Dream Foundation's 15th Annual Dreamland Gala Inspires

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Nov. 9, 2016 - PRLog -- Dream Foundation hosted its 15^th Annual Gala, Dreamland, on November 5^th at the Bacara Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara to raise vital funds and awareness about the Foundation's mission to fulfill the end-of-life Dreams of terminally-ill adults that offer inspiration, comfort, and closure.

The evening honored special guests, Dreamers, Daniella Dominic Enriquez and Jonathan White.

Director/Producer Nigel Lythgoe, a long-time Dream Foundation supporter first introduced Daniella who shared her Dream story between tears of joy and gratitude. Throughout the evening, the 21-year-old was rarely seen in her seat, dancing with guests and at one point, on stage with Estelle. "It was the time of my life," she said.

Jonathan's Dream story was shared in a heartfelt video while he, his wife and 1-month-year-old baby girl looked on. Jonathan who dreamed of crafting his own guitars was given his own bending machine by world-renowned guitar craftsman and luthier, Roger Sadowsky and a guitar making kit by Stewart-MacDonald on behalf of Dream Foundation.

Much to everyone's delight, Dream Foundation's Chief Executive Officer, Kisa Heyer and Director of Corporate Partnerships and Marketing, Tristan Layton, presented Jonathan with a signed guitar by his favorite guitarist, Mark Knopfler. This unexpected surprise could be seen on the faces of all, especially Jonathan's who when asked to say a few words, was speechless.

Guests enjoyed performances by Quixotic, an experimental product that happens when technology, live music, contemporary dance, and Cirque du Soleil arts come together, Tina Schlieske, long-time Dream Foundation supporter and sponsor, who sang a powerful rendition of Aerosmith's "Dream On," and Estelle who sang her Grammy-Award winning song, "American Boy", among others, while the entire room broke out in dance and merriment.

One of ABC's former "Bachelors" and Dream Foundation advocate, Andrew Firestone along with wife Ivana hosted a thrilling live auction and program paddle raise that resulted in thousands for the organization. During the paddle raise, John Paul DeJoria, one of the foundation's Dreams for Veterans program founding partners offered to match several program contributions making it one of its most successful to date.

Following the Gala, the celebration of dreams continued with world-renowned DJ, Chris Cox and plenty of Patròn Tequila and Beau Joie Champagne.

"I am elated by the generosity and warm spirit that was displayed throughout the evening," said Dream Foundation's Chief Executive Officer, Kisa Heyer. "Words cannot express my gratitude for all those involved from our sponsors and donors to our performers, committee and staff. It was a beautiful evening."

About Dream Foundation:

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 25,000 final Dreams over the past two decades and has never turned down a qualified applicant. Dream Foundation does not receive any federal or state funding and relies solely on individual donations and corporate partnerships to fund its programs. The Foundation is proud to maintain Charity Navigator's four-star rating—its highest—for sound fiscal management ensuring its donors and partners that their investment will be used wisely. For more information, please visit DreamFoundation.org.