Local Oswego Girl with a BIG Dream (for someone else)

I am reaching out in the community of Oswego for help and
guidance to make my daughter’s dream of helping others come true. Her idea is
to start an organization to do complete room makeovers- for free- for a child
in need. 

Please take a moment to read the shortened version of our story, and then check our website for additional information.

My 10 year old daughter, Brooke, (she was 9 at the time) wanted to have a
"serious talk" with me. She had been to a presentation at her school that
would raise money for children with Leukemia. They had described the horrors of the disease and it had a lasting impact on her. She told me with tears in her
eyes, she wanted to help children like that. She said she was frustrated because she didn't know what she could do. Of course my first reaction was to encourage her to do anything she wanted to do, and I told her if she tried hard, anything is possible. I have always been amazed with children who start their own little "company" or organization. I told her about a few I remembered seeing recently, and I encouraged her to think of something she wanted to do and I would help her figure out the details.

It was a long night talking and brainstorming, until she finally came up with the idea of doing bedroom makeovers for children in need. I was definately on board with this- my background is interior design and remodeling. I am very excited that my daughter is as passionate about helping those in need! Since I have the means to help her do this project, I told her that if we could get the support of others in our community, maybe we could keep it going, one “dream room” at a time.  She decided to call it “Brooke’s Dream Room”. 

Now I have to make this happen! I have been developing this plan with my daughter, and it has been slow moving since I do run a design business full time. Brooke has been involved in 95% of the operations, from addressing and stamping envelopes, to writing letters, to editing the website and Facebook page. Somedays I feel like doing the work because it would be faster or more efficient, but I hold back- I really want this to be about one kid helping another. I think it will mean more to Brooke, the child she helps, and also be a great role model for other kids who may be inspired to make a difference.

This has been something I can't help but feel passionate about, and I want to see the idea succeed.  The thought of this dream becoming reality and the difference it will make to the child AND their parent will be so fulfilling. I know there are many people out there who are in need and probably drowning in debt due to any number of illnesses. We really want to help give them something to smile about. 

Everyday Brooke checks her Facebook page for "Brooke's Dream Room" to see how many "likes" she has and asks if anyone has called in response to the 150 letters we sent out to Oswego businesses last month. I am sad to say, I have only gotten one call from Rick Kuhn, owner of RJ Kuhn in Oswego. I also got a promise of a donation from 12/12 Architects & Planners in Downers Grove (she is my former teacher from college).

We have many people interested in donating labor to make this happen. Now we need the funding. I have calculated a $50 donation from each of the 150 businesses we sent letters to would give us enough money to get our first room completed.

We are not looking to do an elaborate make over- only a beautiful, out of the ordinary room. New paint and lighting, new bedding, curtains, lamps, a dresser and nightstands, a rug, some storage, etc... depending on what is needed. Painting donated furniture would even be an option if we are short on donations- no matter what, we want to see at least one room get done. There is no way I can tell my daughter I give up, even if I wanted to- but I don't! I am praying I can reach enough people to get the help I need. I know there are good people out there to help, it's just reaching them that is hard!

 Any donation, service, or gift certificate for supplies, bedding, furnishings, lighting, accessories, etc. would be helpful and mean so much to our efforts. If you can do something to help in anyway, it will be appreciated. Do you know someone who can help spread the word about our mission? Please let them know! This is a big undertaking, and without any responses I’m not sure it will be a success.

If there is a child you would like to nominate deserving a room makeover, email me or check our website for more details. You can find more information at: www.brookesdreamroom.org

Like Brooke's Page! Click below:

https://www.facebook.com/Brookesdreamroom?ref=hl

Please help spread the word and help us reach more people in the city of Oswego! We want to focus our first makeover in our hometown to do something great as a community effort.

Call Bree Hite for more information: 630-551-8118