Dream Foundation’s 12th Annual Celebration of Dreams Gala

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Oct. 22, 2013 - PRLog -- Santa Barbara, Calif. – October 26, 2013 – Dream Foundation, the first and largest national wish-granting organization for adults and their families battling life-threatening illness, will be honoring, Barry Manilow and CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. and its CEO, Andy Puzder at the 12^th Annual Celebration of Dreams Gala.

Throughout his iconic career, Mr. Manilow has inspired and helped millions through his music and gracious philanthropic gestures.“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.” Not only will Barry be honored, but he will delight the audience with his treasured songs.

CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. and its CEO, Andy Puzder will be honored 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.

The evening’s festivities will be held at The Bacara Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara, Calif., where celebrities and distinguished guests will enjoy a night of heartwarming stories, innovative cuisine and live entertainment including Richie Sambora, American rock guitarist legend and formally of Bon Jovi, Olivia Newton-John, four time Grammy award winner that the world fell in love with as Sandy Olsson in the 78’ hit, Grease, Sean Jones, the singer/songwriter that is captivating audiences with his interpretive performances of R&B and Soul classic, Teal Wicks, Broadway Star and musical sensation; most well-known for her starring role of “Elphaba” in the Broadway, San Francisco and Los Angeles productions of the musical Wicked and Tell-A-Vision, a live performance act that uses technology and artists to tell a vision.

While aspects of the program will remain a surprise, guests and supporters will enjoy a silent auction, cocktail reception, live auction and rub elbows with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars including Barry Manilow, Olivia Newton-John, Richie Sambora, Priscilla Presley, Jane Lynch, Darren Criss, Alan Thicke & Tanya Callau, Nigel Lythgoe, Sean Jones and Teal Wicks.

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 like those of Dick, Sonya and Diamond’s. This magical evening would not be possible without Dream Foundation sponsors, American Airlines, AOO Events, Inc., Bacara Resort & Spa, BEAU JOIE® Champagne, Bentley Westlake, Carl’s Jr.®, Gregory & Laura Pasetta, O’Gara Coach Westlake, Walter Claudio Salon Studio and Yacht Club Vodka. In addition and imperative to the nights success are the over $200,000 donated products, services and talent as well as event chairs and longtime supporters Holly Murphy and Mireille Noone.

# # #

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.