It all started in 1980 with one man from Hopkinsville, Kentucky with a dream of doing something to help the critically ill children in his town.  He knew that the suffering took away a lot of happiness from these children and they needed a dream.  The Dream Factory gives these children a chance to dream.

This man, Charles Henault, with the help of friends and co-workers, had his dream fulfilled by sending 7-year-old Tammy Keel and her family on her "dream" vacation to Walt Disney Word - the first dream granted.  Not long after this trip, Tammy passed from this world, but her spirit lives on in The Dream Factory's mission to grant the wishes of critically and chronically ill children at a time when the need it most.

The Dream Factory, with national headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, has grown into one of the nation's largest wish granting organizations.  During the past twenty-two years, there are 35 Dream Factory Chapters nationwide, granting hundreds of dreams annually.  "We wanted to make it possible for kids to forget their pain and therapy for a time.  We succeed if they experience the simple joys of being a child," said Henault.

The Dream begins with a letter from a parent, guardian, or child (ages 3-18) stating the wish of the child.  The Dream Committee, a group of about 35 local volunteers, then has a local physician screen the application and contact the child's physician.  If approved, the Dream is arranged and delivered by Dream Committee members.  We are only allowed to grant a child's wish; we are not allowed to grant medical aid or equipment. 

All members of the Dream Factory Committees are volunteers, enabling 90% of all funds raised to be available for granting dreams to children in our area.  5% goes to national Headquarters, and the remaining 5% is used for administration.

Every spring, a Wine and Food Taste is held with the South Central Chapter of the Kentucky Restaurant Association and other fundraisers are held throughout the year.  We also appreciate any fundraising assistance from individuals and organizations in our ten county area.

Each summer the Bowling Green Chapter sends approximately 4-8 children to Camp Rainbow for one week.  Located at the Land Between The Lakes, Camp Rainbow is fully equipped to handle handicapped children.  There is one counselor for every child.  Activities include swimming, fishing, arts and crafts, movies, magic shows, Ft. Campbell helicopters, discos, bike riding, and even Harley Davidson riders!  Because of their physical disabilities, most of these children have never been to a summer camp.  Once they have been, they are anxious to return the following year.

Please help The Dream Factory by spreading our story so that we may grant dreams to all the special children in our area.  If you know of a child who might qualify as a Dream Factory candidate, please pass on this website.  For further information, please write or phone: