Group forms to answer sick children's dreams

Thanks to a new organization, children with life-threatening illnesses in Yuma County have reason to start smiling big - and dreaming even bigger.

Catch a Dream of Yuma County was founded several months back by a small group of Yuma residents who say they can't imagine a better joy than making a sick child's greatest wish come true.

"Not every kid is dealt a good hand," said Jon Pitts, the group's president. "Some kids are dealt a pretty bad hand and hopefully we can get a smile out of them. Maybe we can give them some happiness and try to fulfill a dream they have."

The new organization operates much like the well-known Make-A-Wish-Foundation. Catch a Dream of Yuma County will raise funds through donations and fun charity events, then offer its dream-making magic on an application basis. Even though the group became an official 501(c)3 nonprofit only three months ago, Catch a Dream of Yuma County has already staged and received several fundraising events and granted two dreams.

"People have been excited to hear that we have started our organization and responding to our community's needs," Pitts said. "A lot of people just want to jump on board and get involved. The support we've received has been fantastic."

The first child to have a dream come true through the new organization was Richie Gerber, a 3-year-old Yuma child diagnosed with leukemia. Gerber's dream is to visit Disneyland. He is the son of of Richard and Sara Gerber, who applauded Catch a Dream for its work.

"Although you never want your child to be in a situation where they are faced with a life-threatening disease, it is very nice to know that there are people and organizations that recognize these children for all their strength and perseverance," Sara Gerber said.

"My husband and I are very grateful for allowing our son, Richie Gerber, to be one of the recipients for Catch a Dream. We know that this experience will bring joy, happiness and wonderful memories for our whole family."

The second recipient was a teen who dreamed of having his own laptop. The teen's identity was not released by the organization, which had not been given permission to release details to the media.

Catch a Dream of Yuma County was founded by Pitts, president; Johnny Grable, vice president; and Ray Butcher, treasurer. Grable was the longtime owner of Johnny's TV and Electronics, while Butcher is a retired athletic director for Arizona Western College.

Pitts works as a sales center manager for Coca-Cola, which he describes as a founding sponsor for Catch a Dream of Yuma County.

Pitts explained that he and his fellow founders not only wanted to create an organization with Catch a Dream's goals, but to create a group with a strict local focus, as well.

"We just felt Yuma was big enough to support its own organization. Also, instead of sending money out of town, we thought money being raised here locally should stay here."

He added that a grassroots operation and such a close rein on the money also amount to better use of donations.

"All of our time and efforts are volunteer. There are no salaries or wages or free perks. One hundred percent of the money we raise goes to fulfill the dreams of kids with life-threatening illnesses."

Business owners Bryce and Becky Zeller put on a motorcycle run for Catch a Dream of Yuma County in March. The goal was to raise some start-up funds, which amounted to an impressive $10,000.

The Zellers are planning another motorcycle run on Dec. 6. That's the same date for a benefit golf tournament at Cocopah Bend RV and Golf Resort.

Another big fundraiser under the group's belt was made possible after Outback Steakhouse donated 150 meals. "We were able to sell tickets for those and raise a quick $3,000," Pitts said.

The Yuma Jaycees Foundation donated another $1,000 in start-up funds.

Catch a Dream of Yuma County is open to kids ages 3 through 18. Applications must include certification from a doctor that a child does indeed have a life-threatening illness.

The group hasn't set a goal for how many dreams it would like to answer per year. That number depends on donations.

"Obviously we don't want to turn away anyone if we don't have to," Pitts said. "What we don't want is to get overwhelmed, where we don't have enough to help these kids out. We're still growing. We're still trying to build up a war fund, as I call it."

Pitts added that he knows Yuma will come through with donations, however. He said this community always answers the call.

"I just feel that Yuma is very special community in how everyone helps each other. I've seen what this community has done for families when a crisis happens. This community always pulls together."

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Darin Fenger can be reached at dfenger@yumasun.com or 539-6860.