C.A.B.S. Autism: Inspiring Motivation-Led Growth
C.A.B.S. Autism: Inspiring Motivation-Led Growth
The World Health Organization reports an estimated one in every 160 children have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), though that number has the potential to be higher. Currently, the prevalence of ASD in low- and middle-income countries remains unknown.
However, what we do know is that ASD presents itself in a myriad of ways, and that presentation varies tremendously from one individual to another. This diversity – or spectrum – makes every case unique. That’s Why CABS Autism and Behavioral Specialists provide individualized consultations and therapy services, whether it’s from home, at school, in a clinical setting, or even a community environment.
CABS uses Applied Behavioral Analysis, or ABA, in their one-on-one therapy sessions with their clients. In these sessions, they tune into what motivates the individual they’re working with to inspire engagement. By focusing on their client’s interests, they encourage communication and enriching interaction.
“Our approach is very child-led by their motivation,” said CABS’ Outreach and Development Coordinator Wendy Craven. “It’s not what we plan and set to do for the day necessarily. We identify what’s motivating them, and we go with that.”
CABS’ programs serve ASD clients ranging from the age of two to 26. While they create individualized goals catered to each individual, all treatment plans focus on creating a long-term quality of life while fostering a love for learning.
Led by a director who is a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA), CABs prides itself on its strong foundation of qualifications and training. Each of their BCBAs possess an average of six years’ experience, and nearly half (43%) of their Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) are pursuing either their Master’s Degree or BCBA certification. That high level of talent is matched by its empathy and compassion.
“I always hear the staff supporting each other, helping each other or sharing ideas,” Craven said. “I hear the kids laughing and having fun. Nine times out of 10, our therapists typically will say the rewarding part of their jobs is who we work with. Seeing them learn and grow.”
CABs has locations and services available in Itasca, Illinois as well as two Georgia cities: Savannah and Rome.
ReAbility and the Necessity for Autism Resources Like CABS
CABs offers significant resources to those within the radius of their Illinois and Georgia locations. However, a medical study published in 2019 revealed sparse and uneven distribution of diagnostic resources for ASD within the U.S. The consequences of this leave many in need of services like CABS on lengthy waitlists or forces them to travel long distances to access the resources they need.
This challenge was brought to Dreamscape Foundation’s attention by Chris Myers, who is a parent of an autistic child. Together with him, we helped to create ReAbility, a search engine for individuals with disabilities that helps identify nearby resources, programs, and events based on their specific needs. While its reach is currently restricted to Tennessee, Dreamscape and Myers both aim to grow the website through partnerships with organizations like CABS in order to expand its usability across the U.S.
« PreviousAutism Tennessee: Offering Support Across the Spectrum of Age and Autism
Autism Tennessee: Offering Support Across the Spectrum of Age and Autism
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 1 in 54 children within the U.S. have Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD. This disorder benefits greatly from early intervention, which expands the opportunities for healthy development. However, diagnosis is often the first step in a lifelong struggle that parents and individuals with ASD face when managing ASD’s impact on life and daily activities.
Autism is described as a spectrum, and individuals with ASD can fall anywhere across it. Because the disorder can manifest dramatically differently from one individual to the next, there is no “one size fits all” solution to support individuals with ASD and their families. It requires a customized approach, and services and resources aren’t always easy to find.
Enter Autism Tennessee: a Middle Tennessee-based non-profit organization dedicated to providing support, education, and advocacy to help families and individuals struggling with ASD.
“We want to meet you where you are in that moment and provide services and referrals that you’ll need for that,” said Autism Tennessee Executive Director Babs Tierno. “And then we’re always here for the next thing as well.”
Autism Tennessee offers empathy, assistance, and community for those navigating the gifts and challenges that come along with this unique diagnosis. The organization serves as a bridge to a wide array of resources, from psychologists and therapists, to daycares, summer camps, and support groups. What’s more, they are a community who often understands firsthand what those who reach to them are going through.
“The person on the other end of the helpline that is employed by Autism Tennessee is either a parent or professional,” Tierno said. “They’ve been in the shoes that you’re in in that moment when you make that phone call. They’ve been as desperate as you are, and so they have that compassionate shoulder aspect that a clinical or call center might not have.”
Their support line offers several ways to contact them, including phone, email, or text messaging. Like Dreamscape Foundation, Autism Tennessee aspires to make life more accessible. Their goal is to maximize the independence of individuals with ASD by helping them reach their maximum capacity. It’s a lifelong effort; one they’re willing to step in and assist no matter the person’s age or extent of their disability.
“[We’ll help] a child as young as six months old who’s not meeting developmental milestones all the way through assisted living,” Tierno assured. “Every step of the way, we assist families and individuals and caregivers.”
Resources Like Autism Tennessee and ReAbility Help Bridge the Gap
Dreamscape Foundation recently collaborated with a parent of an autistic child named Chris Myers to develop an online tool called ReAbility. Currently, this customizable search engine connects individuals based in Tennessee with resources specific to disabilities, including autism. However, the long-term goal is to expand its pool of resources across the entirety of the U.S.
Because its mission is so closely linked to Autism Tennessee’s, we asked Tierno to provide her input on why resources like ReAbility matter.
“Inclusion and finding what you need when you need it,” was her straightforward and honest reply. “Just the immediacy of being able to access what you need.”
Access is the pivotal hurdle that stands between many individuals with disabilities and the road to achieving a fulfilled life. To learn more about Autism Tennessee’s resources and their mission, visit their website. For more information about ReAbility, take a look at the “Help” tab on the tool’s website.
« PreviousNext »VoidedMods Invite You to Join Family Game Night
VoidedMods Invite You to Join Family Game Night
Freckles and Farce, GranDaddySkulls, Legend of Layne, and ItsAMeWolfie were once moderators (aka “mods”) for the same Twitch streamer. During that time, they found chemistry and friendship beyond taming the Wild West that is a streamer’s live chat. But in 2020, those duties came to an abrupt end.
“Recently, the person we had been modding for decided to step away from Twitch and continue on their own path, and we looked at each other and went, ‘Well, we can’t just stop. We love this.’ So we decided to start our own stream,” Skulls explained.
The departure of the streamer they modded for triggered the birth of their own streaming channel on Twitch called VoidedMods.
The Streaming Quartet and Their Community
The streaming quartet may share a history as moderators, but each of them has their own personality.
Freckles “brings the weird” to their streams and community. She’s known for dropping random facts and bringing humor and levity to the conversation.
Layne delivers “high BS energy” and keeps the conversation flowing.
Skulls feeds off of Freckles’ humor, expanding on the inevitable odd fact and fueling the banter within the conversation. They are also the one that “goes after the money”, meaning they encourage opportunities for monetization within the stream to help fund the VoidedMods channel.
Wolfie, by contrast, is the grounded one. He serves as the anchor that brings this high-energy, fun-loving group back down to Earth.
Together, they create an atmosphere that draws in a diverse and inclusive community that is as much a part of the VoidedMods stream as the streamers themselves.
“I would consider us variety streamers, as we play a different game every time. But as a Twitch stream, I would say we’re very community based,” Layne said. “Everything we do, all the decisions we make, and the games that we play [are] for the people on our Discord server. It’s all based on what we hear from them.”
When VoidedMods aren’t engaging their viewers live on stream, they’re actively communicating and hanging out with them in their Discord server, The Lost Void, where they hold all kinds of activities, including movie nights and open mic nights.
VoidedMods Takes Pride in Creating an Inclusive Environment
One of the biggest things VoidedMods prides themselves on is the inclusiveness of their community. All of them are members of the LGBTQ+ community, and they actively speak out on their desire to create a place where people feel welcome and safe.
Periodically during their stream, viewers will see a message that says, “On this stream we, the VoidedMods, believe that black lives matter, black trans lives matter, women’s rights are human rights, we condemn anti-Asian violence and hate, we support the rights of disabled people, and we embrace the entire rainbow of the LGBTQ+. If you do not align with these beliefs, you are free to leave but please leave in peace.”
It’s this kind of message and motivation to create an inclusive environment that inspired them to support Dreamscape Foundations mission to bridge the accessibility gap.
“[Dreamscape Foundation] really goes along with our usual ‘charity wants,’” Skulls said. “We want equality, we want people to feel welcomed, and we want people to have the world to be accessible to them… We want people to come into our community and feel like they have equal rights and equal love and equal attention. A charity like this meshes so well with what we’re trying to put together for our own community.”
Join in on the Fun and Games in VoidedMods’ Charity Stream
On June 26, 2021, VoidedMods will put on a charity stream that aims to raise $600 for Dreamscape Foundation. The theme is Family Game Night.
“I kind of came up with this concept because we’ve always seen ourselves as a family,” Freckles said. “We’re going to be doing different games that are common for families to play [like] Monopoly and Uno. We might throw in Scribble It! because it’s kind of like Pictionary.”
Want to be a part of this fun-filled Family Game Night? You can tune in from anywhere. The charity stream will begin at 2:30pm EST on their Twitch channel and is scheduled to last for at least six hours.
« PreviousNext »FOXDIE Gets Hardcore During His Two-Day Charity Stream with Dreamscape Foundation
FOXDIE Gets Hardcore During His Two-Day Charity Stream with Dreamscape Foundation
Imagine a life full of travel, adventure, freedom and treasure. Sounds good, doesn’t it? As Captain Jack Sparrow put it, “always be yourself, unless you can be a pirate. Then, always be a pirate.” For the last three years, Jake Cooper, better known as Foxdle, has gotten to experience the pirate lifestyle thanks to the video game, Sea of Thieves. “People love piracy; people love the sea, sailing, that freedom,” Cooper shared. “I think that is why I really enjoy the game is the freedom.” Foxdle’s love for Sea of Thieves got him recognized by the game’s developer, Rare, and he became an official partner of the game.
The Game That Changed It All
Although Jake had been streaming off and on for the past six years, it wasn’t until he found Sea of Thieves that things changed. “When this game first came out and I saw it, I was like that is a game that I could literally stream every single day for thousands of hours,” he recalled. “And I did, and I built a community around that.” After building his community, Cooper knew he wanted his channel to be different, and different it became.Standing Out
“I went with a different approach than most streamers that I base my characters around my appearance on stream, so I will wear my pirate outfit that I wear in game,” Foxdle explained. Not only can viewers expect cosplay on the channel, but they can expect a unique approach to playing. Jake likes to challenge himself and push the limits of what he can do in a game. “For instance, I spent probably thirteen hours trying to transport a barrel of snakes in a game for no reason once so ever, something difficult, something different,” he described. “The developers of the game noticed it and they made it an easter egg in the game because they liked it so much.”If You Build It, They Will Come … To Your Etsy Shop
When thinking about giveaways for the channel, the streamer said he wanted his giveaways to matter. “I started with skulls from the game that you normally sell for gold,” Foxdle stated. “I would do monthly giveaways and they were really popular, but the demand was so high that people were willing to pay for them and it went from there.” The demand for his replicas pushed Jake to open up his own Esty Shop. To create the 3D models, the gamer uses a virtual reality software called Oculus Medium to mold virtual clay with his hands. After the design is created, the process continues with printing, painting and sanding before the replica is complete.Not Just A One Game Man
As a streamer, not to mention a life-long gamer, Cooper’s ultimate goal is to become a variety streamer. “I think as you grow as a streamer and you aren’t locked down to a single game that people naturally will go to something else,” he admitted. “Everybody will want to be a variety streamer at some point, you cannot play the same game for five years straight and not get bored.” For Jake, he plays whatever appeals to him, and currently that is Valheim. Valheim is a survival game, and in true Foxdle fashion he puts his own twist on how he plays the game. “Right now I am playing it where I have done pretty much everything before with no risk, and now I am playing it on hardcore,” he explained. “I like the challenge, so what that means is if my character dies then I will delete my character and restart from fresh.”Playing Valheim for Charity
Get ready to risk it all during this two-day charity stream with Dreamscape Foundation as we team up with Foxdle this Friday and Saturday, March 19 and 20, starting at 10 am EST. We will be raising money to provide the assistance that is necessary to meet today’s numerous disability needs through technology for those living with disabilities. Join us for some guaranteed entertainment, celebrated wins and unfortunate losses during this hardcore run Valheim server base. “The idea is to be hardcore where the viewers jump in, but when their character dies they have to leave and then invite someone else in,” Jake shared. “It should be really good.” « PreviousNext »RabbitHouse Reaches New Heights for Dreamscape’s Charity Stream
RabbitHouse Reaches New Heights for Dreamscape’s Charity Stream
Can playing video games really rot your brain? For gamers who grew up in the 80s or 90s this question dominated the minds of parents and teachers alike. In the case of Connor Cunningham, better known as RabbitHouse, playing video games, more specifically Pokémon Silver, gave him the desire to learn how to read at a young age. “I guess that most kids would just sort of mess through all the text and get past it, but I was so into it that I was like I have to know everything, I have to be able to do everything,” Cunningham recalled. “Every word, ‘dad, what does this word mean? Mom, what does this word mean?’ Eventually it got to the point where I was able to play it on my own.” Not only did video games positively affect Connor’s life intellectually, but spiritually as well.
“Do you always need a reason to help somebody?” –Ash, Pokémon
RabbitHouse’s love for video games led him to watch gaming streams. “When I was a kid there was this group called the Speed Gamers, and they were trying to complete all the Pokémon games that were out at that point,” he shared. “I thought it was the coolest thing ever to go through all of that and raise money for St. Jude while they do it.” Eventually, Connor’s passion and interest in charity streams was too strong to ignore. “It got to a point where I was thinking, I could do this,” he recalled. “I’m confident in my ability to put together something like this, and really do something special.” As a charity streamer, Cunningham hopes that each stream he does is a little bit bigger than the last one to the point where he can eventually really make a big difference.Strength in Numbers
“The decision to start streaming as my way to make a difference comes from my thought process of what can I do that is the most immediate that can make the most impact right now?” RabbitHouse explained. “I have this moment that I am in right now and I won’t get this moment back, so what can I do to do the most with this moment?” Connor admits that the experience of COVID-19 last year left him frustrated in wanting to make a positive change, but feeling like he couldn’t make a difference. “The way you are going to do it is by coming together with other people, and coming together makes you all much stronger than you could be individually,” he stated. “I want people to know that they can be a part of something like this.”Sky’s the Limit
Cunningham has been defying the odds since day one. “I was born with a congenital heart defect called transposition of the great vessels, so basically when I was a baby all the tubes in my heart were kind of tied up in the wrong way” he described. “If I had been born 20 years earlier the surgery that fixed me wasn’t around at that point, so I wouldn’t have even made it.” Being born with this defect caused Connor to perceive himself as delicate or fragile, but as he got older his perception changed. “I made it through being a kid and I’m still here. I have a shot here,” RabbitHouse shared. “I’m at a point now where I am playing with house money, and everything from day one has just been icing on the cake.”Battle Royale for Accessibility
For his third official Charity Stream, RabbitHouse will be teaming up with Dreamscape Foundation this Sunday, February 21, from 7 pm – 10 pm EST to raise money for accessibility for individuals living with disabilities. “Unfortunately, a lot of people in that type of situation are brushed aside in today’s world,” Connor shared. “It’s an opportunity to step up and help out in a way that I haven’t done yet, so I am really excited to work with Dreamscape Foundation on this.” Cunningham will be playing the Battle Royale game Eternal Return. Time to put your strength, ability and wit to the test. « PreviousNext »Loony2unes Answers the Age-Old Question, “What’s Up, Doc?” During Dreamscape’s Charity Stream
Loony2unes Answers the Age-Old Question, “What’s Up, Doc?” During Dreamscape’s Charity Stream
Sometimes just a little compliment can make someone’s entire day. “There is so much going on that people just forget to take time to feel good,” Lonnie Mercado said. “I’m out here spreading the positivity.” Lonnie, better known by his twitch handle Loony2unes, practices what he refers to as “Compliment Only Time” on his channel. “What happens is I pick three people in the chat, and I do my best for like a three-minute compliment on anything I can go off to make them feel better,” he explained.
The Inspired Becomes the Inspirer
Loony2unes is a big believer in the power of self-worth and self-growth. “You don’t have to forget how great you are even if the day stunk,” he expressed. As well-known as Lonnie is for his bright and comedic personality, he admits struggling with mental depression in 2014 and credits the show, Game Grumps, for getting him out of his funk. “Just watching the show kept me laughing to the point where I would still continue growing, so I need to watch them almost in a way of keeping that sanity up,” he revealed. Game Grumps inspired Lonnie to start his own stream, so he could be the light for someone else.“Here We Go!” – Mario, Super Mario 64
When Lonnie first began to stream he was what you could consider a Nintendo Streamer. “I was a Nintendo Streamer because Mario is my man, he is my homie,” he recalled. “The reason why I got into video gaming is because I want to work for Nintendo one day.” More specifically, he wants to be a Nintendo Animator and has recently started sharing his love for animation on his stream. “I have become one of the few Twitch 3D animators, very niche, but that’s who I am a 3D animator,” he stated.Nothing Beats A Good Laugh
The Loony2unes Channel has so many different elements that makes it a true variety stream. When Lonnie isn’t making his viewers blush from flattery or showcasing his artistic talents, he can be found making them laugh until it hurts. “My absolute favorite part of streaming is when I know I made them laugh,” he confessed. “If I’ve done something and the chat is going bananas… I’m just like, ‘I did it! Got ‘em!’ It feels great, it feels absolutely wonderful.”Dare To Be Different
As proud as Lonnie is of all the gimmicks, he is just as proud of the welcoming, judgement-free environment his channel provides. “The one thing that any viewer can expect when they come to the channel is a safe haven first off,” he described. “The moment you say hello in the channel you are family and you will stay that way.” Loony2unes wants to use what excess positivity he has to help out others. “I see my life as going in a linear path and it is only right that I bring people with me,” he proclaimed.Animating For Charity
Dreamscape is loony to be teaming up with Loony2unes for his third Charity Stream to raise money for individuals with physical disabilities. Lonnie will be streaming from 2 pm to 2 am EST on Friday and Saturday, February 12 and 13, for a grand total of 24 hours! For the first time ever, Loony2unes will be creating a 12-hour 3D animation that you do not want to miss! You can play a part in choosing which three-piece Link sword attack Lonnie creates by casting your vote! To quote the famous Porky Pig, “Th-Th-The, Th-Th-The, Th-Th… That’s all, folks!” « PreviousNext »Serreph is Dreamscape’s Own Guardian Angel for Charity Stream
Serreph is Dreamscape’s Own Guardian Angel for Charity Stream
To quote the great Dr. Seuss, “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” For Brian Martin standing out was not always that simple. “I have the most common legal name in the world, so much so that there are twenty-six people with my first and last name in my city,” Brian Martin explained. Martin may not stand out in his Missouri town, but in the world of streaming he is one of a kind.
Guardian Angel
Martin, better known by his call name Serreph, is not your typical gamer. To truly understand Brian Martin, you need to understand the story behind the name Serreph. “Whenever I got into executive protection there were a couple instances that happened where I put myself in between the person that we were protecting and the gunfire,” he recalled. “They were like, ‘dude you are like a guardian angel, just like a Seraphim.’” The original nickname was shortened and has stuck with Martin throughout the years.Taking One for the Team
Living up to his name, Serreph has no problem taking a bullet for the good of the group. “Whenever I play first-person shooters, I am so bad that I am usually the bait for everyone else. I run out there and put myself out there to get shot while everyone else cleans up the mess behind,” he laughed. For Martin, the whole reason behind gaming is to relax and enjoy yourself. “That is the number one key. It is a game, you are supposed to be having fun,” he explained. “I do rage a lot, but most of the time the rage is for an act. I can’t really let something like that get under my skin. If it truly got under my skin, I would cut it out. Anything that bothers me that bad has got to go.”Multiple Interests
Serreph’s love of video games is just one of his many interests. “I have always been into a variety of things. I would like to start doing some cooking streams. I would also like to do video editing streams, where I teach people how to video edit,” Martin shared. At 46 years old, Serreph wants to share his experiences and knowledge with others. “That is one thing that I always take away from everything. Every day is a learning situation. Everything is a swap,” he stated.Dreamscape’s Mission Hits Home
It comes as no surprise that this jack of all trades has a passion for charities. For Serreph, Dreamscape’s Mission really struck a chord. “I know people that are quadriplegic and paraplegic. I work with people that are partially blind. One of my best friends is an international DJ and he has what is known as Retinitis Pigmentosa, so he is legally blind,” he said. “He can only see shadows in bright light. This man was an inspiration to me for many, many years because he goes out there and DJs by feel,” Martin described.First Time Charity Streamer
Dreamscape is ecstatic to announce that we are partnering with Serreph for his first ever Charity Stream this Thursday, January 21 starting at 1pm EST – and ending around 1am EST! Prepare yourself for some lively first-person shooting games, strategic puzzles and a lot of laughs during this 12-hour event. Join Dreamscape and Serreph in raising money to help those struggling with physical disabilities. « PreviousNext »There’s a Tidal Wave Incoming for Dreamscape’s Next Charity Stream
There’s a Tidal Wave Incoming for Dreamscape’s Next Charity Stream
Get ready to be swept out to sea when team Tidal Esports takes over Dreamscape Foundation’s next charity stream. Coming in strong to end our Season of Giving events, this Saturday beginning at 1pm (EST), team Tidal will be kicking off their 12+ hour charity stream. Itching to get things started, the 3 members will be working to raise funds to support Dreamscape’s adopted families. With a variety of games, prizes and different streamers taking over, this is one event you don’t want to miss…Especially with the surprise grand prize they have in store for 3 lucky winners! But before we get into that, let’s meet the team.
Abide the Tide
Not just your typical gamers Tyger, Gidjete, Basic Tyez and the rest of their team take things to a whole new level. Brought together by shared passions for gaming and competition the Tidal Esports organization competes in a variety of games and tournaments. Ranging from Overwatch and Call of Duty, to games like Apex, Smash and Gears they do it all! With Saturday’s event in their sights, the team is excited to be able to use Twitch and gaming to help give back to people in need. Adding to the hype, they know their community will have a blast with the lineup of games and activities they have planned. Letting viewers vote on themes and in game players, they will be having a little fun with Minecraft speed runs and creative build offs, various matches and mini games from Call of Duty: MW, Overwatch and some classic mini games like Monopoly and Uno! Whether you plan on donating or just enjoying the stream, all are welcome to tune in and check it out.The Need to Know
Not 8…Not 10… but 12 full hours of nonstop streaming will be going down this Saturday December 21st from 1pm-1am (EST). Aside from the games above, team Tidal has a lot more in store. All donors will be rewarded with an assortment of prizes and gear, with the addition of a lucky few walking away with Tidal’s surprise GRAND PRIZE. Teaming up with their sponsor’s Tzar Apparel, the group created limited edition Tidal Esports – Dreamscape charity stream gaming jerseys which they will be raffling off to 3 lucky viewers! Also up for grabs are 2 Amazon gift cards valued at $50 and $100. But for the complete prize chart, please see the donation tier breakdown below: (Please note all prizes ship US only)
- Tier 1 – $5:
- 1 Random Steam Key
- 1 Raffle entry to win a $50 Amazon gift card
- Tier 2 – $10:
- 1 Random Steam Key
- 1 Dreamscape T-Shirt
- 3 Raffle entries to win a $50 Amazon gift card
- Tier 3 – $20:
- 4 Random Steam Keys
- 1 Dreamscape T-Shirt
- 5 Raffle entries to win a $50 Amazon gift card
- Tier 4 – $50:
- 4 Random Steam Keys
- 1 Dreamscape T-Shirt
- 1 Pair of Creeper Gamer Glasses
- 5 Raffle entries to win a $50 Amazon gift card
- 2 Raffle entries to win a $100 Amazon gift card
- Tier 5 – $100:
- 4 Random Steam Keys
- 1 Dreamscape T-Shirt
- 1 Pair of Creeper Gamer Glasses
- 1 Mystery Funko Pop
- 5 Raffle entries to win a $50 Amazon gift card
- 6 Raffle entries to win a $100 Amazon gift card
- Tier 6 – $250:
- 4 Random Steam Keys
- 1 Dreamscape T-Shirt
- 1 Pair of Creeper Gamer Glasses
- 1 Mystery Funko Pop
- 1 Genji Styled Hooded Sweatshirt
- 5 Raffle entries to win a $50 Amazon gift card
- 10 Raffle entries to win a $100 Amazon gift card
- A featured article on the Dreamscape Foundation Blog Page
It’s Party Time with BalenaProductions’ 5th Annual Charity Stream
It’s Party Time with BalenaProductions’ 5th Annual Charity Stream
BalenaProductions is back and ready for their 5th annual Dreamscape Foundation charity stream event! After crushing last year’s goal, Steve (Balena), Ron (Rigg3l), and Ted (ApocHedgie) are ready to make an even bigger impact this time around. Starting at 8pm (EST) on Sunday December 15th the team will be raising money for Toys for Tots and Friends of Foster Children Forever. With a whole lot planned, plus prizes and giveaways, it’s sure to be an all-out party….Mario Party that is!
Let’s Meet the Team
All long time gamers and friends, Steve, Ron, and Ted all got started on Twitch streaming their playthroughs of games. But what keeps them there today is all the possibilities a stream holds. Steve (Balena) being a natural foodie at heart, loves chatting with his viewers and having deep, heart felt conversation about food. While Ron (Rigg3l) on the other hand tends to go a little past just chatting in his streams. When asked about his favorite stream activities he had this to say, “Either playing competitive games or just playing rage inducing games and yelling about them”. Definitely on the competitive side, Ron keeps his things interesting but it’s always in good fun. Ted (ApocHedgie) is a multiplayer kind of guy. Whether it’s hosting a server for a bunch of friends or just playing in a big group, Ted loves the social aspect of gaming. Aside from playing big group games, Ted also lets his viewers who donate choose his next game. Which isn’t always a good thing for him! “I love when people donate to make me play whatever game they want, most of the time they make me play horrible things that shouldn’t even exist, but sometimes you get a nice guy who just wants you to play something good for once”, said Ted. Lucky for Ted, during the stream the guys will be playing Mario Party on Gamecube. Playing as DK (Steve), Wario (Ron), and Waluigi (Ted) to battle it out for that first place win, things are bound to get heated!How the Gang Got Together
Steve and Ron first met way back in the 4th grade and have been friends ever since. Together they started their own Youtube channel (BalenaProductions) and began making videos. Using animations and voiceovers of their favorite characters, primarily Sonic the Hedgehog, they created dozens of short clips for fun. As their channel grew and grew, they knew they needed to step up their content. Steve set out trying to find some new animations and mods, and in 2012 met Ted. As Ted put it, “he had some high quality standards for videos”, but once Steve saw what he could do, they began working together on some videos. While working on the videos, they started becoming friends more than colleagues. Eventually, Steve introduced Ted to Ron and the rest of their friends. At that time, Steve and Ron had switched from making episodes of their popular Youtube show Pixel Brains and began streaming them live on Twitch. According to Ted, “when they started doing PixelBrains streams instead of episodes, I was occasionally invited (more and more) to co-host with them”. They had a blast streaming together, and “since then Ted has been a very regular guest on Pixel Brains” said Ron. Fast forward 7 plus years later and the group is still going strong!Every Little Bit Helps
We all know there are people out there who are not as fortunate as some of us. The right thing to do is help out when you can to give them hope and a chance at changing things for the better. This is just another thought these friends have in common. Over the years, Steve has partnered with the Dreamscape Foundation and other nonprofits time and time again. This year, in the 5th annual Dreamscape stream he is looking forward to lending a helping hand while having a ton of fun. As a charity stream veteran, he had a message for other streamers thinking of giving it a shot, saying “Every little bit helps”! This simple sentence has some powerful meaning. Too many times streamers are afraid their stream won’t raise enough to matter. But it isn’t all about the amount raised! Spreading the word and educating people on the cause you’re supporting is enough in itself. Alongside Steve in past Dreamscape charity streams, Ron is a big supporter of volunteering as well. While most of his work has been in support of the Dreamscape Foundation, he has also gone outside the realm of e-based volunteering. When he was still in school, Ron had the opportunity to take part in helping out his local community. He and a group worked to help clean up trash and litter in parks around their area. Now ready for the next charity stream Ron had some final words to share, “Never stop believing in yourself. Each day brings new challenges, try your best to overcome them and never be afraid to ask for help along the way”! Despite what life throws at you, there is always hope and a way to overcome the obstacles. Similarly to his partners, Ted has been a constant supporter and volunteer for the Dreamscape Foundation charity streams. But before they began streaming, he still did his fair share to give back. He knows how important local organizations and their programs are to the communities they serve. Their only purpose is to help those who need it, but without outside support they won’t get much accomplished. That’s why Ted has volunteered multiple times to help local charities with anything he could. From shipping and receiving, to freshness tracking of food items, he was up for anything they needed him to do. Going into this year’s charity stream, he is looking forward to not only helping those in need, but being a role model to other streamers looking to do the same. It’s not hard to do, “just get out there and do it! Find a charity you like, advertise as best you can and try to raise some money and awareness for your favorite charity! Every bit counts, so don’t get discouraged if you can’t raise a million bucks”!The 5th Annual Dreamscape Charity Stream
Keeping the tradition alive for the 5th consecutive year, Balena Productions is back at it again! Coming together to support the Salvation Army’s Toys for Tots and Friends of Foster Children Forever, they are looking to demolish last year’s results. Prizes, giveaways, and great games are on deck for this event with an epic Mario Party battle being the forefront. The smack talking has already begun with Ted feeling real confident in his Waluigi skills and getting Ron as flustered as possible after each win! Will Ron make Ted eat those words? Or will Steve, keeping quiet, come out and surprise them both. To find out and see all the other fun ideas they have planned, make sure you tune in this Sunday December 15th beginning at 8pm! (Click here to visit our Tiltify.com page) But having fun and playing games isn’t all! All those who donate will receive a thank you gift and raffle entries for a chance to win 1 of 2 Grand Prizes. Please see below for the giveaway breakdown: (please note, all prizes ship US only)
- Tier 1 – $5:
- 1 Random Steam Key
- 1 Raffle entry to win a $50 Amazon gift card
- Tier 2 – $10:
- 1 Random Steam Key
- 1 Dreamscape T-Shirt
- 3 Raffle entries to win a $50 Amazon gift card
- Tier 3 – $20:
- 4 Random Steam Keys
- 1 Dreamscape T-Shirt
- 5 Raffle entries to win a $50 Amazon gift card
- Tier 4 – $50:
- 4 Random Steam Keys
- 1 Dreamscape T-Shirt
- 1 $10 Nintendo eShop Gift Card
- 5 Raffle entries to win a $50 Amazon gift card
- 5 Raffle entries to win a $100 Amazon gift card
- Tier 5 – $100:
- 4 Random Steam Keys
- 1 Dreamscape T-Shirt
- 1 $10 Nintendo eShop Gift Card
- 1 Mystery Funko Pop
- 5 Raffle entries to win a $50 Amazon gift card
- 10 Raffle entries to win a $100 Amazon gift card
- Tier 6 – $250:
- 4 Random Steam Keys
- 1 Dreamscape T-Shirt
- 1 $10 Nintendo eShop Gift Card
- 1 Mystery Funko Pop
- 1 Nintendo Switch Joy-Con 4 in 1 Charging Station
- 5 Raffle entries to win a $50 Amazon gift card
- 20 Raffle entries to win a $100 Amazon gift card
- A featured article on our Blog Page
Allstar Dance Studio Supporting Naples Nonprofits
Allstar Dance Studio Supporting Naples Nonprofits
There is a new dance studio in town and they are making a name for themselves with the local nonprofits. As a way to introduce themselves and give back to the community they now call home, the talented instructors and staff at the Allstar Dance Studio Naples are connecting with local charities to orchestrate fundraisers and community outreach events. In fact, this Sunday December 1st at 6pm, the Dreamscape Foundation will be teaming up with them to put on a Holiday Dance Party event! So let’s meet our co-hosts…
Dance, Dance, and more Dance
The Allstar Dance Studio in Naples views the art of dancing not just as a hobby, but as a way of life. Their friendly and knowledgeable instructors are experts in over a dozen styles of dancing. Offering both group and private lessons they have classes that fit every occasion. I had the chance to speak with one instructor, Jesse Gomez, who has been dancing nearly his entire life. Jesse explained how he came from a family of dancers. They were constantly dancing and playing music at parties and while they weren’t all professionals, it didn’t matter. Dancing was something they all loved and could share with one another. So for Jesse dancing is a true passion not just a career. So much so in fact, to this day he cannot decide on which style is his favorite. His reasoning, “I love something different about each form”. This simple statement is a perfect explanation of how each form may differ but they all have their own unique beauty and elegance. So you may be asking, what forms of dance do they teach? However, it might be easier to ask what forms they don’t teach! In total, the Studio offers lessons in 14 different styles of dance! Please see below for the complete list and description of each style:- Bachata
- Known for being the most sensual dance in the world. The movements will force you to fall in love with your partner!
- West Coast Swing
- A smooth style that is danced in a slot. The dance allows room for syncopated footwork and improvisation. It can be danced to a wide range of music including Rhythm and Blues, Country Western, Funk, Disco, Rock and Pop.
- Viennese Waltz
- Characterized by its speed (faster than Waltz), as well as its rise, fall and sway (less than Waltz). With its elegance and turns, Viennese Waltz has an air of magic about it.
- Samba
- The national dance of Brazil, which is meant to be danced solo in celebration or pride. However, in the US it has evolved into a couple’s dance performed in most ballroom settings.
- Merengue
- Merengue is the national dance of the Dominican Republic. Musically, it has links with Cuba but the dance belongs to the island of Hispaniola.
- Mambo
- Known for being a fast and spicy dance characterized by strong Cuban motion, staccato movement and expression of rhythm through the body.
- Cha Cha
- Originated in Cuba and evolved from a slow version of Mambo called “Triple Mambo”.
- East Coast Swing
- An energetic, fast dance, usually done with triple steps and rock steps to Big Band or contemporary music that ‘swings’.
- Hustle
- This rapid, high energy swing dance can be coupled with any upbeat, fast-paced music from any genre or era.
- Tango
- Born in the slums of Buenos Aires in the late 19th century from a mixture of different cultural rhythms and steps, it is known for being a highly passionate dance.
- Rumba
- Best characterized as a sensual dance that is to be accompanied by romantic music.
- Foxtrot
- This smooth and elegant dance has become a very popular Ballroom dance with beginners and advanced dancers alike.
- Salsa
- Known best for being a truly great club dance, one that is fun, accessible, sexy, and constantly evolving with each new generation.
- Waltz
- This is the granddaddy of all ballroom dances, and set the standard for various forms to follow.