National Convention in Orlando

The Dream Factory's 2015 National Convention will be in Orlando, Fla., in just two months! It'll be hosted at the Holiday Inn Resort Lake Buena Vista on Sept. 24-27.

Holiday Inn Resort Lake Buena Vista

Registration opens on Thursday, Sept. 24. The following day will be the Executive Committee meeting, dinner with a few of our dream families at the always-wonderful Give Kids The World village, culminating with our awards program. Part of Friday will also be spent at the Sunshine Foundation village and at the MCO airport, where we'll welcome Dream Factory families arriving as part of mAAgic Flight. Then, on Saturday, our Board of Directors meeting will start at 9 a.m., followed by meetings throughout the day, highlighted by a picnic and party at GKTW.

We're super excited for all of our volunteers to gather to share ideas and plan for the year ahead during a packed weekend of activities.

Give Kids The World

Sunshine Foundation

'Best day ever'

Those were the words from recent dream recipient John after he traveled to California from Portland, Maine June 22-27. Following the trip, John's mother reported that he had an awesome experience. John's highlights were:

1. Backstage tour of the studios and to see the many props used in a lot of his favorite shows thanks to the VIP passes.

2. Being able to walk to the front of the line ahead of everyone else. He felt like a real VIP at Universal Studios.

3. Flying! The last time John flew he was a small boy so he couldn't wait to fly.

4. A gorgeous room at the Millennium Biltmore and he loved the valet parking and his door being opened for him every time. "It's nice to be the rich boy," John said.

5. "Drooling" over the houses on Sunset Blvd, along with the many other streets.

6. Walking the Hollywood Walk, trying on hats and taking many pictures with the hands and footprints from celebrities with signatures.

7. Stopping by a cool antique car dealership.

8. Eating at some awesome restaurants.

9. Driving in CRAZY traffic.

10. Riding in a jet ski in the ocean WITH SHARKS for over two hours. The family did not know they could do such a thing!

"I thank you for ALL of this," John's mother said. "Thank you for the wonderful opportunity you gave my son and the wonderful memories we will have forever. Thank you Dream Factory for all that you do for the children and their dreams!"

Ask Alfred Campaign

MILLENNIUM HOTELS AND RESORTS CELEBRATES ASK ALFRED’S FIRST BIRTHDAY AND EXPANDS AWARD-WINNING CHILDREN’S PROGRAM

Summer Program Features Complimentary Breakfast and “I © Alfred” Placemat Contest

NEW YORK (June 30, 2015) – More than ever, kids are taking a larger role in planning family vacations, and Millennium Hotels and Resorts North America fuels these young guests’ wanderlust wishes with the award-winning Ask Alfred children’s program. Since its launch on July 10 - National Teddy Bear Picnic Day - last year, the program’s star namesake Alfred the bear has brought smiles to youngsters’ faces across the country.  From July 10 through September 30, 2015, Ask Alfred’s first birthday will be celebrated at each of the brand’s 14 hotels with a complimentary kids’ breakfast menu and “I © Alfred” coloring contest featuring the chance to win a two-night hotel stay for the entire family, airfare included.

Alfred the bear is part of a $15 custom-designed child’s amenity kit in partnership with leading toy company Melissa & Doug^® and organic candy maker Surf Sweets^®.  Families staying at any of the hotels can surprise little ones with an exclusive cinch bag featuring a cuddly Alfred Teddy Bear, Surf Sweets^® Gummy Bears, a crayon activity set by Melissa & Doug^®, Alfred’s Lovable Stickables and a dozen collectible Color Me postcards.

This summer, Millennium Hotels continues its commitment to The Dream Factory, the second largest wish-granting organization in the United States, which grants the dreams of critically and chronically ill children.  Millennium will donate $2 from each amenity sold, with the mission to match all proceeds to the organization at summer’s end. This pledge follows a $5,000 donation to The Dream Factory earlier this year.

For young guests aged 12 and under, Millennium’s complimentary breakfast menu offers a selection of favorites including Scrambled Eggs and French Toast with Maple Syrup. While dining, kids are invited to decorate their placemat depicting Alfred celebrating his first birthday and are also encouraged to continue their role as “vacation planner” by drawing their favorite summer activity. Families can submit the completed drawing to the hotel for a chance to win a return stay to Millennium in 2016.

Guests can take advantage of Ask Alfred by adding it on to the Summer FREEdom package, available through September 7, with 15 percent off accommodations, up to $50 food and beverage credit, and complimentary Internet.

No purchase necessary for contest. Runs from July 10 through 12:00 PM ET September 30. Winners will be selected via a random drawing, taking place at or about 2:00 PM Eastern Time October 30, 2015 from all eligible entries received.  Limit one prize per person.  Winners will be notified by phone and/or email.