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Job Posting: Program Coordinator, Part-Time

The Day Dreams Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit established in 2014 that works to eliminate financial barriers to participating in extracurricular activities and promotes healthy life styles, goal setting, academics, teamwork and respect for others. The foundation awards scholarships to children from lower-income families to participate in extracurriculars. To date, the organization has awarded more than $100,000 to more than 300 kids in Columbia. Children that qualify for free or reduced lunch at school are eligible to receive scholarship funding.

Day Dreams Foundation is seeking to hire our first staff member to coordinate our scholarship program. Our ideal candidate is organized, passionate about kids, self-motivated, and reliable.

Duties may include:

  • Staff and organize the equipment closet
  • Process scholarship applications
  • Answer phone/return calls
  • Serve as primary point of contact for families
  • Prepare applications for review by program committee
  • Meet with families to award scholarships and follow up with families
  • Keep our online database and paper records organized
  • Post about scholarship meetings on social media
  • Coordinate planning of activity fair/equipment resale
  • Enter new donations into online database
  • Help write donor thank you notes
  • Oversee a team of Service Learning Students from University of Missouri
  • Staff events in the community to promote scholarships
  • Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, basic computer literacy, and organization skills
  • High school diploma
  • Ability to work without direct supervision

Job Type: Part-time, average of 10 to 15 hours per week

Hours will be flexible, however candidate must have some availability between 9 and 5 during the week to staff the office and oversee student volunteers. Ideal candidate would have some flexibility in their schedule to meet with families to award scholarships.

Pay: $14-$16 per hour, depending on experience

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Joe Bradley at joe@daydreamsfoundation.org.

 

2018 Service Learning Team

Marketing Team:

 

Brian2.0Brian Baker

Hello my name is Brian Baker and I am from Columbia, Missouri.  I am currently a freshman at the University of Missouri studying Business with an emphasis in Accounting.  Here at Mizzou I am a member of the Cornell Leadership Program through the Trulaske College of Business. I am also an active member of Beta Theta Pi and play on the Mizzou Club Tennis team. I chose to serve at Day Dreams Foundation because I have seen a real need in the Columbia Public School district and beyond for a program like this that provides funds for students’ extracurriculars.  I hope to aid in the success of this organization in any way possible because I believe in its mission.

 

 

 

AmitAmit Bhagat

My name is Amit Bhagat and I am a junior studying Business at the University of Missouri. I am emphasizing in Management and will be assisting with marketing accepts at Day Dreams this semester. I’m looking forward to working towards starting my career in the business world and I am thrilled to be doing my service learning project with Day Dreams Foundations because I believe they are supporting a great cause.

 

 

 

 

Fundraising Team:

 

Emilie2.0Emilie Ascencio

My name is Emilie Ascencio and I’m currently a junior International Business student with both an emphasis in Spanish and Finance. I’ve loved my past 3 years here at Mizzou and spend a lot of my time participating in organizations around campus like Mizzou Alternative Breaks or hanging out with my brothers in our honors fraternity, Phi Sigma Pi. I decided to volunteer at Day Dreams because I know how much I benefited from extracurriculars as a kid, and I want every child to have that same opportunity.

 

 

 

 

 

Nathan

Nathan Sims

My name is Nathan Sims. I am from Centralia, Missouri. I am currently a freshman at the University of Missouri studying accounting. After college, I plan to open my own accounting practice in Missouri. In my free time, I love to go mountain biking at Rock Bridge state park or backpacking with friends. I chose to do my service project at Day Dreams Foundation because I loved getting to participate in sports from elementary school all through high school and feel that every child should get that opportunity.

 

 

 

JustinJustin Davenport

My name is Justin Davenport, and I am from O’Fallon, Missouri.  I am a sophomore at the University of Missouri, and am majoring in Accounting.  I play Ultimate Frisbee recreationally in my spare time, and enjoy playing any kinds of games with my friends.  I chose to do my service learning at the Day Dreams Foundation because I believe that all people should have an opportunity to try out new sports and games, even if they don’t necessarily have a lot of money.  Sports were a huge part of my life growing up, and I don’t want anyone to be denied the opportunity for that also, so I want to raise money for as money people as possible with the help of this organization.

 

 

 

KristenKristen Ross

Hello, my name is Kristen Ross and I am from the small town of Grant City, Missouri. I am currently a freshman at the University of Missouri studying business with an emphasis in marketing. I love being involved on campus especially within the College of Business, and I love exploring the city of Columbia whenever I can. I decided to volunteer with the Day Dreams Foundation because I gained a lot of meaningful experiences from participating in different types of extracurricular activities growing up and I want to help offer that same opportunity to other kids.

 

 

 

NicolasNicolas Cirese

Hello, my name is Nicolas Cirese but I usually go by Nic. I am from Kansas City, Missouri and I am a junior at the University of Missouri studying business finance with an interest in real estate. I am also a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and the Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity. I plan to be a real estate attorney, investor and a financial advisor. I chose to do my service learning with Day Dreams Foundation because I know how important extra curricular activities were for me growing up and I wanted to be able to help other kids be able to participate in extra curricular activities. I think it promotes a healthy lifestyle and I hope I’m able to spread the word about Day Dreams Foundation.

 

 

 

TyreeTyree Davis

My name is Tyree Davis and I am a junior at the University of Missouri studying Business (Finance). I am on the executive board of the National Association of Black Accountants and I am also a Vasey Scholar. I have aspirations of becoming a financial advisor or dwelling into investment real estate. I chose to do my service with the Day Dreams Foundation because I want kids to be active and get involved into different activities.

 


 

 

 

 

An Unexpected CoMoGives Gift

As I sit here typing this note in the Day Dreams Foundation office, listening to Christmas music and preparing for the holidays, I find myself more inspired than ever. The giving spirit is truly alive and well in our community and in our country.

Since founding the Day Dreams Foundation back in September 2014, I have had many people ask me what the key was to launching a new organization. I have always emphasized the importance of friends and family, because in the early months and years, they are going to be your main supporters – both emotionally and financially. Our first board was made up of six of my best friends who had a passion for kids. Our first donors were all individuals we knew personally.

However, in order for an organization our size to grow, we were always going to have to expand outside of our inner circles. But that’s what has given me so much inspiration today. Each time we receive a donation to our CoMoGives campaign, I receive an email notification. Each time it’s like receiving a Christmas present. I get excited when I see the little icon pop up alerting me to a new email in my Day Dreams account and can’t wait to unwrap it. Like in years past, there are many gifts from friends and family, both mine and of our board members. These will always be special, in the way that only gifts from your close friends and family who know you best can be. Knowing that your friends and family have your back is always a tremendous motivator. But sometimes it’s the gifts that you didn’t expect to receive that can really blow you away.

On Saturday as I was taking a break from decorating the house with my wife, I looked at my phone — my Christmas spirit ticked up a notch as I saw a CoMoGives donation notification. I immediately recognized the name of the donor who made a generous $100 gift, but I was a bit confused. The named matched that of a high school classmate that I had not spoken to in 10 years. Even in high school, we never hung out outside of school. I quickly looked him up on Facebook to see if the donor’s current state of residence matched his current residence — it did. I can’t adequately describe how moved I was in that moment. A person I had not spoken to in 10 years, that lived in a state that the Day Dreams Foundation does not serve, made a $100 investment in a Columbia, Missouri child.

The donation reminded me of the beginnings of the Day Dreams Foundation back in the summer of 2014 when I launched a GoFundMe page to cover my Little Brother’s football registration fee. Within 24 hours of posting the link, six donors came forward to help us reach our goal. Once again, it was several friends and family members. But there was also a donation of someone I met while working at the student newspaper in college that I had not spoken to in years. It was that generosity from not only close friends, but even casual acquaintances that convinced me there would be enough support to launch the Day Dreams Foundation.

There are many other stories of donors this month that have inspired me as well. One of our board member’s sisters who recently graduated from college and convinced several of her friends to donate $10 each. Another board member offered to run a full marathon if we reached our goal. Former co-workers have continued to overwhelm me with their support.

As of writing, we have received 54 donations totaling $1,925 to our CoMoGives campaign. That puts us on track to reach our $3,500 goal from 100 donors. We are also close to already topping last year’s total of 57 donors and $2,050. But we need your help. We are quickly running out of close family and friends we can ask to donate. We need this campaign to spread outside of our circles. Even if you are not able to donate yourself, please consider sharing the link with your friends and family.

If you would like to donate, or share the link, visit: https://comogives.com/product/day-dreams-foundation-2/

Thank you for all of your support thus far! We are excited to help even more kids in 2018 participate pursue their extracurricular dreams!

Merry Christmas!

Sincerely,

Joe Bradley, Founder and President
Day Dreams Foundation

2017 Service Learning Team

Marketing:

 

senior pictureMy name is Alexandra O’Haro but I go by Rose. I am from Columbia, Missouri and I am a sophomore at the University of Missouri studying Business (Marketing) with a minor in Textile and Apparel Management. I am also in Phi Mu sorority and I hold the position of Favors Assistant. I hope to work in high end design as my career either on the design or business side. I chose to do my service learning with Day Dreams Foundation because I love kids and I love how Day Dreams Foundation encourages (and provides scholarships for) kids to participate in activities that could potentially be life changing!

 

 

 

 

FullSizeRender (3)My name is Hannah Schuchts. I am from Tallahassee, Florida and I am a Junior at the University of Missouri. I am majoring in Business with an emphasis in Marketing. I am also a member of the Women’s Basketball team here at the University. I plan to work in the marketing industry and learn more about sales and advertising in addition. I chose to do my service learning project with Day Dreams Foundation because I loved the cause and wanted to be able to help raise awareness for such a great organization in our community.

 

 

 

Fundraising

Screen Shot 2017-10-30 at 1.39.00 PMHello, my name is Natalie Dickerson I am from Poplar Bluff, Missouri. I am currently a sophomore at the University of Missouri and a member of the sorority Sigma Sigma Sigma. I am a business major with an emphasis in marketing. My dream job someday would to be to own my own boutique, I would love a job where I can get to know people and talk to to new people every day. I am excited to be doing my service learning at the Day Dreams Foundation because I think the scholarships they offer give the children great opportunities, and allow them to pursue activities they are passionate about. I think the little things in life make big impacts and I believe the things Day Dreams Foundation are doing in these children’s life are going to leave lasting impressions.

 

 

 

 

Screen Shot 2017-10-30 at 1.41.09 PMMy name is Abigail Stewart. I am currently a Junior at the University of Missouri pursuing a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and a minor in Entrepreneurship. I am am originally from Denver, Colorado, but chose to come to Mizzou to get out of my comfort zone and expand my horizon. I decided to do my service learning project with Day Dreams Foundation because I have always loved kids and wanted to help impact the community in a positive way.

 

 

 

 

 

Screen Shot 2017-10-30 at 1.42.28 PMMy name is Dillon Heeb and I am from St. Louis, Missouri. I am a junior at the University of Missouri studying Business Marketing. I plan to work in the sports marketing industry hopefully with a professional sports team. I chose to do my service learning with Day Dreams Foundation because I believe that every kid, no matter what, should have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities that can allow them to develop as individuals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Screen Shot 2017-10-30 at 1.43.47 PMMy name is David Goddard and I’m a junior at Mizzou. I’m from Bowling Green Missouri. I previously attended McHenty County College to play baseball before attending Mizzou. I am currently on the bass fishing team here at Mizzou and I am majoring in finance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Screen Shot 2017-10-30 at 1.44.59 PMMy name is Richard Downs but I go by Tanner. I am from Kansas City and am currently a senior studying finance at the University of Missouri. After school, I want to get into corporate finance on the west coast. I chose to do my service project at Day Dreams Foundation because I loved participating in sports when I was a kid, and wanted to help other children do something I enjoyed so much.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Screen Shot 2017-10-30 at 1.50.41 PMHi my name is Kelsey Fagin. I am from Fenton, Missouri right outside of St. Louis. I’m a sophomore at the University of Missouri studying Business with an emphasis in marketing. I chose to do my service with Day Dreams Foundation because I love working with kids and I believe being active and involved in something outside of the classroom is something all children should have the opportunity to do so.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Screen Shot 2017-10-30 at 1.52.06 PMMy name is Kaley Lammert and I am an Administrative Assistant at the Day Dreams Foundation this semester. I am from Lake St. Louis, MO and I am a junior Business Management student at Mizzou. In my free time, I love to spend time with my family and friends, go hiking, and try new restaurants. I chose to work with the Day Dreams foundation because I love the work that they do. I believe that every child deserves the chance to pursue the things that interest them without having to worry about finances. Providing that opportunity makes a huge impact in the life of a child.

 

 

 

 

Screen Shot 2017-10-30 at 1.46.31 PMMy name is Jack Wooldridge and I’m a senior currently completing my major in Business Management with my capstone in entrepreneurship. I grew up in Naperville Illinois, a suburb of Chicago and have two siblings, including a twin. In my free time I enjoy going out with friends, playing rec sports, and spending time outdoors either hiking or running. When I’m not in class or doing school work I spend my time bartending over at Harpo’s Bar and Grill. I chose to volunteer over at Day Dreams Foundation because I love kids and I feel that no child should ever be denied the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities while growing up. Sports were a huge part of my life growing up and it puts a smile on my face to see others experience the same enjoyment that I had.

 

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Trivia Night Recap

On Thursday night, the Day Dreams Foundation hosted our first public event and fundraiser, a Trivia Night at Columbia Country Club. When our board of directors began planning this trivia night in late October, we figured we could get enough of our friends in the door to raise a few hundred dollars. As I looked out on the packed ballroom of people Thursday night, the most encouraging sight to see was that I only recognized about half the faces in the room. In just a little more than two months, the word about our organization and trivia night had spread far enough to fill a room. Friends drove in from St. Louis just to support our cause. By the end of the night, after paying for our expenses, we had brought in north of $2,500 for the Day Dreams Foundation. It was almost overwhelming and I don’t think I’ve ever been more proud to be a part of something.

The Trivia Night consisted of 10 categories with 10 questions each. Topics ranged from kids’ movies and books to Missouri sports and logos. The winning team was “Fat People are Harder to Kidnap” led by our good friend Scott Evans who has MC’d the trivia nights at Quinton’s for the past two years. They chose the Shakespearience for eight as their prize. In second place was “Team Ellen Rocks” made up of several staff members at the St. Thomas More Newman Center. They won a VIP Tour and Tasting for 10 and eight bottles of wine from Les Bourgeois Vineyards. Liz Raine was the winner of the Heads/Tails game and took home a $50 Shakespeare’s Pizza gift certificate and t-shirt. Board member Kelley Burns won the 50/50 raffle and generously donated the $140 prize back to the foundation.

A special thanks goes out to the companies who sponsored a round: Kilgore’s Medical Pharmacy (2 rounds), Veteran’s United, St. Thomas More Newman Center and the Order of Dominicans. Also, thank you to the following businesses/individuals/organizations for donating prizes and/or silent auction items: Shakespeare’s Pizza, Les Bourgeois Vineyards, Columbia Country Club, Mo X, Plume, Missouri River Wine Trail, Socket, Gunter Hans, Missouri Bacon and Bourbon Festival, Canvas on Broadway, Randy and Meg Lang, and Kaye Huch. Finally, thank you to our amazing board of directors who worked incredibly hard to make the trivia night possible.

With the money we raised, the Day Dreams Foundation is excited to get to work now getting our applications for scholarships into the hands of the kids who need it. As fun as it is to bring in money, we can’t wait to give it away! If you know of a child you think would qualify for one of our scholarship, please let them know about the Day Dreams Foundation. Thank you again to everyone who made our first fundraiser such a success!

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Trivia Night

We are excited to announce that our Kickoff Fundraiser will be a Trivia Night on Thursday, December 4! The event will be held in the ballroom at Columbia Country Club.Doors will open at 6 p.m. with trivia starting at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $200 per team (max of 8 players). Individuals may sign up for $25 and will be placed on a team. Sign up is available online HERE.

Appetizers are included and there will be a cash bar available. Trivia will consist of ten rounds of ten questions each. There will be a prize for the winning team as well as raffle prizes and silent auction items.

We are also looking for event sponsors. The presenting sponsorship is available for $500 or you can sponsor a round for $100. If you are interested in a sponsorship or have any questions about the event, please contact daydreamsfoundation@gmail.com.

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