By Lee Merrill
ll kids have dreams, but some need a little help making them happen. Dream Hunt Foundation, a Shreveport-based nonprofit, works their magic in a unique corner of the dream market. Their mission is to help kids and teens with special needs, chronic illness or underprivileged circumstances to fulfill their dream of going on the hunt of a lifetime. Founded in 2013, Dream Hunt exists because its founder believed all children should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of an org anized hunting or fishing experience.
Partnered with Shreveport’s Shriners Hospital, Dream Hunt goes out of their way to accommodate the unique needs of each child and to ensure each hunting or fishing trip is enjoyable, safe and memorable. The foundation’s board of directors reviews applications to select children who could benefit from a personalized hunt. Applicants must be between the ages of eight and 18. While many of the children have chronic illnesses or disabilities, others are children who have become disadvantaged due to circumstances such as losing a parent who was in military service. Volunteers help with every detail of the funding, planning and execution of each hunt. Each hunter has a guide and a cameraman to document the hunt. Landowners are also on hand to assist and supervise. The hunter is provided with basic firearm and hunting training and ample opportunity to have a successful experience. The animals are processed, and the families receive the meat, but the kids go home with much more: a love for the outdoors and the pride of a job well done.
Jeff Warren, the founder of Dream Hunt, started the foundation as a way to use his passion for hunting, fishing and the outdoors to do good for others. “In the 10 years we’ve been in operation, Dream Hunt has provided a hunt of a lifetime to more than 1,700 kids. We have over 900 volunteers across the country who help us make these hunts happen.” Currently, Dream Hunt has nine chapters in four states, but the news is spreading. Recently, Dream Hunt had a big fishing day for some students from Caddo Parish schools. A big hunt in Shreveport is planned for the weekend of Oct. 7-8. Dream Hunt Foundation is always on the lookout for kids who need this incredible opportunity. Applicants can be from anywhere in the United States.
As with any nonprofit, Dream Hunt depends on the generosity of donors and volunteers who share their land, equipment, expertise, money and time. One volunteer noted, “This hunt wasn’t just about the kids, it seemed to have a profound effect on the parents as well. It was great to see the emotional bond of the family that the hunt created.” Golf tournaments and other fundraising opportunities occur throughout the year. For more information about applying for a hunt or becoming involved as a volunteer or donor, visit dreamhunt.tv or their Dream Hunt Foundation page on Facebook.
