An Arizona 501(c)3 Nonprofit
Steve’s Dream was founded on a vision to honor my son, Steve, after he passed suddenly in 2002, at the age of 24, from pericarditis. Steve had a passion for baseball and the Chicago Cubs. We spent a lot of time attending Cubs Spring Training games and talking baseball, just like my dad and me. It brought us closer together and allowed us to focus on the game and each other. For those few hours nothing else mattered. The memories Steve and I created remain fresh in my mind and I will treasure them for the rest of my life.
When Steve passed it was important to find a way to help other fathers and sons experience the same bonding experience Steve and I shared. It was his dream to one day, have a son and take him to Wrigley Field. Unfortunately, that never happened. But what did happen was the creation of Steve’s Dream. Simply put, Steve’s Dream donates Cubs Spring Training tickets to other non-profits and the community.
UPDATE 10.4.2024
After much soul searching and conversations with family and friends, I have decided that 2024 was the last year for Steve’s Dream. This was not an easy decision, but it was one that I needed to make for all the right reasons. I have no regrets. I never thought that what started as an idea to share some of our Cubs Spring Training tickets to other families would turn into a non-profit lasting 23 years.
Through that time we donated 2,477 tickets (I like to think of those as memories) over 330 games to well over 800 families. I shared Steve’s story thousands of times and shed tears with so many families.
All of this never would have happened without the support and love from so many people. To my daughter, Steve’s sister Sara, who came up with the name “Steve’s Dream” and all her help throughout the years, I love you and thank you. To my Spring Training family, especially Kate who was a self appointed Steve’s Dream ambassador, thank you for your support, love and understanding during my rough days. To Peggy and the Allen’s; from all the kiddos, thanks for the baseballs, they will always have a memory for years to come, if not forever. To Erika and CCF, you’ll never know how important your contributions were and how you helped keep the Dream alive, thank you. To all the non-profits, thank you for nominating so many wonderful families. I am blessed to have met so many incredible families.
There is one more person who actually saved Steve’s Dream (and me) 13 years ago, my partner and love of my life, debbie. Without your support, wisdom and love, Steve’s Dream would not have survived past 2011. It’s important that you know you are responsible for everyone who attended a Cubs Spring Training game from 2012 through 2024. You had a hand in every autograph and every memory. You touched a lot of people. Lastly, I cannot thank you enough for supporting me. I never could have done this without you. I love you debbie.
Steve’s Dream was never about the number of tickets, or years, or even the recognition or thank you’s. It was the hope that after sharing Steve’s story with the families they would understand how precious the love is between a child and parent. If we have been able to help strengthen that love for just one family or one person, then Steve’s Dream was successful.
Steve, you have and continue to be my inspiration. I know you have been with me on several occasions when I was looking for families to give tickets too. In fact, you were with me on the first family back in 2002 and you were with me on the last family in 2024 when I had to find 8 people to give tickets to due to a last minute cancellation. We came full circle. There were tears on the first day and there were tears on the last day. Although the non-profit has ended, I promise that Steve’s Dream will live on as I will share your story, for the rest of my life.
The last words Steve and I said to each other were, “I love you.” I hope he knew how much.
I love you Steve, forever.
Until we meet again,
Pops
Check out the "Photo Gallery" to see who attended Cubs Spring Training games!!!!
Please click on "Letters to Steve" to read what people have said about Steve's Dream. Also, please visit our "Guestbook" to share your thoughts.
