Guys/Gals, I know we all get caught up with "our dogs" and focusing on them during an event but we really have a chance to make a difference in a young persons life with this event. I ask each of you to take a minute and visit the
http://www.catch-a-dream.org website and see what they are all about. I hope some that can't come to the event, will find it in their hearts to contribute anyway. This is a Mississippi based charity, and you can see the results from the smiles!
Here are a few testimonials from parents on the website:
“My son had a dream come true that I would have never been able to have given him. We made friends that we will never forget.....You and your organization will be blessed for the life-changing experiences you give to children.”
Mother of 16 yr. old boy
“It will be a memory that will last a lifetime. Our family will never be able to express our appreciation for what this meant to all of us. The family time really brought us closer together and as I said before the memories will sustain us for a lifetime.”
Mother of 17 yr. old boy
“This was something for me to really look forward to. As I was leaving home, I was thinking that this has to be a dream, that it can’t be real. I would just like to thank everyone involved.”
11 yr. old boy
“God is awesome, and has given us a glimpse of just how precious life is. We appreciate every day. No matter how many years he has, they’re going to be good years, and people like this help make that special.”
Mother of 13 yr. old boy
“Thanks again for everything that you did for Taylor. It was truly a trip to remember. When a child would rather return to Alaska over Disney World, that’s an accomplishment!”
Mother of 9 yr. old
“Last June when he was so sick and in the hospital, he had a depressed feeling and he was asking about dying. Today he is talking about his future. He is even looking into colleges. What a difference!”
Mother of 14 yr. old
“Thank you, for giving Matt such an experience! I don’t think he has come down off his high yet! I can’t explain the joy that our family has experienced from seeing Matt so happy.”
Mother of 14 yr. old
“Andy had a Disney World grant from another organization. But Catch-A-Dream is different, and not just because this is hunting and fishing. At Disney World we had a good time, then went home; over and done. Noone met us at the airport, noone hugged Andy and the rest of us and told Andy that they loved him. Noone went out of their way like you folks in Catch-A-Dream have done. You have treated us l ike family, and that is exactly what you have now become to our little boy, and to us. True family.”
Parents of a 12 yr. old
“There will be certain things in your life that you’ll never forget…that you’ll always remember. This will be one of those things that we will all draw on; everybody that’s here….not just me, not just Richard, but all of us…I really believe that.”
Father of 13 yr. old
“This really helped his self-esteem. This isn’t the same boy that’s at home….he’s perked right up…he’s ready to go. He’s taking the hunting seriously, but he’s also having a great time.”
Father of 10 yr. old
“Wow! This 2-day trip netted lifetime memories and lifetime friends that we will always appreciate. Our hosts made us feel like members of their family and, along with the nice people of CATCH-A-DREAM, made my son’s dream of taking a trophy whitetail buck come true . A lot of people go through their life without ever chasing after their dreams. But my son continued to stay hungry for that buck and through the help of several wonderful people a very deserving young man caught his dream. I want to express very special thanks to our most gracious hosts and great friends. With hope love and prayers, I will forever be in your debt. The heart felt warmth and kindness that was extended to me and Cody while at your home is above and beyond letting a little sick boy kill a deer.”
Father of 12 yr. old boy
“My child’s whole attitude has changed, he’s got a whole new perspective on life now because of you all being strangers, but strangers who really care. And he saw that and now he’s driving on with a purpose instead of day to day. Thanks from the bottom of our hearts. We love you all. God bless each one of you!”
Parents of a 16 yr. old boy
“Thanks for ALL that you all have done. This is an experience that just keeps giving and we love you all for it.”
Mother of 13 yr. old boy
“Thank you for all that you have done for us. Our entire family is very appreciative to you and the organization. We have memories that the boys will never forget and we are telling everyone to go to the web site to read about Catch-A-Dream to get the awareness out so that maybe more people will donate to you. We hope more families will be able to cherish their time with their children in the same wonderful environment we have experienced. We hope God blesses you, your family, and the organization. Bill was a wonderful host and the Bozemans really made us feel welcomed and a part of their family. I hope they are able to continue to participate because they really make dreams come true through their caring and love.”
Parents of two boys, ages 16 and 11