News & Stories

The Ready Set Dream Big blog.

Stories from our events, updates on our work, and ways you can be part of supporting our community.

Announcements

Welcome to Our New Online Home

We're excited to share our refreshed look and a new place to keep you connected to everything happening at Ready Set Dream Big.

By Dr. Ronda Dillon
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Our Work

More Than Two Events: How We Support Our Community

The toy drive and gala are our flagship events, but our commitment to the community shows up all year long.

By Ready Set Dream Big
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Scholarships

Scholarship Season Is Here: How to Apply

Applications are open July 1 through August 16, 2026. Here's everything students and adults need to know to apply.

By Ready Set Dream Big
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Events

Our 4th Annual Women Who Make It Happen

On October 5, 2025, our community gathered at Topgolf to celebrate the women and leaders who make a difference.

By Dr. Ronda Dillon
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Reflections

What "Women Who Make It Happen" Really Means

Our signature event is named for a simple truth: real change is built by people who show up.

By Dr. Ronda Dillon
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Community

The Joy of Giving Back

Giving back is not about having more to give. It is about choosing to show up.

By Dr. Ronda Dillon
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Reflections

Five Years of Big Dreams

From our first gala to today, here is what five years of community has taught us.

By Dr. Ronda Dillon
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Toy Drive

Wrapping the Year in Kindness: Our 2025 Toy Drive

This December, we made sure local children and families felt remembered.

By Dr. Ronda Dillon
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Events

Our 3rd Annual Men and Women Who Make It Happen

On October 5, 2024, at Atlanta Technical College, we widened the circle and celebrated together.

By Dr. Ronda Dillon
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Reflections

Lifting Up the Next Generation of Leaders

When we invest in young people, we are investing in everyone they will one day lead.

By Dr. Ronda Dillon
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Gratitude

Spotlight on the Partners Who Make It Possible

Behind every scholarship is a community of businesses and neighbors who believe in our students.

By Dr. Ronda Dillon
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Education

The Ripple Effect of One Opportunity

One scholarship, one mentor, one open door, the impact rarely stops with a single student.

By Dr. Ronda Dillon
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Toy Drive

Spreading Holiday Cheer: Our 2024 Toy Drive

Another December, another chance to make sure no child in our community feels forgotten.

By Dr. Ronda Dillon
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Events

Our 2nd Annual Women Who Make It Happen

On October 14, 2023, we celebrated alongside ten scholarship recipients and the community that lifted them.

By Dr. Ronda Dillon
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Education

The Power of a Single Scholarship

A scholarship is more than money. It is belief, made real.

By Dr. Ronda Dillon
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Community

Tutoring in Our Community

Sometimes the most powerful support is simply someone sitting beside a student, helping them through.

By Dr. Ronda Dillon
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Reflections

Why Nonprofits Matter

Nonprofits show up where help is needed most, powered by nothing more than people who care.

By Dr. Ronda Dillon
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Toy Drive

A Season of Giving: Our 2023 Toy Drive

We closed the year the way we love most, by bringing joy to local families.

By Dr. Ronda Dillon
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Events

Where It All Began: Our 1st Annual Scholarship Gala

On September 24, 2022, at the Essence Event Venue, a dream we carried for years finally came to life.

By Dr. Ronda Dillon
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Education

Why Education Changes Everything

Everything we do comes back to one belief: education changes everything.

By Dr. Ronda Dillon
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Our Story

The Story Behind Our Name

Ready Set Dream Big was born from a belief passed down through generations.

By Dr. Ronda Dillon
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Toy Drive

Bringing Joy at the Holidays: Our Year-End Toy Drive

From our very first year, December has meant making sure local children feel remembered.

By Dr. Ronda Dillon
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Reflections

What It Means to Dream Big

Dreaming big is not about the size of the dream. It is about believing it is possible.

By Dr. Ronda Dillon
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