Ashley’s Hope to Dream Program Surprises Kids in Altoona

July 19, 2016  by in Industry, Special Events   

Hope To Dream gives beds to kids and families in need and typically includes a day with local athletes or celebrities. Over 600 stores participate in the program, but this is the first time for Altoona.

Ashley Furniture Homestores found the families through the United Way affiliate Blair County Community Action Agency. The families involved went to an Altoona Curve game this past Sunday. Before the game started the kids met the players and got their shirts signed. After the game, Ashley Furniture Homestores surprised the group with brand-new mattresses, bed frames, comforters, sheets and teddy bears.

An Ashley spokesperson said they chose beds because that is where it all begins. "Their health and education - it all starts with a good night's sleep. If a child is in need of a new mattress, we're so glad this program exists so we can facilitate that and make sure they get a good night's sleep," Ashley Marketing and Communications Director Audra Doering said.

Some parents said they were happy to be at the game, but more excited to see their kids receive their surprise beds, as some of them currently have nowhere to sleep.

"It's actually pretty emotional. I can't wait until the end because he doesn't know what's going to happen after," Brenda Brown, a participating parent, said.

Altoona Curve General Manager Rob Egan said the team always tries to stay involved in local fundraisers and charities, but this one seemed especially important.

"It's something that once they mentioned what they did in other markets we said we really wanted to be associated with that and help make that possible," Egan said.