Creator of "Big Dream Gathering" to host pair of sessions in Waukon May 2

In the midst of tough economic times, one man says that people helping each other with their big dreams is a recession-proof idea. “We’ve seen a lot of people go after their big dreams even in hard times,” says Big Dream Gathering creator Mitch Matthews, “because they’ve written those dreams down and gotten some help.  And we know that real people going after big dreams is what made this country great.”
Matthews has seen thousands of people come to these free events called “Big Dream Gatherings” over the past few years. And now, with the help of Community Connections and Northeast Iowa Realty, Matthews is bringing a "Big Dream Gathering" to Waukon and the citizens of Allamakee County.
Matthews and his wife got the idea for the gatherings when they needed help with one of their own big dreams.  They had run out of money and were about to give up on their dream. But instead, they decided to throw a party and call it a “Big Dream Gathering.”
They invited their closest friends to come to their home, write their dreams down on paper and tape them on the walls. Then everyone walked around and looked at each other’s dreams to see if they could help with encouragement, connections, ideas or time. It was only supposed to last for a few hours, but it wound up lasting for a week. First their friends came, but within a day complete strangers were coming to hang their dreams on their walls.
Matthews got some help and saw a number of other dreamers get help, too. So, they have continued the events.
Over the past few years, thousands of dreams have been posted and countless connections have been made. Everything from an elementary teacher getting the help she needed to send truckloads of school supplies to Africa, to a couple of people connecting at a gathering and then working together to attain a contract with NIKE®.
A recent Iowa success story is Kevin Hansen, who dreamed big with Matthews a few years ago. Inspired, Hansen began a blog, which eventually evolved into the best selling book, ‘Secret Regrets, What If You Had A Second Chance?’. Hansen was recently featured on the Dr. Phil show.
“Yeah, it’s been amazing to see what happens when people just have a safe environment to think about their big dreams and then possibly get some help with them.” says Matthews.
Barb Smed, Broker at Northeast Iowa Realty in Waukon and Lansing, attended a "Big Dream Gathering" in Chicago, IL last year. Smed contacted Matthews to see if he was interested in providing a "Big Dream Gathering" in Allamakee County. Coincidentally, Matthews and his wife had just made a commitment to give back and provide hope to small town Iowa communities as part of their work in 2011. They are both native Iowans who want to do their part to bring Iowans together in order to improve life within those small towns and rural areas.
Smed states, “As a real estate broker, I am fortunate to meet many amazing people and it isn’t uncommon that those individuals share their dreams with me. I truly believe that bringing folks together to dream and to network will be the jumpstart to turning those dreams into reality.”
Monday, May 2, Matthews will be presenting two "Big Dream Gatherings" at the Waukon Reception and Banquet Center. Sessions will begin with a 45-minute presentation, followed by time to network and share dreams. The first session begins at 11:30 a.m. for registration, with the presentation scheduled to start at 11:45 a.m. The event will conclude at approximately 2 p.m. The second session registration will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the talk will begin at 5:45 p.m. The event will conclude at approximately 8:30 p.m.
Doors will be open at least 30 minutes before registration begins. There is no charge for the event and although pre-registration is requested, it is not required. The "Big Dream Gathering" is open to participants of all ages. More information may be found at www.bigdreamgathering.com.
The planning committee is seeking sponsorship to cover travel, lodging, video team expenses and other miscellaneous costs associated with this event. Donors will be recognized at the event. Volunteers to help before and during the event are needed and very welcome. To volunteer, contact Smed at 563-568-0011 or email her at barb@neiarealty.com.