A special thanks to the San Antonio Chapter and everyone who helped make the
2014 National Convention last month a huge success. Todd Fairbanks, the new
National Director/CEO, said “everyone was welcomed with Texas hospitality which
was pervasive throughout the week, and the selections of sessions were well
attended and our speakers were very informative.” There were more than 100
volunteers from 29 chapters gathered to celebrate our success over the past
year and share ideas to help in the future. The amount of chapter
representation at the Convention was a record!!!
Following are a few highlights from the Board of Directors meeting:
- The election of Virginia
Avery to a three-year term as National Vice President. Virginia is a 24-year
Dream Factory volunteer who has held every position in the York-Maine
Chapter. She just completed a year as Chapter Representative and was a member
of the Executive Search Committee.
- The election of Andrew
Fruits to a three-year term as Chapter Representative to the Executive
Committee. Andrew has served as the Chapter Representative for the Central
Missouri Chapter and is a full-time student at the University of Missouri.
- The announcement
that for the third consecutive year, The Dream Factory received a Four-Star
Rating from Charity Navigator.
- The ratification
of the Executive Search Committee recommendation of Todd Fairbanks as the
new National Director/CEO, replacing Anne Bunger, who retired on October 1.
Awards were also presented to the following:
·
Service
Pins
v 10 years Gayla Lane, Dyersburg
v 5 years Danielle Williams,
Dyersburg
v 5 years Sharon Waisner, Memphis
v 5 years Allison Clary, North
Carolina
v 5 years Jamie Clark, San Antonio
v 5 years Paul Hunnicutt, San
Antonio
v 5 years Mary Jo Riley, San
Antonio
·
Team
Spirit Award
Because
of their quick response and willingness to help National Headquarters with
maintaining a relationship with a national sponsor in Millennium Hotels, Anne
chose the York-Maine, Brooklyn and Central Illinois chapters to receive this
year’s Team Spirit Award.
·
Outstanding
Fundraising Event Under $10,000
The
Dream Factory of Portland-Maine for the “Kids Helping Kids” concept. The
concept is behind starting Dream Factory Clubs in three local Portland schools.
·
Outstanding
Fundraising Event Over $10,000
The
Dream Factory of Lexington for their 26th Annual “Sweet Dreams” Gala which was
their largest gala to date with net revenue of almost $91,000!
·
Most
Unusual Dream
The
Dream Factory of Jersey Shore for granting Tara’s dream was to meet the cast of
the Walking Dead and the unique and inventing way of letting her know her dream
was granted.
• Best In-Kind Dream
The
Dream Factory of Portland-Maine, for granting James’s Dream to PAY IT FORWARD
by inviting 30 of his classmates to go to a local amusement/waterpark for a
day. The Chapter was able to get the complete dream donated, including
transportation, admission and a pizza lunch.
• Outstanding Special Project
The
Dream Factory of North Carolina for their partnership with a local organization
called “Free to be Me” and other nonprofits that work with children who are
seriously ill.
The
Stephan Douglas Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Bonnie Silvey from
the Audrain County Chapter. Bonnie has 26 years of service and is a founding
member of her chapter. She has held every board position and has been the trip
coordinator for the chapter for nine years. Bonnie goes above and beyond for
the kids making sure each family has a notebook with pictures of places of
interest they may want to visit while on vacation, information on restaurants,
ticket information, maps and contact numbers. Congratulation Bonnie!!
The
President’s Award was presented to Anne Bunger, retired CEO/National Director,
for her many years of dedication and leadership to the Dream Factory. She will
be missed by all!!!
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