The Children's Dream Fund has been making dreams come true for children with life-threatening illnesses living on the West Coast of Florida since 1981.

The Children's Dream Fund serves children between the ages of 3 - 18 who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.

To see our upcoming events click on the following link:
http://www.childrensdreamfund.org/events.cfm

To see some of our recent dreams click on the following link:
http://www.childrensdreamfund.org/dreamgallery.cfm

To Contact us click on the following link:
http://www.childrensdreamfund.org/contact.cfm

      In 1981, a story went out over the AP wires that 8-year old Fransie Geringer of South Africa, who suffered with the aging disease Progeria, dreamed of meeting his hero Pinocchio.  The Sunshine City Jaycees of St. Petersburg responded by raising the money to bring Fransie and his family to Florida.  After the visit, excess funds from the trip were offered to Fransie’s family.  However, it was their wish that the funds be used to help other children.  It was then that the Suncoast Children’s Dream Fund was born, with the mission to make dreams come true for children with life-threatening illnesses.  
In celebrating its 20th year of making dreams come true, the Suncoast Children's Dream Fund changed its name to Children's Dream Fund to reflect the organization’s growth and demonstrate their willingness to reach out to more of Florida’s families.  Now in its 28th year, the Children’s Dream Fund serves children living in 20 counties in West Central Florida.  In 2008, the Children’s Dream Fund made dreams come true for over 120 children.

The Children's Dream Fund fulfills dreams for children ages 3-18 who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.  A child does not have to be terminally ill to qualify for a dream, nor is a dream necessarily the child’s “last wish.”  Referrals are received from several area hospitals. Following the receipt of an application and verification of diagnosis, the children are interviewed by a Dream Fund staff member.

The types of dreams vary greatly.  They may involve meeting a celebrity, a trip, or an item, such as a computer, or our most-requested dream, a week at Disney World.

The Children's Dream Fund operates out of an office in downtown St. Petersburg and employees a staff of six.  A volunteer board of directors representing the Tampa Bay area oversees the finances and promotes the organization in the corporate community.

The Children's Dream Fund receives its financial support from the community through individual and corporate donations, memorial gifts, direct mail, grants and special events.  The Dream Fund undertakes no telemarketing or phone solicitation. Over 80% of every dollar raised goes directly to making children’s dreams come true. A charitable solicitation permit is filed annually with the State of Florida.  Financial information is available upon request.  For more information, phone (727) 896-6390 or log onto www.childrensdreamfund.org.