Dining for a dream: Little Sisters raise funds

The Little Sisters of the Pearls and Rubies plan to host other similar events.

By Gwen Daniels

Published Oct. 12, 2007

Granting a dream can be as easy as ordering a Chicken Fajita Rollup.

The Little Sisters of the Pearls and Rubies played host to a Dine to Donate fundraiser Thursday at Applebee's to benefit the Dream Factory, a national organization that fulfills the dreams of children with critical or chronic illnesses.

Next month, the group will play host to its annual Fall Ball as a fundraiser for the charity as well.

The Little Sisters is a service club at MU. Although the group was affiliated with FarmHouse fraternity, they split away last year to become an independent organization.

During the fall semester, the Little Sisters are dedicated to fundraising efforts for the Dream Factory.

Previously, the Dream Factory has granted wishes such as a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort, a meeting with NASCAR driver Carl Edwards and a gift of a pet horse, Fall Ball Advertising co-chairwoman Becca Allgire said.

The Little Sisters watched a movie and spoke with representatives from the Dream Factory to better appreciate the organization.

"You cry watching the video, hearing what they want to do and want to be," Little Sisters President Laura Blood said. "It pulls at the heartstrings."

Allgire said the club's philanthropic efforts benefit local children.

"We raise money that stays right in the Mid-Missouri chapter," she said.

The group started the fundraiser with the Dine to Donate event at Applebee's.

When customers presented the official flier to their server, 15 percent of their purchase was donated to the Dream Factory.

"We did have a lot of people come in who brought fliers," Allgire said. "People have been really nice."

The Little Sisters try to coordinate at least three Dine to Donate events each year, Blood said.

The group will sponsor a second Dine to Donate day at Shake's Frozen Custard on Saturday, Oct. 13. If a customer mentions the Little Sisters of the Pearls and Rubies, Shake's will donate 50 cents from the purchase to the Dream Factory.

The group hopes to hold another Dine to Donate event at Chevys Fresh Mex, Braun said.

The Fall Ball, held on Nov. 3 at the Holiday Inn Select, will also raise money for the Dream Factory.

The ball includes a formal dinner, a silent auction and a dance, said Fall Ball co-chairwoman Liz Braun.

A guest family will also share what the Dream Factory means to them, Allgire said.

Although the details of the auction are still being confirmed, Braun said she anticipates items will include several gift certificates for restaurants downtown as well as special date night and spa packages.

Braun said the ball will be advertised with fliers and in MU Info, and she said they also hope to publicize the event on MUTV.

"People are getting to know what it is, and we try and get the word out as much as we can," Braun said.

Tickets are $25 and will be on sale Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Brady Commons.