To understand the beginning of the Outdoor Dream Foundation, you have to know about Radio.
Back in 1964, Radio, an 18-year-old boy from Anderson, SC, was wandering around town and struggling through life as a mentally challenged young man. When Coach Harold Jones of T.L. Hanna High School noticed Radio and began to include him in the high school football program, everything changed – for Radio, for the students, for the staff, and for the community.
For more than four decades, Coach Jones kept Radio under his wing. And the power of this relationship lives on today in the Outdoor Dream Foundation: a non-profit started in 2004 by Jones, dedicated to caring for children with terminal illnesses.
Today, the mission and culture of the Outdoor Dream Foundation are nurtured and guided by Coach Harold Jones’ son Brad and a host of other like-minded individuals who respond to human need at a fundamental level. The Outdoor Dream Foundation’s mission is to connect with children who are facing some of life’s biggest challenges, using the power of outdoor experiences and adults who are willing to reach out and fully embrace the reality of the child’s world—to meet them where they are.
This difficult and meaningful work is supported by a board of directors who share the passion of this mission, alongside hundreds of volunteers who provide their guidance, their hearts, their time, and their wallets. We are also supported by generous corporate sponsors and so many individual donors.
The impact the Outdoor Dream Foundation has on these young lives is immeasurable. The stories of difficult challenges and meaningful connections will touch your heart.
This work is never-ending and we are deeply grateful for the privilege of sharing our time, our hearts, and our lives with our Dream Kids.
The story of Radio and Coach Jones has been well-documented. It first appeared as a story in Sports Illustrated in 1996, in an article by Gary Smith titled “Someone to Lean On.”
A full-length movie was produced from that story in 2003, titled “Radio.” It starred Ed Harris as Coach Harold Jones, Cuba Gooding Jr. as Radio, and Debra Winger as Linda Jones.
Since 2004, more than 3,000 kids have been impacted by outdoor adventures. Our heartfelt thanks goes out to all the volunteers, families, guides, outfitters, and donors who have contributed gear, supplies, financial resources, and most importantly, their time.
Outdoor Dream Foundation is 100% volunteer-driven.
Outdoor Dream Kids who live near our volunteers benefit from a mentoring program that provides fellowship with youth and other families in similar circumstances, all while learning and enjoying the traditions of our outdoor heritage.
The Outdoor Dream Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your gift is tax deductible.