Fisher House Foundation has awarded Dream Foundation’s Dreams for Veterans program the prestigious 2023 Fisher Service Award in recognition of its innovative and positive impact on the nation’s heroes and their loved ones. As part of the award, Dream Foundation also received a $90,000 grant and a $50,000 advertising package from the Military Times Foundation.
Created in 2014, Dreams for Veterans serves the nation’s terminally ill Veterans, active duty service members and the Reserve and National Guard by bringing their final dreams to life. Navy Veteran John Paul DeJoria, CEO and founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems, was instrumental in the program’s creation. Greg Kushner of the Tech. Sgt. Jack Kushner Ret’d Foundation was key to its longevity.
Dream Foundation’s CEO, Kisa Heyer, accepted the award at a ceremony hosted by Fisher House Foundation and Military Times Foundation in Washington D.C. Dream Foundation’s Board Chair, Mario Muredda, Dreams for Veterans Advsiory Council Members, Navy Veteran Dr. Rupa Dainer and Army Veteran Scott O’Neal, as well as VA’s Prince Taylor, Ed.D, were also in attendance.
“This is a great honor shared by everyone who makes this program possible, who believes, as we do that making Veterans’ final dreams come true is a powerful way to thank them for their service,” Heyer said. “Without any state or federal funding, generous grants like that bestowed upon us by Fisher House Foundation and the Military Times Foundation are vital to the continuation of our mission.”
Selected from over 460 Veteran Service Organizations, Dreams for Veterans will use the funds to fulfill the final dreams of terminally-ill Veterans and service members. Dreams for Veterans is the only national program that fulfills this innovative approach to end-of-life care. Whether reuniting families torn apart by combat-induced PTSD or helping Veterans visit military memorials and arranging pinning ceremonies with a strategic partner (VA), Dreams enable those who have served to determine their end-of-life journey, providing joy, comfort and closure to Veterans and their families when they most need it.
“We are incredibly thankful for the generosity of the Fisher House Foundation and the Military Times Foundation who share our commitment to honoring our Veterans,” said Chris Freeman, Dream Foundation board member, Dreams for Veterans Advisory Council chair and Army Veteran. “This support will allow Dreams for Veterans to continue our mission of serving those who have served at their greatest time of need.”
Dream Foundation, the only national dream-granting organization for terminally ill adults, fulfills final dreams that provide inspiration, comfort and closure at the end of life. With the support of a nationwide network of volunteers, hospices, health care organizations and committed donors, Dream Foundation has given life to more than 34,000 final dreams since being founded in 1994.
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I think this is a great idea. I’m just not sure what an adult would wish for , other that happiness for his loved ones. I wish I had money to donate but unfortunately I’m on disability myself so money is tight. But God bless your mission.