DREAM Mascot Shares Details About Coast-2-Camp Fundraiser

If you ask Artie, “What’s the best part of Coast-2-Camp?,” he would say it’s celebrating the fifth anniversary of this fundraiser and introducing the DREAM Scholarship Fund! Artie, the artist, is this year's Coast-2-Camp expert, leading the way in the exciting journey to camp in the virtual race taking off across the country. We sat down with the Coast-2-Camp mascot to get a deeper look into the epic journey that takes place during our favorite fundraiser of the year. Knowing that DREAM raised almost $70k last year, I was excited to hear about what's new for this year. 

Q: Artie, what is Coast-2-Camp and how is DREAM shaking things up this year? 

A: Coast-2-Camp is one of my FAVORITE things EVER!!! 🎉 It’s DREAM’s super fun online fundraiser, and it’s like playing a giant board game! Imagine Candy Land, but instead of candy, you’re traveling across the country! Each DREAM site goes on an adventure, stopping at cool places until they reach Camp DREAM. This year is EXTRA awesome because at each stop, they’ll meet some of my friends who hop on the journey too. I heard Coast-2-Camp was a BLAST last year, so this year we’re making it even MORE fun!!

Q: When is Coast-2-Camp and can you tell me more about the virtual game? 

A: Coast-2-Camp starts on February 1st and ends on April 1st—that’s LOTS of time for fun! 🚌 During the fundraiser, everyone at DREAM works together to raise money and complete challenges. Every site has a virtual bus, and when they reach their goals, the bus moves on the map! I even drew the maps myself. The buses travel to awesome places like San Francisco and the Grand Canyon! On the way, they’ll pick up my friends—chefs, doctors, and other super cool helpers—who show kids like me that we can be ANYTHING when we grow up!

Q: What is the DREAM Scholarship Fund and why should people donate to DREAM to support this cause? 

A: The DREAM Scholarship Fund helps DREAMers go to school and chase their BIG dreams! 🎓✨ DREAM already helps kids by giving them mentors and friends who believe in them, and now scholarships help even more. When people donate, they’re helping kids learn, grow, and feel supported. It’s like giving a giant high-five and saying, “YOU GOT THIS!”

Q: And I heard it’s DREAM’s fifth year doing this fundraiser. How does the DREAM Scholarship Fund play a role in that?

A: Yep—it’s the FIFTH YEAR!! 🥳 That’s like a birthday party! The DREAM Scholarship Fund has been getting ready for a long time. DREAM Alumni helped come up with the idea because they wanted kids to keep getting help even after DREAM. As one of the mascots, I’m SO excited to help spread the word and lead this adventure. Every dollar helps us get closer to helping more DREAMers reach their goals!

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share? How can people support Coast-2-Camp? 

A: Yes!! Anyone can help Coast-2-Camp! You can tell your friends, your family, your neighbors, and maybe even your dog 🐶. Starting February 1st, people can donate on our fundraising page. You can also follow along on Instagram to see where the buses are and cheer everyone on. Every cheer, share, and dollar helps DREAMers have brighter, happier futures! 🌈💙