once a year.
What are the most requested dreams?
Disney World is the most popular dream. Dreams such as meeting entertainers, sports figures, trips, cruises, redecorated bedrooms and computer systems are also popular.
Where is your office located?
We believe in low overhead so most of our volunteers work from their home. We do not staff our office but have an answering machine. We believe in an intimate setting when dealing with our families so we visit them in their homes.
Sources of funding?
Dream Come True relies on individual donations, business sponsorships, corporate giving, grants, planned giving, memorial tributes and various fund raising events. Dream Come True also relies on in kind contributions to help us lower the costs of dreams. We do not solicit via the telephone or door to door.
Are contributions tax deductible?
Dream Come True is a 501(3)(c) charitable organization and your contribution may be tax deductible as provided by IRS regulations.
Our Board
2022 OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS
Rayann Vasko – Executive Director
Linda Beidler – President
Daryl Hendricks – First Vice President
Greg Ligenza – Second Vice President
Sam Darrohn – Treasurer
Mary Persichetti – Corresponding Secretary
Ronnie Stroh – Recording Secretary
Scott Greisemer – Past President
Kostas Kalogeropoulos – Founder
Dr. Tony Ardire
Vicki Bennett
Matthew Blum
Dr. Tony Dimick
Diana Gaul
Doe Levan
Mike Seibert
Demographics
Number of Dreams: 1,261 AS OF DECEMBER 2021 – 6 DREAMS FULFILLED IN 2021
Geographical Location:
Allentown – 268
Lehigh County – 228
Bethlehem – 170
Easton – 1111
Other Northampton County – 185
Stroudsburg/E Stroudsburg – 32
Berks County – 29
Bucks County – 46
Montgomery County – 30
Warren County NJ – 41
Other Monroe County – 15
Carbon County – 57
SchuylKill County – 21
Luzerene County – 16
Pike County – 1
Number of Children who passed away in 2019: 10
Illnesses:
Cancer – Non Leukemia – 296
Kidney Disease – 41
Leukemia – 164
AIDS/HIV – 16
Cystic Fibrosis – 67
Other Life Altering – 368
Muscular Dystrophies – 62
Cerebral Palsy – 103
Heart Ailments – 55
Diabetes – 19
Spina Bifida – 59
The Dreams we have offered:
Disneyworld
Disneyland
Bahamas – Paradise Island
Pat Robertson
Bush Gardens/Virginia Beach
Helen Hayes
Large Screen TV
Strasburg Railroad
Space Camp
Touch Talker Communication Aid
Kennedy Space Center
Horse and Tack
Pony
Set Guns and Roses Rock Band
Meet Harrison Ford
Horse Therapy Lessons
Jack Nicklaus
NY Yankees
US National Park Tour
Legoland in CA
Starmus Conference/Steven Hawking
Video Gaming System
Sailfishing Fishing Trip – Florida Keys
Met Stef Curry – Golden State Warriors
Great Wof Lodge
Marco Island Florida
Las Vegas/Grand Canyon
Bob Barker
Luke Perry
Salt Water Aquarium
Leslie Collier, Ballerina
Jonathan Taylor Thomas
Visit Relatives/Navy Seals
Mariah Carey
Swim with Dolphins
Britney Spears
Hulk Hogan
Korea to Visit Relatives
Duke University to meet Coach K
Australia
Kiss – Rock Band
Andy Rodman – Tennis
John Cena – WWE
Disney Cruises
Hawaii
National Geographic Alaska Cruise
Ski Trip
Disney Cruise
Dancing with the Stars
Spent Day at Ralph Lauren Offices
Visited set of Hot Rod Garage
Trip to Chicago
Met Band 21 Pilots in Atlantic City
Clarinet
Backstage Captain Planet
Cabinetmaking Equip
Baywatch Set
Bass Fishing Boat
San Francisco
JK Rowlings
Cast of Myth Busters
Cast of High School Musical
New Kids on the Block Band
Oakland Raiders
GI Joe for 2 Days
Super Bowl Game
Ian Sanderholder
Author John Green
Mike Trout – LA Angels
Cruises
Shopping Sprees
Philadelphia Eagles
NY Giants
Grammy Awards
NJ Shore
Kalahari Resort
Attended Winter X Games in Aspen
Golden Retriever Puppy
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