Barry Manilow and CKE Restaurants CEO to be Honored by Dream Foundation

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Sept. 23, 2013 - PRLog -- Santa Barbara, Calif. – September 23, 2013 – Dream Foundation, the first and largest national wish-granting organization for adults and their families battling life-threatening illness, is pleased to announce its 2013 Celebration of Dreams Gala honorees, Barry Manilow as well as CKE Restaurants, Inc. and its CEO, Andy Puzder.

Over his 50-year career, Mr. Manilow has inspired and helped millions through his music and philanthropic gestures.  For the Dream Foundation, Mr. Manilow has provided memorable experiences for those in need whether that dream was a personal meeting or a phone call, attending a concert or receiving autographed memorabilia.

“Mr. Manilow’s continued support and his dedication to Dream Foundation and others made him an easy choice for this year’s Humanitarian Award,” said Dream Foundation Founder/President Thomas Rollerson. “Without the years of support of advocates like Barry, we simply would not have the resources needed to touch the lives of the families we serve.  This honor is also special and personal to us because Barry’s own foundation, Manilow Fund for Health and Hope, helps people at the end of life by empowering them with the gift of music and was launched very close to the time we created Dream Foundation.”

Dream Foundation also will be honoring CKE Restaurants, Inc. and its CEO, Andy Puzder, with the 2013 Outstanding Corporate Partner Award. Mr. Puzder is a longtime friend of Dream Foundation and his personal and corporate commitment for more than 15 years has provided wishes for countless dreamers. In 2012, CKE, the parent company of the Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's® premium burger chains, selected Dream Foundation as a national beneficiary of its annual Stars for Heroes™ charity campaign.

“From our inception, CKE Restaurants, Inc. has demonstrated compassion for our families struggling with the financial strain that is often part of the end-of-life journey,” Rollerson said. “Many people don’t realize that more than 50 percent of the dreams we serve are for improved quality-of-life and basic-need items, such as a mobility scooter, hearing aid batteries, a utility bill payment or even a hearty meal.

“CKE CEO Andy Puzder upholds the corporation’s early commitment to dreams with steadfast dedication and leadership,” Rollerson said. “He regularly rolls up his own sleeves to provide personal contributions.  Andy also connects us to Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s franchisees who continue to provide Stars for Heroes funding to make dreams come true. For this, we celebrate Andy, CKE Restaurants, Inc. and all the franchisees.”

On October 26, 2013, the Bacara Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara, Calif., will be transformed into a dreamlike world as celebrities and distinguished guests enjoy a night of heartwarming stories, live entertainment and innovative cuisine. The Celebration of Dreams Gala is imperative to Dream Foundation’s existence, generating nearly one-third of the foundation’s entire annual operating budget thereby enabling the fulfillment of thousands of final dreams. The foundation anticipates serving more than 2,500 final dreams this year.

About Dream Foundation

Founded in 1994, Dream Foundation is the first and largest national wish-granting organization for adults.  With a mission to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their families battling life-threatening illness, Dream Foundation serves more than 2,500 dreams each year and relies on a network of volunteers, sponsors and individual donors.   Dream recipients are those individuals who have been given a year or less life expectancy and dreams range from the basic need items, like a working stove, to bedside reunions and meaningful experiences with children and loved ones.  For more information on dreams or how to donate, visit www.dreamfoundation.org or call (805) 564-2131.