The Dream Ride Experience 2022 roared into action in August at the Farmington Polo Club, marking its 22nd anniversary with a record-breaking number of cars, motorcycles, Dream Riders, and guests.
“Our sponsors stepped up to top the $3 million raised in 2021 with an impressive $3.5 million raised this year for The Hometown Foundation, Inc., a non-profit charitable organization supporting those in need in conjunction with Bozzuto’s, Inc., its family of retailers, and community business partners,” says Kristy Sevag, the event's communications director.
The Dream Ride is the brainchild of Bozzuto’s chief executive, Michael Bozzuto. Since its inception, it's raised tens of millions of dollars for local charities. Thousands of people from around the country and the world participate.
“The Dream Ride Experience has evolved into a year-long community commitment to celebrate the achievements of our Dream Riders, the true heart and soul of our event,” says Michael. "This event highlights their determination to persevere, overcome challenges, and shatter stereotypes. We can continue to make dreams come true with the help of all the generous participants, sponsors, and donors.”
The funds raised support a broad range of programs that center around five key program areas, including Animal Welfare, Emergency Response Personnel, Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities or In Need, Major Illness, and the Military. The weekend-long event, Kristy says, is intended to show Dream Riders how much they’re loved.
“They feel like superstars. We want them to understand how special the world is with them in it, that they’re important, and that the Dream Ride and the Farmington Polo Club are their safe space.”
Throughout the weekend, there was live entertainment, food and drinks, vendors, a police K-9 Challenge with dozens of departments competing, a dozen Connecticut fire departments participating in the Firefighter Chili Cook-Off, 100 pets at the Pet Adoption Expo finding their forever homes, the Dream Ride with more than 1,000 motorcycles, and the Dream Show with nearly 1,000 cars displayed.
One of the highlights of the weekend was the Dream Cruise. Cars and drivers came from across the country – and even from Australia – to open the doors of their amazing vehicles to individuals with intellectual or developmental needs or those who have faced challenges affectionately known as Dream Riders. These drivers gave our Dream Riders a magical afternoon.
After meeting their Dream Riders, the drivers showed them their cars and then took off for a cruise through the picturesque Farmington Valley. The cars returned to the Farmington Polo Club where the Dream Riders were treated to a red carpet entrance with a celebrity greeting that included photographers, medals, cheering fans, Miss Connecticut, and so much more!
“This event would not be possible without the amazing support of our generous sponsors and the dealers who displayed their vehicles as well as our many volunteers with their big hearts and all of the emergency response personnel who helped in the planning and execution of the Dream Ride,” Kristy said.
The event continues to grow as word about The Dream Ride Experience spreads, she added.
“We are already planning for next year to be bigger and better! We look forward to welcoming you to the 2023 Dream Ride Experience on Aug. 25-27, 2023.
For information about The Hometown Foundation, visit hometownfoundation.org. For information about The Dream Ride Experience, visit dreamride.org. You can also call 203-250-5112 or email info@hometownfoundation.org.
