Field of Dreams, Inc

How We Started

In August of 2004, Tom Dermody was contacted by Scott Jones, a California Deer Association (CDA) member from Fresno, about a young man that was paralyzed from mid-chest down from a motorcycle accident. Scott had tried to convince him even with his disability he could still go out and enjoy the outdoors. Tom was greatly touched by the story and contacted a local landowner to tell hi

m this young man's story. It didn't take long for the landowner to graciously offer his ranch to sponsor a black tail deer hunt. Later that same month the men got together for the hunt and the young man was able to harvest a really nice 3 point buck. Tom and Scott could see the sheer joy and gratitude on the man's face as he examined his buck. Not too long after the hunt Scott called Tom to tell him that the young man's life had drastically changed since the hunt. After a few years the young man graduated with a 4 year degree in Ministry and became the pastor of a church. The man told Scott that the deer hunt had changed his life entirely. In 2006 Tom had the honor of meeting a young man by the name of Derek Jellison. Tom was deeply touched by Derek as he was by far one of the most inspirational children that he had ever met. Every day of his life Derek faces more challenges than most people could even imagine. He always maintains a positive attitude and is extremely giving and generous. Derek has deeply touched the hearts of everyone that he has ever met. The young gentlemen that Tom took black tail deer hunting and Derek are the inspiration that drives the Field Of Dreams (FOD) events, year after year. Through the years Tom, along with other volunteers, has been blessed to meet many young children and their families. Each year FOD events continue to grow and as of 2010 the group has provided outdoor adventures for close to 100 children and their families. But, there are so many more, deserving children that we need to get out in the field. In 2009, FOD began hosting a few hunts that recognize young men from our military. Hunts were hosted to recognize servicemen from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars as well as a New York City Fireman that was at the towers on September 11th. In 2010, FOD started an event that is called the John Montelli Memorial Veteran's Hunt. This hunt recognizes veterans from World War II up to our current wars. FOD has worked closely with local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion chapters. There are so many veterans in the North State that deserve an opportunity of a hunt of a lifetime and our goal is to provide that opportunity. By 2010 FOD had provided outdoor opportunities for sixteen servicemen. FOD has also been blessed to become involved with an organization called “Guide On.” Guide On was formed by a gentleman by the name of James Clark. This organization provides multiple opportunities to the children of our fallen veterans. By 2010 FOD had provided outdoor opportunities for 10 Guide On families