September Blog: Billie Eilish, Josh Morrissey, Dragons and a Pie Party?!
As we say “see you later!” to summer and the fall weather arrives, we can’t help but smile at how much FUN we had during September! Keep reading to check out what we were up to last month:
Emilee + Billie: A Superstar Dream Come True
12-year-old Emilee has been through quite a lot at her young age. After a serious car accident left her with permanent physical disabilities and lasting side effects. The accident has left her voice weak and quiet when she is anything but!
One of the things that has kept Emilee positive during the last few years has been music - specifically music from her all-time favourite artist: Billie Eilish. Emilee loves Billie because she’s different than any other pop star out there, and for someone who feels different after her accident, Billie and her music make her feel less alone on the tough days.
When we learned that Emilee’s dream was to meet Billie Eilish, we knew it was a tall order. Billie is one of the biggest pop stars on the planet right now! Lucky for us, we have some really incredible friends right here in Winnipeg in Ace and Amber from 103.1 Virgin Radio.
Our sincere thanks to Ace, Amber, the Virgin 103.1 team, and our new friends at iHeartRadio for helping us fulfill one of our coolest dreams ever, this is one that we never could have done without you!
Pictured: Dream Factory Ambassador Josh Morrissey with Dream Kid Jaxx at the Exchange Income Corporation Golf Fundraiser - over $130,000 raised to make dreams come true!
2nd Annual Exchange Income Corporation Golf Fundraiser Featuring Josh Morrissey of the Winnipeg Jets
Our last golf tournament of the season is also one of our favourites - our Exchange Income Corporation Golf Fundraiser featuring our very own ambassador, Josh Morrissey!
Josh and several of his teammates joined the sold-out tournament on Sept 6th to help raise over $130,000 for The Dream Factory. Josh and team were also joined by some of our Dream Kids, who had a great time meeting their hockey hero.
This tournament is a highlight of our summer, and would not be possible without the support of an incredibly dedicated committee, wonderful sponsors, and Josh’s willingness to help bring dreams to life however he can. Thank you to everyone who participated, we are already looking forward to next year!
Dragons on the Red River! September Dragon Boat Festival raises over $30,000!
Meanwhile, across the city hundreds of dedicated paddlers and fundraisers came together at the September Dragon Boat Challenge at the Manitoba Canoe and Kayak Centre.
Over 30 teams participated in the 10 person, pursuit style races (the only festival of its kind!) on a beautiful September weekend. We couldn’t be more proud of all of our paddlers - who together raised over $30,000 to ensure more dreams can come.
Congratulations to our top fundraising team, Talbot & Associates as well as our top individual fundraisers: Kevin Code and Amber Friesen. We appreciate the work that you, and all of our participants do to help raise funds for Manitoba kids.
We were so fortunate to have our friends at Sobeys Inc. join us over the course of the weekend, providing fresh fruit, water, and granola bars to all of the 300 paddlers. The racers appreciated a healthy snack after a tough race, and it was absolutely a welcome addition to the event! Click here to learn more about our wonderful new partnership with Sobeys Inc.
If you are interested in participating in our Dragon Boat Festivals in 2020, or would like more information - don’t hesitate to contact us!
Pictured:: Shannon with Dream Factory Executive Director Howard. We’re so thrilled to recognize Shannon for 6 years of service!
Congratulations Shannon! 6 Years of Dreams Come True
Any family that stops into The Dream Factory will immediately recognize Shannon and the impact she has had on their family. After all, she is our Dream Maker! We are so proud to be able to recognize her for 6 incredible years of bringing dreams to life.
Shannon has the incredibly special gift of knowing exactly how to make each and every dream we grant feel unique and special. She has made wonderful lasting relationships with our Dream Kids and Families, and it doesn’t hurt that she’s a kid at heart!
Congratulations Shannon, on 6 years of dreams come true! We could not be luckier to have you as part of our team. Lots of love from your Dream Factory family, and all of the families you impact each and every day.
Did Someone Say... Pie Party?
You heard correctly: September was home to the first annual Exchange District Pharmacy Pie Party!
After hearing Dream Kid Zachary’s story, and learning that his favourite food was “anything in pie format” our friends at Exchange District Pharmacy knew exactly how they wanted to help.
The Pie Party was a good old fashioned community bake sale (right after Burger Week, no less!), with pies being created by restaurants across the Exchange District and throughout Winnipeg. We were so excited to have some incredible restaurants on board including: BDI, Good Buds Bakery, Kings Head, Bodegoes, Vicky’s Diner, Chosabi, and the Winnipeg Free Press News Cafe.
The Party, held at Exchange District Pharmacy, was an absolute blast! People sampled all types of pies before voting for their favourite. The best part? Nearly $9000 was raised to help support Zachary’s Vancouver Dream Trip - his first ever family vacation.
Our thanks to Exchange District Pharmacy, as well as all of the restaurants, sponsors, and participants who turned a unique idea into a really fun afternoon. An extra special shout-out goes to Chosabi, who was voted best pie!
We’re already hungry for next year’s event - hope to see you there!
Pictured: A sample of some of the incredible looking (and tasting!) pies from the first annual Pie Party!
Pictured: Dream Kid Zachary being presented with a small gift from our friends at Exchange District Pharmacy - nearly $9000 was raised for his dream come true!
Meet a Dream Maker: Marc Simard
Our annual EIC Golf Fundraiser is a tremendous undertaking, and would not be possible without the dedicated leadership of one of our long time volunteers (and former board member): Marc Simard
Marc and his incredible team have been managing the tournament for over 10 years, and it has quickly become a signature event for The Dream Factory, raising well over $100,000 annually.
Marc’s commitment to The Dream Factory, and to ensuring this event is a continued success, has directly led to countless dreams come true. We could not be more proud of the success of this event, or more grateful to Marc and his team for their time, energy, and care. Thanks Marc, for being a very important member of our Dream Factory Family!
Pictured: Marc Simard (second from left) and his team at the 2019 Exchange Income Corporation Golf Fundraiser featuring Josh Morrissey of the Winnipeg Jets!