DAWN'S DREAM BIG FUNDRAISER
Dawn Brancheau was an amazing woman and the way she lived her life inspires us to carry on her legacy of brightening our world.
In April, we will host Dawn’s Dream Big Birthday Fundraiser in honor of her April 16th birthday. We greatly appreciate your continued support for our ongoing projects.
Dream Big Walk
Dawn was always dreaming big and she was proud to call Chicago & Northwest Indiana her home. For nine years, The Dawn Brancheau Foundation was happy to host the Dream Big Walk at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Crown Point, Indiana. Due to the 2020 pandemic, the 10th Annual Dream Big Walk became a virtual event, and our last. We greatly appreciate all who made the Dream Big Walk a success during the past 12 years.
Dream Big 5k
Dawn was always dreaming big and she found great joy as an animal trainer at SeaWorld. In April 2011, The Dawn Brancheau Foundation was happy to partner with SeaWorld Orlando to host the 1st Annual Dream Big 5K. For nine years, participants enjoyed a 5K and Family Fun Walk through SeaWorld followed by community service projects. Due to the 2020 pandemic, the 10th Dream Big 5K became a virtual event, and our last. We greatly appreciate all who made the Dream Big 5K a success during the past 12 years.
Dream Big Runners
Dawn participated in her first marathon at age 25, the Walt Disney World Marathon, with the intention to run a marathon every 5 years. Dawn finished the San Diego Marathon at age 30 and the Charlottesville Marathon at age 35. In 2009, Dawn ran the Bank of America Chicago Marathon at age 40.
Every 5 years, in honor of Dawn, The Dawn Brancheau Foundation will petition to become a part of charity programs for various marathons.
Congratulations to Dawn's Dream Big Runners who participated in the Chicago Marathon 2014, Space Coast Marathon 2019, and Disney World Marathon 2020 in memory of Dawn and fundraised for Dawn's Foundation.
Please contact us if interested in becoming one of Dawn’s Dream Big Runners in 2024.
Dream Big Scholarship
Dawn graduated from Andrean High School in 1987 and was honored with the American Legion Outstanding Student Award and the Sister Emma Award for service to Andrean High School. Dawn cherished her time at Andrean and was active in sports, student government and community service.
Each year, The Dawn Brancheau Foundation will award a $3,000 Dream Big Scholarship to the recipient of the Bishop Andrew Grutka Award for Christian Service, conferred to the senior at Andrean High School who "best exemplifies a deep faith and commitment to serving others in little ways and large ways, one who is motivated by their faith to serve others."