https://www.alwaysdream.org

Always Dream Newsletter:

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November 2025 ✨

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Across our communities, many public schools are facing challenges as federal funding shifts, leaving educators and families with fewer resources to support early learning. Now more than ever, programs like Always Reading (https://alwaysdream.org/the-always-reading-program/) play a vital role in uplifting students and families in under-resourced communities, ensuring every child has the opportunity to chase big dreams and build a lifelong love of reading.

Your support makes this possible. Together, we’re creating brighter beginnings for our community members.
Donate Today (https://www.classy.org/give/460574/#!/donation/checkout)

Program Update: The New School Year is Underway!

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https://www.alwaysdream.org

From Ms. Zoller, an Always Reading partner teacher at Kaʻūmana Elementary:

“We studied triceratops after reading it on EPIC (story of the day).”

We’re excited to share that our Always Reading program has launched for the 2025-26 school year in 40 schools: 21 schools across four islands in Hawai‘i and 19 schools across Northern California! This year, we’re serving nearly 1,000 families in each state, reaching more than 5,400 students and family members in total.

When families join Always Reading, they gain access to the EPIC digital library filled with thousands of diverse and engaging books along with hard-copy books and personalized support from a local Book Coach who helps caregivers make reading at home fun and meaningful. We’re excited to share more stories from families as they dive into their reading journey over the next year! Together, we’re building stronger connections between families and schools, and nurturing a love of reading that lasts well beyond the classroom.
https://www.alwaysdream.org

Always Reading Book Coach Sofia leads a family orientation at Hazel Strauch Elementary, our first partner school in Sacramento.

Celebrating an Astounding Gala

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https://www.flickr.com/photos/alwaysdreamorg/albums/

This October, our Always Dream Annual Gala brought together an incredible community of supporters who believe in the power of family and literacy. Thanks to their generosity, we raised an incredible $721,000! These funds directly support children and families through our Always Reading program.

From the inspiring stories shared on stage to the joy that filled the room, the evening was a true celebration of dreams taking flight. We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, donated, and helped make this our most successful gala yet.
📸 View the photo album (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alwaysdreamorg/albums/)

30 Years of Stories That Inspire

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2026 is an important year here at Always Dream — it’s our 30th anniversary! That’s 30 years of inspiring stories and thousands upon thousands upon thousands of children and families impacted. Mark your calendars now for our two signature fundraising galas, which will be bigger and better than ever. Get ready to celebrate with us and ensure our work continues for years to come!
https://www.alwaysdream.org

🌺 2026 Dream Gala: Saturday, April 25, 2026
The Pacific Club | Honolulu
Reserve your seat with early bird pricing available until January 1!
Secure your discount now (https://paybee.io/in-person-event/alwaysdream/5)

💫 2026 Annual Gala: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Palace Hotel | San Francisco
More details to come — stay tuned!

Spotlight: Supporting Classrooms, Honoring Legacies

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https://alwaysdream.org/sponsor-a-classroom/

A gift in memory of Jim Yamaguchi, supporting our Fremont students

As the school year kicks off, we want to recognize Jim and Cynde Adler, who are sponsoring a classroom at Brier Elementary in memory of Lori and Kristi’s late father, Jim Yamaguchi. Their generosity helps ensure that students and families have access to the full Always Reading experience.

Classroom sponsors like the Adlers make it possible for Always Dream to reach more children across Hawaiʻi and California, fostering a love of reading that lasts a lifetime.

Interested in sponsoring a classroom at a partner school of your choice?
Reach out today! (mailto:michelle@alwaysdream.org?subject=Classroom%20Sponsorship&body=)

Coming Up at Always Dream ❄️

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fR52mrfp0MI

Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink at City Center Bishop Ranch
It’s officially rink season! The Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink at City Center Bishop Ranch is open now through January 4. Gather your friends and family for some holiday fun on the ice, all for a great cause benefiting Always Dream.
Purchase tickets here (https://citycenterbishopranch.ticketspice.com/city-center-ice-rink-2025)
https://www.hellerjewelers.com/always-dream-collection

While you’re visiting City Center Bishop Ranch, be sure to stop by to see our friends at Heller Jewelers. In collaboration with Kristi, they designed the Always Dream Collection (https://www.hellerjewelers.com/always-dream-collection?srsltid=AfmBOoqqMntYskPnq98UCgBUyHU6bpVaFctbXnGkXjGKNxGOgfkoHaVM) featuring a beautiful line of necklaces with proceeds benefiting Always Dream. Canʻt make it to the store? You can order online! With the holidays coming up, it’s the perfect gift for that special someone.
https://www.alwaysdream.org

Coming Soon: Giving Tuesday & Our End-of-Year Campaign
Get ready to join Team Always Dream: Gold Medal Readers this December! Launching on Giving Tuesday (December 2nd) and going through December, we can’t wait to share inspiring stories of our Always Reading families and celebrate the joy of reading together as we close out another remarkable year. Stay tuned for more details; we’d love to have you on our team as your support helps our young readers go for the gold! 🥇

🗞️ Always Dream in the News

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⛸️ U.S. Figure Skating: Kristi Yamaguchi: Turning the Page on Her Legacy (https://www.usfigureskating.org/news/article/kristi-yamaguchi-turning-page-her-legacy)

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⭐️ Walnut Creek City Lifestyle: Olympic Champion Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream (https://citylifestyle.com/articles/always-dream)

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🎙️ PBS KVIE: Q&A with Olympic Champion Kristi Yamaguchi on Competition and Role Models (https://www.abridged.org/news/kristi-yamaguchi-on-competition-and-role-models/)

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🎧 Responsive Lab Podcast: Aarika Riddle – How to Keep Donors Engaged When the Economy Tightens (https://open.spotify.com/episode/57IVFrYfwTbizXGIQPykz7?si=f29e1df3fcc748c6)

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