Look and Listen

Biography

Tom Tuohy is the founder and president of the international youth organization Dreams for Kids and author of the critically acclaimed book, Dreams for Kids. Tom is an attorney and an accomplished children’s advocate. He left his law practice in 2008 to direct the national and global expansion of Dreams for Kids and to establish strategic partnerships with academic and corporate leaders from Kellogg and IBM to the United Nations and the World Bank. Together, they are creating innovative solutions for the empowerment and freedom of youth living in poverty and those with disabilities. Tom received his Bachelors Degree from DePaul University and Juris Doctorate from DePaul Law School. He attended the University of Cambridge to study International Law and is currently enrolled in the Kellogg Executive Scholars program of Northwestern University. Beginning on December 24th 1989 with a visit to a small homeless shelter in Chicago, Dreams for Kids is now one of the most innovative non-profit children’s charitable organizations in the world. That first visit has become Holiday for Hope, the largest international holiday celebration for homeless and underprivileged kids. A chance encounter with a young boy who was paralyzed inspired the creation of the life changing Extreme Recess sports and activities program for kids with disabilities. Today, Dreams for Kids is uniting an entire generation of diverse youth of all abilities through its global Dream Leaders program, empowering them to be active members of their own communities and citizens of the world. Dreams for Kids was honored as the Innovative Non-Profit of 2010 by Northwestern Kellogg Innovation Network, KIN Global. Tom serves on several non-profit boards and has been honored by a number of organizations for his work on behalf of children. He is a founding member of the DePaul University Mentor Advisory Board and a member of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. Tom speaks extensively to business organizations, labor unions, student groups and educators. Tom’s message speaks to the principle that every person can make an extraordinary difference, every child deserves the opportunity to fearlessly pursue their dreams, and we all can compassionately change the world. Tom is a resident of Park Ridge, Illinois.

Inspiration

On December 24, 1989, I honored a commitment to my mother which continues today. On that day, in a small homeless shelter for mothers and their children called Clara’s House, the organization Dreams for Kids began its work. My mother, Patricia Tuohy, was a single parent who raised her four children with unwavering commitment and unconditional love. I was the youngest child, and with my mother’s guidance I was able to receive a college education at DePaul University and go on to graduate from DePaul Law School. Not wanting me to be satisfied with only achieving dreams of my own, my mother suggested, in late 1989, that I do something for children who were searching for hope. Although our family had struggled in many ways over the years, my mother always insisted that we remember those who were less fortunate than us. Thus began a journey which has given me my life’s greatest satisfaction and joy. Our party in Clara’s House has grown to become the largest holiday party for homeless and underprivileged children in Illinois. Each year, over 1,200 kids are treated to the party of their young lives, complete with games, face painters, crafts, and 3,000 toys donated by a United States Marine Honor Guard. This year, the Dreams for Kids Holiday for Hope Celebration will be held in 30 cities and villages aroudn the world. Midway through the organizations history, my mother inspired me to reach further. After meeting a fifteen year old quadriplegic, J.J. O’Connor, Dreams for Kids expanded to create a program which our kids have named Extreme Recess. For those who have been isolated for far too long, Extreme Recess gives children with disabilities the opportunity to experience activities, such as basketball, baseball, soccer, water and snow skiing, horseback riding, sailing and kayaking, for the very first time in their lives. Although breast cancer took her life in 1995, we did not lose my mother then and we never will. Today, my mother’s enduring legacy and love lives on in the over 25,000 children whose lives Dreams for Kids has impacted. Not a single day goes by when I do not reflect on how extraordinary my mother’s life was. She lived with a single minded purpose and sacrificed everything for her own children. Now the strength of that commitment is felt in the families whose lives have been changed because of the way my mother influenced me. I continue to draw inspiration from her example. My mother’s life was pure dedication. She committed herself to her children’s welfare and, and as most mothers do she put her children first, above herself and her own needs. I have learned from my mother to never give up and to always act on principle. She often would recite one of her favorite lines with a smile, “It aint easy kid.” However, in my mother’s view, life’s difficult moments were no excuse to act without character. In teaching us to always remember there were those much less fortunate than us, my mother reminded us that it is for them which we must reserve our most generous gifts. I still learn from my mom and am certain her lessons will continue to influence my decisions for the rest of my days. On May 17, 2010, the book I wrote and dedicated to my mother, Dreams for Kids was published. It is the story of Dreams for Kids and contains the inspirational stories of the mentors and children who have made it all possible. The book is an enduring example of individuals who have found happiness in living a life of generosity and service to others. It is also written proof that when given hope, children can be inspired to live the life of their dreams. More than anything, Dreams for Kids is my mother’s story. How a single person can set an example and create a legacy whose influence will last forever.