Dream Foundation Hosts Annual Gala

The Dream Foundation, a Santa Barbara-based organization that grants the wishes of adults suffering from life-threatening illnesses, hosted its 12th annual Celebration of Dreams Gala on Saturday. According to the nonprofit, the event put on at the Bacara Resort & Spa drew numerous celebrities, $200,000 in donations, and enough funds raised to cover one-third of the organization’s annual budget.

The fundraiser’s famous faces included Barry Manilow, who received an award for his humanitarian work, Olivia Newton-John, and Richie Sambora, all of whom sung. “Glee” actress Jane Lynch and “Bachelor” alum Andrew Firestone also attended, auctioning off trips to the French Alps and Africa and Lakers tickets. Other attendees included Priscilla Presley, Alan Thicke, Nigel Lythgoe, “Glee” star Darren Criss, and Broadway star Teal Wicks.

CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc, a company that owns Carl’s Jr. and other fast-food chains and is headquartered in Carpinteria, received an award for its work with the organization. Two adults who had their wishes granted were also recognized. Diamond Davis, a 19-year-old who has dealt with chronic liver disease for many years, received the iPad and gift card that she requested. And Richard “Dick” Tidd, who died a week after his wish for a vegetable garden was granted earlier this year, was remembered by his wife, Sara. “Thank you for making my husband’s dream come true,” she said.

Thomas Rollerson, the foundation’s founder and president, thanked everyone for their work with the organization, saying “It is through bravery that we charge forward, it is through bravery that we fight every day, and it is through bravery that we continue to make dreams come true.”