About Us

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 40 years of experience, Dream Come True has fulfilled the dreams of 1,309 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.

Dream come true child

Our Heritage

From humble beginnings in 1984, Dream Come True has grown into a beacon of hope. Rooted in our founder’s vision, we’ve expanded our reach and deepened our impact, staying true to our mission of bringing joy to children’s lives.
 

Our Philosophy

We believe every child deserves to dream. Guided by compassion and driven by the desire to uplift, we strive to provide moments of respite and happiness to families navigating life’s toughest challenges.

Our Commitment

At Dream Come True, we’re dedicated to sustaining a circle of support that uplifts every child we meet. Our commitment is unwavering: to reach further, care deeper, and dream bigger. We’re not just fulfilling wishes; we’re nurturing hope and fostering resilience within the heart of our community.
 

Dream come true child

The Dreams We Have Offered

At Dream Come True, we transform wishes into cherished experiences. Meeting storybook heroes, embarking on thrilling escapades, or receiving a longed-for gift—every dream we fulfill enriches lives with joy and wonder. Celebrate these magical milestones with us.

Travel Destinations

Dream Come True has whisked children away to magical destinations from the enchanting realms of Disney to the serene beauty of Hawaii. Our journeys have ranged from swimming with dolphins on Florida’s coasts to exploring the wonders of the Grand Canyon. Unique experiences have been at the heart of our adventures, such as meeting a Disney Imagineer, marveling at the universe from the Kennedy Space Center, and sailing on themed Disney Cruises. These trips have not only been about the places visited but the rich experiences they offer—skiing in picturesque mountains, experiencing the thrill of a dude ranch, or the educational wonders of Space Camp.

Dream come true child

Star-Studded Dreams

Dream Come True has made unforgettable experiences possible by connecting fans with stars across entertainment and sports. Music legends like Kenny Rogers, iconic bands such as Guns N’ Roses, and TV favorites from “Full House” to Steve from “Blue’s Clues” have all been part of these magical meetings. Behind-the-scenes access to shows like “Captain Planet” and moments with Mariah Carey and digital influencers like Dude Perfect have inspired countless dreams.

 

In sports, fans have met with luminaries like Seth Curry and Joe Montana, cheered during the Super Bowl, and experienced the thrill of NASCAR with Jeff Gordon. These encounters have been more than just meetings; they’ve been impactful experiences that motivate and encourage individuals to dream big.

Dream Activities & Treasures

At the essence of dreams are unique experiences and cherished treasures that bring happiness and amazement. Dreams encompass backstage adventures, close encounters with marine life, and items like state-of-the-art technology to foster learning and creativity. Dreams of mobility are met with wheelchairs, enhancing accessibility.

Joy is also found in music, with instruments and lessons provided, alongside upgrades in audio equipment and voice-activated systems for interaction. Sports, games, and creative pursuits are catered to with personalized sports gear and equipment for video and film editing.

Personal retreats are created with installations like swimming pools and whirlpool spas. Each dream, from gaming systems to serene gardens, aims to turn a dreamer’s joy into reality.

FAQs

Certainly, even the child themselves can make a referral. To refer a child, just

complete the form on this website

, write to us, or give us a call.

Yes, we grant dreams to children between the ages of 4 and 17.

We have one part-time paid staff member, our Executive Director. All other team members are volunteers.

Our volunteer board of directors, together with a devoted group of volunteers, collaborate to make dreams come true.

Children living in the Lehigh Valley area, aged 4-17, who have a life-threatening illness or an illness that significantly impacts their daily life are eligible. We serve children from all income levels.

Dream Come True has specific policies and guidelines for granting dreams. Our volunteers collaborate with the child’s medical team to determine the feasibility of a dream. Dreams must also fall within our financial limits. We do not fulfill dreams involving firearms, ATVs, cars, vans, cash, mortgages, rent, construction, remodeling, or in-ground swimming pools.

No, we never engage in telemarketing. We send a direct mailing only once a year.

Disney World is the top choice for many children. Other popular dreams include meeting entertainers and sports figures, going on trips and cruises, redecorating bedrooms, and obtaining computer systems.

To keep overhead low, most of our volunteers work from their homes. While we don’t staff our office, we do have an answering machine to take messages. We prioritize an intimate setting when working with families, so we visit them in their homes.

Dream Come True relies on individual donations, business sponsorships, corporate giving, grants, planned giving, memorial tributes, and various fundraising events. In-kind contributions also help us lower the costs of granting dreams. We do not solicit through telephone or door-to-door campaigns.

As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, your contribution to Dream Come True may be tax-deductible according to IRS regulations.

Demographics

Dream Come True serves a diverse array of dreamers from varied backgrounds and age groups. Each dream fulfilled represents a unique story, from children wishing for serene beach vacations to those eager for thrilling encounters with their idols. Our dreamers are the heartbeat of our mission, and we’re proud to celebrate the individuality of each child’s journey.

Number of Dreams: 1,309

Geographical Location

Number of Children who passed away in 2023: 4

Illnesses

Our Board

 

2024 Officers and Board Members

Rayann Vasko – Executive Director

Leadership:

Linda Beidler – President
Daryl Hendricks – 1st Vice President
Greg Ligenza – 2nd Vice President
Sam Darrohn – Treasurer

Secretaries:

Mary Persichetti – Corresponding Secretary
Ronnie Stroh – Recording Secretary

Honorary Members:

Scott Greisemer – Immediate Past President
Kostas Kalogeropoulos – Founder

Board Members:

Dr. Tony Ardire
Vicki Bennett
Matthew Blum
Dr. Tony Dimick
Diana Gaul
Nick Hawkey
Doe Levan
Mike Seibert

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