(L to R): Carolyn Art (Dream Connection & Walmart Manager), Lauren Kukla (Dream Connection volunteer), Wayne Art (Dream Connection & Walmart Manager), MM Paul Feiden (Walmart), Ed Knowling (Dream Connection Board Member), Tammy and Shawn Queener (Dream Connection Volunteer). Image courtesy of Walmart Foundationt.

KNOXVILLE – The Dream Connection, an East Tennessee non-profit that fulfills the “once-in-a-lifetime” dreams of children with life-threatening or chronically debilitating illnesses, has received a $27,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program.

The only organization of its kind in East Tennessee, The Dream Connection is staffed completely by volunteers and is dedicated to directing 100 percent of its contributions to fulfilling the dreams of the children it services. About 30 to 40 dreams are fulfilled each year through the support of individuals, businesses and civic organizations.

“We are all volunteer, and we serve all of East Tennessee,” said Shawn Quevner, a volunteer with The Dream Connection. “For more than 30 years, we’ve been able to fulfill the dreams of hundreds of children diagnosed with leukemia, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy and other conditions thanks to the support of individuals, businesses and organizations like the Walmart Foundation.”

The Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better, awarding grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S.

“At the Walmart Foundation, we understand that organizations such as The Dream Connection are essential to building stronger communities. They share our values and are committed to helping youth in need achieve their dreams,” said Paul Feiden, Walmart market manager. “With the help of this donation, more East Tennessee children with serious illnesses will have the opportunity to see their dreams come true.”

To be considered for support, perspective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program’s online grant application. Applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum eligibility criteria. Additional information about the program’s funding guidelines and application process are available online at www.walmartfoundation.org.

Over the last fiscal year, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $35.7 million in cash and in-kind contributions to support nonprofit organizations and programs in Tennessee focused on fighting hunger and healthy eating, workforce development, disaster preparedness and other needs specific to many Tennessee communities. The Tennessee contributions are one piece of the $1.42 billion dollars total giving by Walmart and the Walmart Foundation during FY16.