“have that one dream
Everyone deserves to
come true. Dreams
come in all shapes
and sizes and for
”
people of all ages.
continue to endure, my heart has always been with others who are
suffering.”
Jamie’s Dream Team has helped more than 1,000 individuals,
and requests have ranged from family vacations to being
princess for a day. Individuals can fill out an application on the
organization’s website, keeping in mind that some requests, such
as those involving cruises or international travel, are not eligible.
Holmes says the goal is to create a memorable experience for each
individual.
“Everyone deserves to have that one dream come true,” she says.
“Dreams come in all shapes and sizes and for people of all ages.”
Managing Jamie’s Dream Team is a full-time job and more than
a dozen board members and 50 volunteers help Holmes. Over
90 percent of the requests fulfilled come from the Pittsburgh
area. Holmes says she is always surprised by the support her
organization has received.
“I have learned that there are generous people willing to change
the lives of others,” she writes in an email.
Jamie’s Dream Team has grown since 2005 and Holmes says she
plans to continue expanding her efforts. The organization recently
received a grant to purchase a new office building and will
participate in the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community on
May 14 at Stage AE on the North Shore. The event includes a 5k
walk and a 1-mile walk. The proceeds will benefit more than 70
health and human service organizations, including Jamie’s Dream
Team. Holmes says she hopes 50 teams will register and each
raise more than $1,000. The organization is always looking for
volunteers and donations to support its efforts.
A lot has happened in Holmes’ personal life since 2005 as
well. She graduated high school and studied at the Community
College of Allegheny County. Currently, she is also planning her
wedding. Despite all the hard work, Holmes says she never gets
tired of fulfilling others’ requests.
“All of the dreams that we fulfill are unique and memorable
because every family we have helped has a special place in my
heart,” Holmes writes.
For more information about Jamie’s Dream Team, visit
jamiesdreamteam.org.
To register for the walk visit walkforahealthycommunity.org. n
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