James River Blog

James River Equipment Teams Up With Dream on 3

JRE Joins With Many Others to Raise Money for Children

On January 29th, Dream On 3, a charity dedicated to creating sports-related experiences for children and young adults with life-altering conditions, held its 3rd Annual Gala. The event was packed with over 700 attendees at Founders Hall in Charlotte, NC. The evening ended with smiles all around after revealing the total of $1,111,879 in donations this year, the most they’ve ever made.

Dream on three was founded in 2012 by Brandon and Elizabeth Lindsey. Brandon works for Hoopaugh Grading one of the largest and fastest-growing licensed grading contractors in the Charlotte Metro Area. After having an idea while in a weekly production meeting with Brandon, he shared his thoughts with Elizabeth; they were both inspired to make a difference in families’ lives. Through his contacts within the construction industry, he was able to gain support and able to make kids’ dreams come true. Since the first three dreams granted in 2013, the organization has made over 70 dreams come true and expanded into the Atlanta, DC, and Denver area.

Dream On 3 creates a unique, multi-day experience tailored for each Dream Kid and their favorite athlete, team, or sporting event. In addition, the Dream Kids' favorite foods and activities are included during the experience for some added fun. Each Dream Experience begins with a V.I.P. send-off before they are whisked away to kickoff their multi-day experience.

James River Equipment (JRE) was introduced to Dream on 3 five years ago when Hoopaugh Grading Company shared with us about the wonderful things they were doing for all children with life-altering challenges. JRE was then asked to join them at one of their fundraisers, a sporting clay shoot that turned into an annual event, and then asked us to join them at the annual Gala.

Through fundraising efforts such as the clay shoot and a 5K walk/run/bike, silent auction, and partner donations, JRE got down to business to make some dreams come true! They were able to raise over $400,000 to create experiences of joy, hope, and encouragement for children with life-altering conditions through the world of sports.

Because of all the great sponsors, James River Equipment won the "Queen City Business of the Year Award", an award given to the business that raised the most significant amount. Terry Thomas, Executive Vice President at JRE, accepted the award on behalf of JRE and was passionately involved in the fundraising process.

"They understand how kids look up to their sports heroes and how getting VIP treatment and being able to spend time with these heroes can make them forget about their troubles for just a couple of days," Thomas talks about the Lindsey’s passion for Dream On 3's mission statement.

We want to thank our partners and sponsors: Steve Fleming, Yarbrough Transfer Company (Brent Jacques), Morbark, LLC (Jeanne Maddox), Todd Bowman, Diamond Mowers (Cindy Newman), Concrete Supply, HGC and Supporters, DR Horton, Ecoverse, Epiroc, Rockland Manufacturing Co, Tag Manufacturing Inc., Wirtgen America Inc., Bergmann Americas, Storm Karlsen (FSG), Hoopaugh Grading, Company LLC, Data Directions Inc, Windstream, Felco, Adkins Truck Equipment Company, and Blair Construction.

A big thank you to those who helped spread the word: Joey Logano, Kyle Seager, and Cory Seager.

Getting involved and bringing dreams to life for a child with a life-altering condition can change your life! Join the family by donating, hosting a fundraiser, or sponsoring a Dream Experience! If you are the parent or guardian of a child that meets our medical criteria, please get in touch with your healthcare team or child life specialist to assist you with the next steps.

Resources to Know More:

Dream on 3

Dream Kids