Dream a Little Dream, Wish Upon a Star

Everyone has a dream and the Caesars Foundation is proud to help make those dreams a reality through support of Second Wind Dreams and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Though the organizations serve opposite spectrums of the age population, they share a common goal: enhancing the quality of life for others by making their dreams come true.

Second Wind Dreams

Second Wind Dreams (SWD), an international nonprofit organization, is dedicated to changing the perception of aging through the fulfillment of dreams and educational programs to enhance the quality of life for those living in Elder Care Communities (ECCs), such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospice. SWD fulfills more than 100 dreams each month in Canada, India, Israel and the United States.

Since 2009, the Caesars Foundation has given more than $850,000 in donations and in-kind contributions to grant these special wishes. Last year, HEROs in Atlantic City, Illinois, Las Vegas, New Orleans and San Diego took part in dream identification and fulfillment. Dreams have ranged from planting a garden to modeling in a fashion show to reuniting with far-away relatives.

The wish-granting will continue this year, with Caesars properties and HEROs planning special events destined to inspire joy and laughter in young and old alike. Acting as “Dreamweavers,” our HEROs have touched the lives of hundreds of older individuals during the past decade.

For more information about Second Wind Dreams, please visit www.secondwind.org. And if you are interested in becoming a SWD Dreamweaver and making seniors’ dreams come true, please contact your local HERO chairperson.

Make-A-Wish Foundation

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions and is the largest wish-granting organization in the world, with 62 chapters in the United States and 47 international affiliates.  Wish kids have said these experiences bring back hope and the ability to fight harder against their illnesses. Wish parents say their family bonds are strengthened and repaired. And medical professionals believe wishes can influence a child's physical health condition. That is why wishes are important.  

The Caesars Foundation has pledged $100,000 to support the Southern Nevada chapter of Make-A-Wish and sponsors the annual Walk for Wishes.  Thousands of Las Vegas valley residents, including a team of our own HEROs, participate in this annual event. Funds raised through the Walk help grant wishes for local children coping with the daily challenges of their medical condition.

The Southern Nevada chapter of Make-A-Wish has granted more than 1,400 wishes to date and expects to grant nearly 100 wishes this fiscal year, not including about 50 wishes they will assist with for children from other states and countries whose wishes involve coming to Las Vegas.

For more information about Make-A-Wish Foundation, and to learn how you can help, please visit www.wish.org.