Dream Foundation Announces Nigel Lythgoe, Katy Perry and the Families of Dream Foundation to Be Honored at the 11th Annual Celebration of Dreams Gala

November 16, 2012 – Bacara Resort & Spa

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dream Foundation, the first and largest national wish-granting organization for adults and their families battling life-threatening illness, is proud to announce Nigel Lythgoe, Katy Perry and the families of Dream Foundation as honorees for the 11^th Annual Celebration of Dreams Gala, occurring Friday, November 16, 2012 at the Bacara Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara. Celebration of Dreams combines touching dream stories with world-class entertainment and creative cuisine – all to benefit the services of Dream Foundation.

“I loved the idea our Chairs presented to forgo fashion this year and focus on compassion”

As part of the event, special surprise presenters will acknowledge the compassionate care and philanthropic service Nigel Lythgoe and Katy Perry impart on behalf of the families served by Dream Foundation – noting how each delves beyond their status to uplift and nurture the dreams of others. Lythgoe and Perry will be on hand. They will also be honored for their dedication and commitment to a multitude of other nonprofit organizations and humanitarian causes close to their hearts. Sharing the honor will be the families of Dream Foundation.

“I loved the idea our Chairs presented to forgo fashion this year and focus on compassion,” says Dream Foundation Founder/President, Thomas Rollerson. “Our dream recipients and their families are our primary honorees of the night. But without the support of advocates like Nigel and Katy, we simply would not have the resources to touch their lives, to serve their final dreams. Nigel and Katy live by example, embodying a message of being true to your dreams and compassionate to mankind.”

Lythgoe’s relationship with Dream Foundation is extensive. For the past six years, he has assisted with dreams involving acknowledgement by a personal hero – giving dream recipients the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see an idol face-to-face and ensure nothing goes unsaid. He has also been essential in facilitating talent for many fundraising events via his affiliations with American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance. Lythgoe’s support has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for Dream Foundation.

Lythgoe has also worked to provide access to the arts and school enrichment programs through various organizations such as the Dizzy Feet Foundation, the Music Center, the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture Board of Visitors, and LA’s BEST.

Known to have persevered amid adversity to establish her signature as a singer/songwriter, Santa Barbara native, Katy Perry, encourages a similar passion in others. She gives selflessly through philanthropic relationships with organizations such as Make-a-Wish Foundation, American Red Cross, Children’s Health Fund, Generosity Water, The Humane Society of the United States and MusiCares.

As part of her participation in Celebration of Dreams, Perry will help bring awareness to the importance of lending a hand to dreams that involve children who are facing the impending loss of a parent.

The process of securing high-caliber musical and dance talent, dream stories and other surprises as part of the program is underway. An award-winning team will produce a spectacular show. At this time, tickets to the gala are available through sponsorship only. In addition, the after party – featuring confections, libations and musical sensations – will begin promptly at 10:00 p.m.

Event chairs are longtime supporters, Jelinda DeVorzon, Mireille Noone and Bui Simon. Current sponsors include CKE Restaurants, Inc.; Genentech; Lady Ridley-Tree; Herb & Bui Simon and Colleen & Michael Taylor.

The Celebration of Dreams Gala is an event imperative to Dream Foundation’s existence; it generates nearly one-third of the foundation’s entire operating budget – allowing for the fulfillment of thousands of final dreams. Dream Foundation is currently enjoying unprecedented growth in all areas of its service, most importantly – in the dream program department. In 2011, overall dreams served were up 28 percent over 2010. The foundation anticipates serving more than 2,500 final dreams this year.

ABOUT DREAM FOUNDATION

The mission of Dream Foundation is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their families facing a life-threatening illness by fulfilling a heart’s final wish.

The first and largest national wish-granting organization for adults, Dream Foundation enhances the quality of life for individuals and their families battling life-threatening illness. Dream recipients are those individuals who have been given a year or less life expectancy. Dreams range from basic need items, like a working stove, to bedside reunions and meaningful experiences with children and loved ones.

Founded in 1994, Dream Foundation serves more than 2,500 dreams each year and relies on a network of volunteers, sponsors and individual donors. For more information, visit www.dreamfoundation.org or call 805-564-2131.