The View from the Bridge: Summer Update 2026

Summer is in full swing across North America, and we're pleased to bring you our second newsletter of 2026. In this edition, we're sharing an update on our fundraising efforts and the incredible impact of this year's Dreams Come True grants.

Fundraising Update

The first half of 2026 has been a challenging fundraising season.

Our Little Caesars fundraiser raised only half of last year's total, so we have decided not to repeat it. On a brighter note, our first Double Good Popcorn fundraiser was a success and clearly resonated with our community.

We are especially grateful for generous support from:

• The Imparato Foundation

• Forta Health (look for a feature on them in our next newsletter!)

  
  

Our biggest challenge came with our Spring Sweepstakes. Without our traditional Grand Prize of a Free Cruise Certificate, participation dropped dramatically and the event generated only enough to cover its costs. That means the second half of the year is more important than ever. Every dollar we raise directly affects how many families we can help.

To strengthen our fundraising, we are:

• Applying for national and regional grant funding.

• Seeking corporate partners to sponsor a family's Dream.

• Launching another T-shirt fundraiser in August.

• Bringing back our popular Double Good Popcorn fundraiser this fall, with all of their favorite flavors available.

You Can Help

There are several simple ways you can make a real difference:

• Share our upcoming fundraisers with friends and family through social media.

• Start a Facebook fundraiser. Visit our Donate page to learn how.

• Become a monthly donor through PayPal. Even $10 per month has a lasting impact as our community of supporters grows.

• Make a one-time donation—every gift, no matter the size, helps make another family's dream possible.

Dreams Come True Grant Update

As of June 30, eight families have completed their Dreams Come True staff-assisted cruise vacations, with three more families sailing later this summer. Every family returns with memories that remind us exactly why this Foundation exists—and why your support matters.

Family Spotlight: The King Family (Virginia)

"This grant gave us an opportunity that we would never have had without it. We never go anywhere besides our hometown. This grant gave us an opportunity of a lifetime. Without this grant we would never have gone on a cruise, never gone out of the country, and never have met all the amazing people we now call friends. Receiving this grant changed our lives.

I watched my son transform in front of my eyes. This experience meant so much to us, and it changed my son forever. My son opened up and made friends and did things like rock climbing he would never have done before. It made me realize that my son is a strong, compassionate, funny young man. I now see all the potential inside of my son that was there all along. We both made connections and lasting friendships. My son had the time of his life."

2026 Dreams Come True Grants

Applications opened in April, and we received more than 3,200 submissions from families hoping for a Dreams Come True vacation.

The need is overwhelming.

Because our Spring Sweepstakes raised far less than expected, we were only able to award grants to five families, representing approximately $25,000 in assistance.

Every successful fundraiser, every corporate sponsor, and every donation helps us say "yes" to more families. With your continued support, we hope to make even more Dreams Come True before the end of the year.

Thank you for reading.