Dream Factory is kicking it old school.
The Dream Factory of Syracuse recently wrapped its first fundraiser, which raised nearly a $1,000 for the organization. Now volunteers are excitedly working with the Syracuse Sports Association on their next event – Kicks for Kids.
“Kickball is a fun, easy game for everyone to enjoy,” said Lisa Glowacki, the fundraising chair for the Dream Factory of Syracuse. “We think this will be a great way to get people of all ages involved to help advance the goals of our organization, which is granting dreams to children in the greater Syracuse area suffering from an illness.”
A newly formed Central New York chapter of the long-standing, volunteer-based national organization, Dream Factory of Syracuse will host the double-elimination kickball tournament on Saturday, Aug. 18, at the Syracuse Kickball Park, 7192 Oswego Road in Liverpool. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and is $25 per person, which includes tournament play, umpire fees, a meal ticket (hot dog, chips and drink) and a tournament keepsake.
“Participants can register an entire team or, if you just have a few people interested, we can connect you with others to form a whole team,” Glowacki said.
Prizes will be awarded to the kickball team that wins the tournament as well as the kickball team that raises the most funds through sponsorships and donations. Individuals interested in forming teams can register online at syracusesportsassociation.com (click on Huge Summer Events) or call (315) 313-4543 for more information.
A national organization with 37 chapters, Dream Factory is the second largest children’s wish-granting organization in the United States. While other organizations focus solely on terminally ill children, the Dream Factory serves a broader audience of children suffering from chronic and critical illnesses and grants them a reprieve from the struggles they face on a daily basis.
“Just because a child is not terminally ill doesn’t mean every day is not a constant struggle. This is why we extend dream-granting to all children suffering from chronic and critical illnesses,” Glowacki said “Whether meeting a famous celebrity or sending a child and his/her family on a dream vacation, Dream Factory gives these children a welcome diversion by granting their dreams, as well as making unforgettable memories for them to share with their families.”
