Dreaming of Three

11/05/2024

🌟 Together, We’re Making a Bigger Difference 🌟

Back in 2012 when I started Dreaming of Three, I would have never imagined how much it would have grown!

There have been ups and downs, and many times, I had no clue how I could continue to raise funds to keep everything afloat. What once worked in the beginning was no longer working due to algorithms.

Fast-forward to 2015, when I thought, "Let me grab all my Halloween decor from my kid's parties (they grew out of my antics) and put together a little barrel race with a costume contest." That first year was amazing! We had 300 or so in the Open and raised approximately $10,000! I was over the moon! DO3 could continue on! We could do more for each Rodeo Kid as well.

We kept growing every year since and a Dreaming of Three Scholarship Program was the next thing to help these families more. Many of the Rodeo Kids from the beginning were graduating high school, and headed off to college, so I wanted to keep supporting them. It started small, awarding two students with our Scholarship. Now because of your support through A Bucking Nightmare, we are offering $8,000 through our Scholarship and hope to keep growing there as well! When I read through their applications and their stories, my heart is so full of knowing all of our hard work is continuing to support these families!

This growth would not be possible without the kindness and compassion of our supporters. From all of us at Dreaming of Three, thank you for helping us bring light into the lives of families facing dark times. Together, we’re not just providing support and help—we’re building a network of support that gives families the strength and hope they need to keep moving forward during their fight and after!

💙

10/16/2024

Ruthie during her Grand Entry during A Bucking Nightmare! Although we couldn't hang out with Ruthie like we usually do at Rodeos, I hear she had an awesome time! She even ran in our Beginner Barrel Race (posted earlier)!

10/14/2024

This is one of our most important posts yet!

For our Annual Fundraiser, A Bucking Nightmare, we have to throw out the props to our DO3 Team for which we could not do this. Their travels range from 7 miles away to close to 350 miles. They travel to this event, knowing why it is done, expecting nothing in return, enjoying the company along with the long hour they get to spend with them.

Starting with our announcing team that keep things rolling throughout the weekend and keep you informed of everything.
Our announcer booth team that are up early and stay up late … Announcers Mari Guido and Jack Adelman ❤️❤️
Data entry Julie Simon Werntz and Kelsey Ritter
Data checker and keeping everyone on their toes Barb Conkle.
Carol Ann Ritter in the entry booth did an amazing job!

Barrel/pole setters Jacob Hoppel, Phil Cavanaugh and crew. These guys were on top of setting arena and handling knocks so we could move efficiently through over 1000 horses that ran this weekend!
The tractor driver ground maintainers…. Lora White, Nick Kaukonen and Mark Miller, they are on the tractors when you’re sleeping in the morning and still on them when you go to bed at night!!
The gate check in crew with ring leader and scheduler Cheyenne Honigman, Anita Honigman, Tammy Sutton, Shugie Stoneman, Stephanie Paige Dickey, Brittany Grata, Lydia Miller and I know I’m missing a few, please forgive us, you all handled things like bosses being up early and up late keeping horses moving fast in and out!!!!

Prep work prior to the event with Gina L, Abbie P, Julie W!
The wonderful friends that jumped in where needed to say, what can I do?! Alicia Z, Kelley J, Ashley T, Trysta T, our husbands Johnny and Sean for errand running and handling all asked! Handling exhibitions early in the day and late at night, Beth Ann, Lydia Miller with amazing Nate, Brittany Grata and wonderful Joe! You are all the best!!

Our amazing friend and co DO3 Jack Adelman that handled our Bakery fun and the wonderful people that all contributed with amazing desserts Beth Mc, Julie J, Sarah S, Tina M and again I’m sorry I know I missed some. Have to throw it out that Jack Ademans auctioneer skills were put into full force during our auction on Saturday. We wanted to help out another non-profit, charity, spurred to victory and the Wyant family help out some victims of the flooding and tragedies in North Carolina. We auctioned a cake. It was donated by Sarah and with the help of some amazing people, Autumn T, Lindy and an amazing gentleman I can find his name, raised 1250 for ONE cake to help The Wyatt’s to bring some help to flooding victims. We are so blessed with our horse world.

The donations for our chance and silent auction items continue to blow us away for the generous people who help us continue on year to year❤️

Our mission of helping make a relaxing day for a Rodeo kid fighting a life threatening disease is made up of SO many people! You all make us feel pride, make us realize the good in the world and on Sunday when we are exhausted, feel regenerated to do this again another year by the kind words and appreciation of how they enjoyed this event.

We are all exhausted and wanting to lay our heads on our pillows and will get things handled as soon as possible!

Our biggest thank you is to our show partner Bob Krough and the amazing continuing and new sponsors that…. Without you…. We could not do this.

Thank you all for all you do, the kindness and love that you show and above all for helping and being a part of Dreaming of Three and A Bucking Nightmare❤️❤️❤️

2025 …. We’re already in motion ❤️

Send a message to learn more

10/14/2024

Long heart feel good post! This weekend at A Bucking Nightmare Benefit Barrel Race, we had many amazing events going on at the same time.
While at the Spurred to Victory Ministry listening to Charlie speak and pass on his heartfelt sermon, heard from Charlie about his long week and his plans to head to help the NC flood victims and his passion of helping others sat heavy within me.
The Wyant family are planning on packing their 6 horse trailer with essential needs and stay a week to help in any way they are needed.
I had to jump arenas to see if I could be of use at the bake sale auction for A Bucking Nightmare. Arriving half way through, I noticed an amazing cake with chocolate and strawberries on it baked by Sarah Stanley. A thought flashed in my head that made me grab our auctioneer, Jack Adelman, and say hey…. Let’s auction this for Charlie to use for his trip to NC!! Jack had me give a quick sum up of what we’re doing and what this cakes purpose was for!
Jacks bidding climbed quicker than anyone could ever imagine with Autumn Thompson taking control of it ending the bid and winning with an amazing $510!! The wonderful lady bidding against Autumn, Lindy, yelled…. I will match it!!! We were all floored with tear of amazement in our eyes (by this time, Sarah Stanley and I stood crying with the love that filled the area! The ladies both said at the same time after their winning bids…. Sell it back!!!! 😳 😮
Once again, ole Jack does his job and bids the cake up to $230 from a generous man whose name I am waiting to snag!
Kevin Leslie and Abbey Parsons who were working the auction were so thrilled seeing this act of kindness!
That one cake brought$1250 with just a few words! These people are all hero’s! Thank you all who helped play a part in this act of compassion for others! Charlie…. Your family brought people together with your kindness and you didn’t even know it❤️❤️

10/12/2024

It’s race time!! Whoop whoop A Bucking Nightmare Benefit Barrel Race

10/01/2024

We used to love doing fund raisers with the sale of shirts to help such causes, however with changes on how posts are seen, we just have not been successful. But if you can help, please do so.

Send a message to learn more

09/23/2024

We have our next Rodeo Kid! Ruthie Hagerty! She chose our upcoming Fund Raising Show, A Bucking Nightmare for her "rodeo". Although it is not a typical rodeo, her and her sister just love this event, so we decided to honor her request!!

Below is her story from her mom:

Ruthie is 13 years old and has been a very active soccer player...she sustained a concussion on the field and complained of some soreness in her neck/clavicle area...I took her to the chiropractor thinking it would help and weeks later Ruthie informed me that she had a lump that I needed to feel...it was hard and wouldn't move, I knew it wasn't good! On February 15th of this year, Ruthie went to the pediatrician and was sent to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh to have imaging done of the lump...The imaging came back with multiple masses found and the doctors informed us that it was some type of lymphoma. The next morning she went for a biopsy...they were unable to put her under anesthesia because they said it was too risky as the mass above her clavicle was wrapped around her internal jugular vein...she went through the biopsy with local anesthetic! She was discharged the following day after...I had to learn to give her shots of blood thinner twice a day as she had a high risk of blood clots forming. It took around 2 weeks to get the results of her biopsy and she had a PET scan...Stage 4 Hodgkins lymphoma. She had surgery to place her port and chemo the following Monday. Ruthie endured 12 chemo treatments spaced 2 weeks apart. She handled it all with courage and grace...the chemo treatments would wipe her out for 3-5 days.

About half-way through she started losing her hair...this part was hard for a teenage girl! Ruthie didn't complain or say why me...she was just determined to beat it! On August 23rd we met with her oncologist after a repeat PET scan...this was the best day ever! Ruthie beat her cancer and she rang the bell!!

So, let's all celebrate with Ruthie at A Bucking Nightmare where you can meet her in person! If you would like to help us make Ruthie's weekend memorable, please reach out. Vendors you are certainly welcome to present Ruthie with any items you desire.

09/12/2024

A Bucking Nightmare Benefit Barrel Race!!!

Be sure to fill out your BONUS MONEY ENTRY FORM by NOON (CST on 10/12) for the $25,000 Future Fortunes' sidepot at the Dreaming of Three -Bucking Nightmare on October 12th.
https://www.jotform.com/app/future_fortunes_inc/bonus-money-form

Points earned from any Future Fortunes' OPEN Bonus Money event, including this one count towards the $60,000 Future Fortunes' HIGH POINT HORSE CHAMPIONSHIP! See more details here: http://www.futurefortunesinc.com/high-point-horse.../
For more information about the race: https://www.facebook.com/events/941037497525140

07/22/2024

So excited for this service to take place at A Bucking Nightmare 2024! If you’ve never had the opportunity to attend, you will definitely want to join with the Wyant Family and Charlie’s sermon❤️

07/08/2024

More photos of Dalton and his awesome grand entry from Zippin Photography at Hoppel's Arena Rodeo!

Thank you Morgan for being part of our team to give Dalton the best memories from his special night!

07/07/2024

What a night at the Hoppel's Arena Rodeo for Dalton and his family! Thank you to all that helped make Dalton's night memorable for him and his family!

He had an awesome victory lap on the dirtbike he rebuilt himself after a release to finally ride after 5 months. (His dad wanted to es**rt him in the arena and walk beside him, but Dalton did it his way and was awesome!).

07/07/2024

We celebrated with Dalton last night at the Hoppel’s Rodeo!

Dalton is 15 yo and we wanted to make sure he enjoyed every minute of his victory lap! We usually bring in our Rodeo Kids on a horse, wagon, truck, side by side. But with Dalton he was finally given all clear to ride his dirt bike after 5 months. (which he rebuilt himself! ). So what better way to ride into the arena on his first ride back than to have a sellout crowd cheer for him!

06/10/2024

So amazing that Jill LaBroski and Dechra Veterinary Products recognized what DO3 does and is one of the sponsors for A Bucking Nightmare! Thank you Jill for “always watching 😎”

Jill works for Dechra Veterinary Products as a Senior Territory Manager, and nominated DO3 to a US Regional Giving Committee.
Dechra employees get to submit their favorite non- profit charity organization to this committee with a write up of her connection to DO3 and why it is so important to her personally.

06/04/2024

Dreaming of Three is pleased to announce their 2024 Scholarship winners.

Gavin Moore of Bath, North Carolina, is the 2024 DO3 $2500 scholarship winner. Gavin was diagnosed with Pre B cell ALL Leukemia when he was two years old. Gavin has maintained a 3.9259 unweighted GPA throughout high school and will attend East Carolina University in the fall where he will major in biomedical engineering and then plans on attending medical school and becoming a pediatrician so that he can help children. Gavin has been accepted to both the Engineering School and Honors program at East Carolina University. He attended the Congress of Future Medical Leaders in Boston. Gavin volunteered at Ronald McDonald House and the Beaufort County Animal Control.

Anya Zvorsky of New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, is the DO3 $1500 scholarship winner. Anya was diagnosed with Anaplastic Ependymoma, a cancerous brain tumor, when she was three years old. Anya has maintained a 3.89 unweighted GPA throughout high school and will attend Geneva College in the fall where she will major in psychology with a career in neuropsychology so that she can help children with central nervous system disease or injury. Anya volunteered at Ronald McDonald House, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Caitlin’s Smiles, National Brain Tumor Society, Peace Promise and Pink Hands of Hope.

We, at DO3, wish these scholarship winners the best for their future endeavors.

05/20/2024

We have our next Rodeo Kid, Dalton Smith! Dalton will be our guest at the 2024 Hoppel's Championship Rodeo this year! We are excited to have him and to give his family a night full of family fun and without worry!

Below is a little bit about Dalton:

Daltons battle with cancer started in August of 2015 when he was 6 years old .He was diagnosed with medduloblastoma, a childhood cancer that develops in the cerebellum area of the brain. His tumor was removed at Pittsburgh Childrens Hospital, and he then had 32 rounds of radiation treatments to his brain and 10 to his Spine. After treatments, he was given a month to recover, and then he went through 7 months of chemotherapy. After the chemotherapy was finished, he was then monitored with MRIs every 3 months for 2 years, then every 6 months for 3 years. After 5 years of no signs of cancer, an MRI in September of 2021 showed some growth in the area of the original tumor site. He then had an MRI of spine that showed a large tumor on his spinal cord in his upper back and a smaller tumor near his tailbone region. After dismal discussions with his oncologist in Pittsburgh, we decided to leave there and come to the Mayo clinic in Minnesota for better quality of care. Once we arrived at the Mayo clinic, we were greeted by some of the world's best doctors. We then were given a plan to remove the tumor from his spinal cord and treat the other two areas with a year-long chemotherapy regimen. 10 months after chemo, the tumor near the tailbone started to grow again. We then were offered a radiation treatment called Proton Beam Radiation for the lower tumor that would only affect the tumor and not any other healthy tissue. After 30 days of treatments, we went back home. A month later, after follow-up scans, it was determined to be successful in destroying that tumor.

In January of this year, an MRI showed some new growth on the tumor in the brain,. We then were offered surgery to remove the tumor, and it was a successful surgery. A month after surgery, his incision on the back of his head and neck started leaking due to an infection. We then made the trip back to the Mayo clinic in Minnesota for 3 more surgeries and a month long stay to get rid of the infection that turned into spinal meningitis. After he was released from the hospital, we were asked to keep him here in Minnesota to be close to his doctors. After a lot of follow-up appointments, he was then cleared to start Proton Beam Radiation treatments on his brain. He is receiving 2 treatments a day for 20 days this time.

Dalton has had multiple surgeries, 19 months of chemotherapy treatments nearing 100 plus doses, and when these radiation treatments are completed, he will have had 112 doses of radiation throughout his body, more scans, doctors visits, blood work and other issues than I can count through the past 9 almost 10 years. He never complains and doesn't like to look back he only looks forward. I do know he doesn't like to be the center of attention and doesn't like to talk about it to people, he just wants to be treated like a normal 15 year old.

04/22/2024

Scholarship