A Year of 67 Dreams!
2025 Annual Report
Take an in-depth look at how The Fairy Godmother
Foundation of New York, Inc.® has been
Making Dreams Come True™!
Our Vision
To improve the quality of life of children and young adults with complex medical, physical, developmental and mental health needs, giving joy and happiness.
Our Mission
To grant manageable, meaningful dreams and experiences to enhance the quality of life of children and young adults living with complex medical, mental health, physical or developmental needs.
Our Values
Hope - Joy - Equity – Diversity – Possibility - Happiness
Introduction
"Making dreams come true™" is why we do what we do! The Fairy Godmother Foundation of New York, inc.® has been working since 2017 to grant meaningful and manageable dreams to children and young adults with complex medical, mental health, physical and developmental needs. Dreams are requested directly by applicants and are customized and fulfilled by our Dream Committee.
The primary focus areas of the Foundation are the immediate areas surrounding New York City, including associated regions of NY, NJ, CT, PA, and MA as applicable.
Dream Program
Where do dreams come from?
Dream requests are primarily for individuals residing in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, with the majority coming from the New York City – Long Island – Westchester County areas. Referrals primarily come from child life specialists, social workers and nurses working in every children’s hospital in the New York – New Jersey metropolitan area, in addition to teachers, health professionals, other foundations, and direct referrals from the community.
How does it work?
Once a dream application is received, the “Dream Team” Committee reviews it as soon as possible, often within 72 hours. Recipients or their parents / guardians are notified immediately and plans are made to make the dream happen. Some dreams are urgent, especially for those recipients nearing the end of life.
What kind of dreams are granted?
All dreams are customized to meet the individual requests of the child or young adult. Examples of dreams include furniture, clothing, shopping sprees, family getaways, parties and celebrations, theater tickets, concert experiences, and zoo and aquarium memberships. Many dreams also include siblings, parents, and other family members. Electronics such as smart phones, iPads, gaming computers, and laptops are frequently requested, especially by teens who spend much of their lives in hospitals for the treatment of life-threatening illnesses, providing a way to keep up with family, friends and schoolwork.
Many dreams are celebrations – celebrating the end of many rounds of rigorous chemotherapy or simply a break in treatment schedules; getting off of dialysis because of a successful transplant; learning to swim after becoming blind following radiation treatment for a brain tumor. Some dreams are special experiences about which the applicant has always dreamed: – a visit to an amusement park, becoming a “Princess-for-a-day,” visiting the American Girl Doll Store, or being a train engineer for a day.
Dream Vision Program
The Dream Vision Program provides funding for and access to eye exams and glasses for young people with vision concerns who do not have eyeglass insurance or financial resources.
Referrals are largely sent by school teachers, guidance counselors, and social workers. The gift of vision can make a huge difference in a child or teen’s life!
Notable Numbers
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Dreams | 28 | 54 | 73 | 67 |
| Cost of Dreams | $30,713 | $45,419 | $66,581 | $49,398 |
| Gross Income | $67,837 | $149,503 | $89,022 | $75,628 |
| Other Expenses (Events, operations, etc.) | $33,481 | $59,845 | $53,117 | $23,000 |
| Net Revenue | $3,643 | $44,239 | –$30,676 | $3,230 |
Dreams
In 2025 the Foundation granted 67 dreams. Since our beginning in 2017, we have granted over 374 dreams. The Foundation has a continuous stream of dream requests referred by local organizations, hospitals, and schools, as well as requests that come in from families that find us online. All Dreams are completely customized to meet the needs of Dream recipients. Some are granted "on a moment’s” notice to meet urgent medical situations and timelines. Some examples of dreams granted in 2025 are below!
"Thank you for a truly amazing weekend in New York City to celebrate L’s 18th birthday. Thanks to your generosity and caring, we now have many more family memories. While the weekend wasn’t free from medical challenges, they were within our realm of normal and we navigated seamlessly.
L loved The Lion King, especially the beginning of both acts when the animals and characters were in the aisles. She was laughing and clapping and smiling so much that I had happy, grateful tears streaming down my face during the first five minutes of the performance."
- Mother of a 2025 Dream Recipient
2025 Dreams
Electronics
- Computers, tablets, and smartphones for many teens/young adults living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, to keep in touch with family, friends, school and pursue academic Dreams.
- Nintendo Switches, PlayStations, and Gaming Computers for children undergoing complex medical treatment, and those living in the hospital.
Celebrations & Experiences:
- Dua Lipa Concert Tickets
- Zoo & Aquarium Memberships
- In-Hospital WWE Party
- Broadway Show Tickets
- In-Hospital Blippi Party
- Tyler the Creator Concert Tickets
- Buffalo Bills Training Camp & Merch
- American Girl Doll Store & Café Experiences
- Shopping Sprees in NYC
- Family trip to Great Wolf Lodge in The Poconos
- Family trip to a waterpark
- Family tickets to LegoLand
Our Dream Network
In 2025, we received Dream referrals from an amazing network of professionals working with the following organizations as well as numerous other healthcare professionals and teachers.
“It truly wasn’t just an ordinary day—it was filled with joy, laughter, and beautiful moments that made our family so happy. You helped make my kids’ dreams come true… Honestly, this was one of the most beautiful days in our family’s life. It’s a memory we will always cherish.”
- Mother of a Dream Recipient
Fundraising Events
Making dreams come true takes a lot of time, energy, and most importantly – generous volunteers and donors!
Under The Stars
Our sold-out Under the Stars Cocktail Party, was hosted in June in Carnegie Hill, Manhattan on the rooftop of a donor’s building!
Emerald Extravaganza
Our Ninth Annual Gala – "Emerald Extravaganza" in November was
our best yet, honoring
The Safier Family
and The Rosa Family.
"I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for always Inviting us to be a part of your unforgettable Emerald Extravaganza Gala. It was truly an honor to perform with Dancing dreams at such a beautifully organized and thoughtfully curated event.
From the moment we arrived, it was evident how much care, dedication, and creativity went into bringing the evening to life. The atmosphere sparkled with elegance, energy, and community spirit—perfectly befitting the “emerald” theme. Every detail, from the music to the décor, was executed with such excellence that it created a magical environment for both guests and performers alike.
We were especially delighted by the warm reception we received. Your hospitality made us feel not only welcomed but celebrated. We are so grateful for the opportunity to share our dance with your audience. The program itself was nothing short of outstanding—engaging, vibrant, and thoughtfully paced. The food was delicious, the entertainment diverse, and the raffles added a fun and exciting touch that kept the energy of the evening alive. It was clear that every element of the gala was chosen with intention and care, resulting in an event that guests will surely remember for years to come.
Thank you once again for including us in such a spectacular celebration. We deeply appreciate all the hard work and heart that went into organizing the gala, and we are honored to have contributed a little bit to its success. We are already looking forward to the next one and sharing more memorable moments together."
- Mother of a Dancing Dreams Performer
Linda's Story
The Fairy Godmother Foundation of New York, Inc.® was created in 2017 to honor the legacy of an extraordinary young woman Linda Shohatee (1997 – 2016). Linda spent more than half of her life in hospitals. Despite the obstacles she faced, her story is one of strength and tenacity. Linda saw herself as a “survivor,” and was relentless in her determination to live life to its fullest. Her birthday celebrations were large themed events, her favorite being a spectacular “Sweet 15 Birthday” at Terrace on the Park. Although Linda’s life was full of challenges and far too brief, because of “Fairy Godmothers and Godfathers” in her life, it was truly “Linda’s Happy Life.”
The Fairy Godmother Foundation of New York® constantly endeavors to replicate some of the kindness Linda experienced by granting manageable, meaningful dreams and experiences to enhance the quality of life of children and young adults living with complex medical, mental health, physical or developmental needs.
Financials
Making dreams come true takes a lot of time, energy, and most importantly – generous volunteers and donors like you!
| Year | Number of Donors | Average Donation | Top Donation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 148 | $371 | $12,500 |
| 2023 | 199 | $468 | $25,000 |
| 2024 | 179 | $274 | $10,000 |
| 2025 | 160 | $367 | $23,000 |
Thank you donors!
2025 Dream Circle Supporters
Gold
- John & Janet Kornreich
Silver
- Calmoseptine® Inc., Greg Dixon, President
- Fran D’Agostino
- Apmann & McCarthy Family
Bronze
- Ayello, Harris & Associates
- The Capitulo Family
- Nancy Cincotta & Andrew Eichenfield
- John and Kate Peiser
- Nicholas & Marjorie Polydorou
- Gail & Robert Walker
Dream Donors
- Michael, Erin & Sophie Apmann
- Kathleen McCarthy
- Rosa Family
Gala Sponsors
- Ayello / Harris & Associates, Inc.
- Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York (CHONY), NYPresbyterian / Columbia University
Board Members & Volunteers
Board Officers
Kathleen Capitulo PhD, RN, FAAN, IIWCC
President & Founder
Elizabeth A. Ayello PhD, RN, ETN, CWON FAAN
Vice President
Nancy Cincotta LCSW, LMSW, MPhil
Vice President
Colleen McCarthy MS, RN, PNP
Secretary
A. Scott Harris MBA
Treasurer
Board of Directors
Melissa Capitulo BSN, RN, CPN
Rolanda “Dolly” Coleman MA, JD
Andrew Eichenfield MD, Director of Medical Affairs
Nancy Indelicato LCSW
Laura Martin Partesano RN, BSN
Brian Murphy
Michelle Rae Pinzon Esq., Director of Legal Affairs
Marianne Stacey RN, MBA
Anita Velasquez
Katie Shea MS
Diane Waranis MA
Web, Media & Design Consultant
AJ Cincotta-Eichenfield LMSW, OSW-C,
Volunteer Consultants
Ron Capitulo, Finance & Book keeping
Scott Harris, Finance
Marianne Stacey, Marketing
Justice Pinzon, Social Media
VJ Media Group (Gary Gabisan and Eric Gonzalez), Social Media
Stephanie Clemente Esq.
Marc Lieberstein Esq.
Gala Performers
Keith Price
Dancing Dreams
Viktor Leshchenko
Mercedes Riege
Board & Governance Transitions in Early 2026
In March 2026, the Fairy Godmother Foundation of New York, Inc.® held its scheduled Board elections, resulting in several important leadership transitions that strengthen our governance for the years ahead.
- Mariel Nasis, who faithfully served as Treasurer since March 2017, resigned from the Board in March 2026 after nine years of dedicated service. The Fairy Godmother Foundation of New York, Inc.® extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mariel Nasis, Treasurer and Founding Board Member, for her extraordinary service from 2017–2026.
- Kathleen Capitulo, PhD, RN, FAAN, FNYAM, IIWCC founder, was re-elected as the President of the Board.
- A. Scott Harris, MBA was elected Treasurer and joined the Board of Directors.
- Marianne Stacey, MBA, RN was elected to the Board, bringing deep expertise in healthcare leadership and marketing.
These transitions reflect our commitment to strong, transparent governance and to sustaining the Foundation’s mission with integrity and continuity.