by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Already celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Dreams Come True realized another milestone Monday afternoon. They weren’t alone in the celebration, though.
The nonprofit organization, dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses, held a party in honor of Zach, a 7-year-old battling a rare disease of the immune system.
The event was numerically symmetrical with its history, as Zach was the 2,500th dreamer to see his dream come to fruition: a bedroom decor consisting of all-things Club Penguin, a virtual world featuring games, revolving around penguins and created by the Walt Disney Company, along with a few special guests and presents.
The milestone wasn’t lost on Dreams Come True officials, all of whom turned out with many other members of the community, to share in the event.
“It means everything,” said Karen Brune Mathis, Dreams Come True executive director. “We’re celebrating our 25th year and to achieve it like this is extraordinary ... he (Zach) says it all.”
Zach’s dream was sponsored by The Players, and many members of the organization’s volunteer leadership program, the Red Coats — who are former chairs of the tournament — attended the event to bestow gifts and help share his dream. The event was the first day the group celebrated its “Giving Back Month” to assist area charities.
They weren’t the only special guests in attendance, though.
U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw and City Council member Don Redman, two supporters of the organization, made appearances for the event. For both, it was a chance to catch a glimpse of positive things in their community.
“It’s really what life is all about,” said Crenshaw. “Every chance I get to come to a life-changing event like this, I do ... being at events like this in the community is important, and it’s one of the most rewarding parts of being in the U.S. Congress.”
An avid Florida Gators football fan, Zach also had the opportunity to meet the father of his favorite player whose jersey he wore all day. Bob Tebow, father of UF quarterback Tim Tebow, attended the party and brought with him a signed football from the player himself.
Close to 50 people attended the celebration and the response and generosity of all the parties involved meant much to Zach’s family.
“Honestly, I had no idea (what the event would entail),” said Michelle Ruby, Zach’s mother. “It’s been overwhelming support and everyone’s been extremely accommodating ... it’s hard to put into words.”
The organization’s first dream involved The Players, too, as George Lee, a 17-year-old suffering from cystic fibrosis had dreamed of playing in The Players Championship Pro-Am. Founders Thomas and Delia McGehee arranged for Lee to be paired with Fred Couples, who also gave him his driver following their play.
“It’s great to have The Players as part of this milestone, like they did in the beginning,” said Mathis. “We’re continuing the work of Thomas and Delia (McGehee) moving ahead, but we couldn’t have dreamed of a better dream (for the event).”
Mathis said the goal in the organization’s fiscal year is 160 dreams fulfilled moving forward.
For the eventful day, though, Monday meant everything to Zach and his family.
”We’ve been through so much and could see what he was going through,” said Ruby, “but this has turned tears into smiles.”
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