Dream Foundation on Oct. 6 will host its fifth annual Endless Summer Dream fundraiser with fashion partner Oscar de la Renta. The house will present couture-inspired ready-to-wear looks in the iconic style once adored by Jacqueline Kennedy and now interpreted for the modern woman to the acclaim of the world’s fashion press.
Dream Foundation is the only national dream-granting organization for terminally-ill adults.
Nearly 10 years ago, Oscar de la Renta himself helped Dream Foundation bring light and life to a final Dream for LaToya. LaToya always believed she would grow up to be a designer but a terminal diagnosis at the age of 25 abruptly ended her journey and left her to dream about a New York Fashion Week rendezvous.
With little time left, Dream Foundation arranged a trip for LaToya and her sister Naima to New York, including a whirlwind of runway shows and a special meet-and-greet with her idol, de la Renta. He spent three hours talking with LaToya and her sister as he fitted models for his show.
“He was kind, gentle, and showered us with gifts,” LaToya said when she returned home. “This Dream revived my spirits.”
“Oscar de la Renta’s kindness will forever be remembered and cherished,” said Kisa Heyer, Dream Foundation’s CEO. “It reminds us that even the smallest gestures make a world of difference at the end of life. We are honored to celebrate 25 years of Dream fulfillment with such an iconic, thoughtful brand.”
Held at the polo estate of Ursula and Pat Nesbitt in Summerland, overlooking the ocean, celebrities, special guests and foundation supporters will gather to enjoy food and wine from the region’s top restaurants and wineries, while enjoying live entertainment.
The Endless Summer Dream event is designed to raise awareness and funds to continue the pivotal role Dream Foundation plays in end-of-life care. More than 32,000 Dreams have been served over the last 25 years.
Tickets for Endless Summer Dream are available for purchase.
The New York-based Oscar de la Renta house, which was established in 1965 by its namesake, is currently under the creative direction of Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia.
The house produces women’s shoes, handbags, jewelry, eyewear, bridal wear, childrenswear, home décor and fragrance, in addition to its signature women’s ready-to-wear collection.
Dream Foundation receives no state or federal funding, relying solely on private donations. To support its mission, visit DreamFoundation.org/donate.
— Dani Cordaro for Dream Foundation.