Butterfly Dreams, Inc.

Butterfly Dreams is a nonprofit organization which provides an opportunity for girls, women, boys and men with significant intellectual disabilities/developmental delays to participate in both an annual pageant and numerous yearly activities promoting the event. Our goal is to give every participant their moment to stand in the spotlight, showcase their abilities and not be defined by their disabilities. Every participant will receive an accolade; a medal of participation for the boys/men, and a trophy and tiara for the girls/women. In short, each participant will be provided that "Miss or Mr. America" moment.

Our vision also involves support from the community. A young man or woman, (known as Pageant PALs) will be assigned for each participant, to escort them through the event. These young ladies and gentlemen will preferably be working towards a career in Special Education, Speech Pathology or related field and come from the local colleges. This provides the students with real world experience, along with the promotion of inclusion and acceptance. Our hope is that our participants and pals will develop a friendship that extends beyond the borders of this day.

We also want our participants to feel value in the community that supports them, and to realize the blessings they truly have been given. To expand upon this idea, instead of an entry fee, we request that each participant bring an unwrapped toy to donate to the Marines “Toys for Tots” mission. This brings a whole new awareness of people helping people.

Butterfly Dreams is a journey of learning life skills and developing pride in self for all its participants and volunteers.