CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Dream Factory began in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, in 1980, and was followed in 1981 by a chapter in Clarksville. While the Hopkinsville chapter closed a few years later, today there are 37 chapters in 16 states, with our group right here in Clarksville being the oldest Dream Factory chapter in the nation.

Jereme Miner, area coordinator for the Dream Factory of Clarksville said his mother, Diane Miner, worked at the children’s clinic in Clarksville in the early 1980s, and one of the young boys she worked with who was ill told her he wanted to go to Disney World, but his parents said they couldn’t afford it.

Diane Miner had heard about the Dream Factory in Hopkinsville, and they were contacted for help. The Hopkinsville organization sponsored the child, and shortly after that the Dream Factory of Clarksville was born. That effort led to the first Camp Rainbow, which started in 1983 and is the largest event held each year by the local organization.

To support Camp Rainbow, the Beaver 100.3 Camp Rainbow Radiothon is coming up Thursday and Friday, Feb. 16 and 17, from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. each day. Join Beaver 100.3 on-air personalities and their guests and help make dream come true by donating during the radiothon.

Last year, the radiothon raised over $65,000 for Camp Rainbow. Call 931-648-7721, or text CAMP to 43414 to make a donation.

What Dream Factory does

Over their many years the Dream Factory in Clarksville has granted more than 200 dreams for children ages 3-18. The organization serves Clarksville-Montgomery County and the surrounding Tennessee counties.

“Obviously people trust us to be able to do it,” said Susie Yonkers, one of the local volunteers. “It’s satisfying personally to know that the kids we get to meet, whether it’s through Camp Rainbow or the doctors that refer them, that we’re doing something in the hopes of making their lives better.”

In addition to Camp Rainbow, just a few of the dreams the organization has granted over the years include building a tree house for a local youngster, trips to Disney World, shopping trips, swing sets, computers, hot air balloon rides, and a service dog.

Miner said there have also been dreams involving celebrities, like comedian Bill Murray appearing at a Clarksville High School graduation, a visit to meet actor David Hasselhoff, and a meeting with race car driver Dale Earnhardt.

To learn more about the Dream Factory of Clarksville, submit a youngster’s name for a dream, make a donation, or become a volunteer, visit dreamfactoryinc.org.

HOW TO HELP: For more information on local charities, go to #ClarksvilleStrong.