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Kristi’s Always Dream FoundationKristi Yamaguchi’s charitable foundation makes a difference."Through my Always Dream Foundation, I simply hope to help children fulfill their dreams." Now you can be a part of this great ambition.
Olympic figure skating gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi founded the Always Dream Foundation, a public charity, in 1996. The goal of the organization has evolved from supporting to partnering with organizations that positively influence children. “While I have been supported in the pursuit of my dreams, I realize that such opportunities do not exist for all children. For that reason, I felt the desire to create an organization whose sole purpose would be to inspire and embrace the hopes and dreams of children.” With the hopes and dreams of children and adolescents in mind, the Foundation produces several annual events to supplement income from corporate partnerships, endorsements and appearances, and individual contributions. As a direct result of the foundation’s efforts, hundreds of under-privileged children received computers, new mattresses, school clothes, holiday parties, and attendance at camps accessible to disables kids. Even Hawaii’s youth benefit from the ADF’s travels to a youth leadership forum there. Grants and FundingAs of January of 2006, the Always Dream Foundation was not accepting unsolicited applications for grants. Instead, they began seeking out partnerships with community-based organizations and corporations in California, Hawaii and Nevada. The ADF believes such partnerships will allow it to have a positive effect on the lives of many more people than any organization could on its own. An idea of power through unity and like-mindedness is one of the goals that a group must possess to become a ADF partner. “Consideration will be given to organizations addressing the unmet physical, educational, social, or cultural needs of children in traditionally under-served communities, including those confronting the challenges of physical or cognitive disabilities.” RecipientsThe huge list of organizations financially impacted by Always Dream grants includes different types of educational services, homeless shelters, and camps for at-risk kids. Some past recipients of these grants are: A Keiki's Dream, BORP-Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program, Boys and Girls Clubs of American Canyon, Chibi-Chan Preschool, Children's Hospital Oakland, Classroom on Wheels (COW Bus), Disabled Sports USA, Discovery Arts, Education Resources and Service Center, Girl's Inc., Indochinese Housing Development Corporation, Joy of Sports Foundation, JCYC Children's Summer Programs, My Friend's Place, National Youth Enterprise Institute, Pacific Lifeline, Parents Helping Parents, Real Options for City Kids, Sagewind, Samaritan Neighborhood Center, Shelter Network (San Mateo County), Shoes That Fit Program, Special Recreation Services, Sports4Kids, Sports for the World's Children (SWC) Foundation, Royal Family Kids' Camp, San Leandro Boys and Girls Club, Team-Up For Youth, West Coast Children's Center, UCSF Children's Hospital, and YES Reading. AdministrationPresident of The Always Dream Foundation is, of course, Kristi herself. The VP might look a little familiar too. It’s Carole Yamaguchi, noted as a “Community Volunteer.” The Chief Operating Officer – and the guy to talk to if you want to make a donation -- is Jim Adler of Adler & Company. Treasurer is former banker Gary Doi, and the Secretary is Tom Fujisaka. Lori Yamaguchi represents Franklin-Templeton Investments on the ADF board of directors. Dean Osaki co-founded AlwaysDream. Jan Yanehiro andDale Minami (of Minami, Lew & Tamaki) also volunteer to make the group function smoothly in their charitable pursuits. Kristi Yamaguchi's Friends and Family For more information on Kristi’s annual holidays show, check out the blog that details this upcoming extravaganza. In a nutshell, the live show date is September 29, 2007, and it will air on NBC on November 25, 2007. TicketMaster would love to sell you the tickets that range from $45 to $150 each. Big-name music and skating stars abound, so the live show should be well worth the money. Swing Into Action!Help the foundation celebrate breaking ground on their new playground for children of all abilities. Saturday Evening, October 13th, 2007, the Fremont Central Park will become “Always Dream Park.” Contact InformationMailing AddressKristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation 1203 Preservation Park Way Suite 102 Oakland, CA 94612 Email Regarding Funding Partnership To DonateThe Always Dream Foundation is a 501( c )3 non-profit organization, so monetary gifts could be a tax write-off for the donor. To donate, contact Jim Adler, Chief Operating Officer, at (510) 451-7275. “The motto ‘Always Dream’ has served as my personal inspiration for many years. It is my constant reminder to dream big, never lose sight of my goals, and strive to become a better person.”
The copyright of the article Kristi’s Always Dream Foundation in Figure/Speed Skating is owned by Timbre Beck-Murphy. Permission to republish Kristi’s Always Dream Foundation in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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