Public relations students are working to increase awareness of Dreams Come True, a local non-profit organization, that serves sick children in Louisiana.
Children with life-threatening illnesses are given the opportunity to have one dream come true. The Public Relations students became involved when they were given an assignment to “find a problem and fix it,” said Brooke LeBlanc, a mass communication senior.
Their group created the public relations firm named “Summit Strategies.” The agenda was to find a non-profit organization and work with them to create awareness.
Lexie Woodard, a public relations senior, said they helped the company achieve their goals and receive more funding.
Kelly Henderson, a public relations senior, said they received a real world experience through the project. The project gave the students the opportunity to interact with businesses in the local community.
The students hope to find a corporate sponsor for the bass tournament in order to gain publicity for the organization. According to the Dreams Come True Web site, the organization has served children ages 3 through 18 for the past 22 years.
Max Himmel, a Dreams Come True board member, said the first dream the organization ever awarded was a police car ride.
Now the organization gives computers, trips to Disney World and shopping sprees.
In 2003, the organization granted 46 dreams for a total of $120,000.
“The families that we help sometimes don’t have enough money to go to McDonald’s because they spend every penny trying to help their kids,” Himmel said.
Throughout the year, the organization holds fund-raisers to raise money for the children.
“Ninety-seven point six percent of every dollar goes toward the children,” Himmel said.
This year the organization is having their first bass tournament in Stephensville, La.
Max Himmel said members of the organization designed the idea because “sportsmen have the biggest hearts for kids.”
Iron Warriors, a group of local policemen and firefighters who are motorcycle enthusiasts, support Dreams Come True by sponsoring the Blessing of the Bikes fund-raiser.
The group first became involved when the members decided they wanted to make a difference in the community.
The Blessing of the Bikes includes live music, food, beverages and a grand prize.
This year the Iron Warriors are giving away a 2004 Harley Davidson “Road King.”
“As firefighters and policemen, our professional lives run into our recreational lives,” said Danny Pickering, a member of the Iron Warriors.
Catherine Roberts, a 6-year-old who was given a pool, said she loves her pool and enjoys having splash wars.
Charity Roberts, the mother of Catherine Roberts, said Dreams Come True gave Catherine a chance to return back to normal and play with her friends.
The pool was a special dream because for a period of Catherine’s life, she was not allowed to splash or go under water.
Catherine has healed and is now able to splash and play in her new pool.
Charity Roberts said she thought the organization was very caring because they were involved with her family.