Dreams Come True, Northeast Florida’s only locally based dream-granting organization dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of local children battling life-threatening medical conditions, celebrated three monumental milestones during its Royal Ball Gala: its 40th anniversary, raising $1 million and granting its 5,000th dream.
As guests stepped through the grand entrance of TPC Sawgrass on Jan. 17, they were transported into a royal ball setting — complete with elegant décor, shimmering chandeliers and music that echoed the timeless charm of a fairytale celebration. The evening honored past and current dream recipients and community partners and celebrated the organization’s rich history and its future filled with more dreams to be granted.
“Celebrating our 40th anniversary by raising $1 million and granting our 5,000th dream is a testament to the incredible community of volunteers, donors and supporters who share in our mission and vision,” said Anna Valent, executive director of Dreams Come True. “Every dream granted is a reminder of the resilience of our amazing Dreamers and their families and also the power of our First Coast community.”
Lee Smith, executive director of THE PLAYERS Championship, joined Dreams Come True in announcing the 5,000th dream during the organization’s Royal Ball. Dreamer John Bertram Lancaster, 10, from St. Simons Island, Georgia, was surprised with a trip to Lake Tahoe, California, for his Snow Dream, which is being sponsored by THE PLAYERS Championship.
“Being part of this incredible milestone with Dreams Come True is a true privilege,” said Smith. “As we celebrate John Bertram’s dream and reflect on the remarkable impact Dreams Come True has had over the past 40 years, we’re reminded of the power of community support. THE PLAYERS is honored to support such a meaningful organization, and we’re deeply grateful to the Northeast Florida community for putting us in a position to make a lasting impact. Together, we’re fulfilling dreams and offering hope to children and families facing life’s toughest challenges.”
John Bertram was referred to Dreams Come True after being diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer at the age of 2. Along with his parents, Charlotte and Micah, and his sister, Elizabeth, John Bertram would travel this month for six days and five nights to Lake Tahoe, with special accommodations at The Village at the Palisades. Activities during their dream trip will include snowmobiling, sledding, skiing, night tubbing, skating and a dog-sledding experience.
During John Bertram’s medical journey and while he was deciding on the perfect dream, Dreams Come True continued to support him and his family through various activities.
In 2018, John Bertram was one of 50 Dreamers that took part in Dreams Come True’s Dream Day Celebration at PRI Productions. He was also a special guest of THE PLAYERS Championship in 2020, where he was able to meet various players inside the ropes on the 17th green.
“Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to our mission and inspired by the dreams we have yet to fulfill,” added Valent. “The stories of courage and hope we witness every day motivate us to continue making a lasting difference for children and families her in our community.”
Dreams Come True currently has nearly 600 children dreaming of their one true dream and receives an average of 25 new qualified referrals every month for children with life-threatening medical conditions who live in the seven counties of Northeast Florida or who are treated in Northeast Florida by medical partners.
For more information about Dreams Come True and how to support its mission, or details about upcoming events, go to www.DreamsComeTrue.org.
