FAIRBORN — 50 children will have a new place to sleep after the fifth annual Day to Dream event, hosted by Morris Furniture Company, United Way of the Greater Dayton Area, and Secret Smiles of Dayton.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, volunteers will be delivering beds to families who were pre-selected based on need.

This year’s event also serves as a tribute to one of the original founders of Secret Smiles, Kristy Irvine Ryan, a 1993 University of Dayton graduate.

She started Secret Smiles in New York with friends and was killed in the World Trade Center.

Tracy Janess, President of Secret Smiles of Dayton said, “Kristy loved providing beds to kids and would not want the focus to be on her, instead, she would want us to focus on the generosity of those who help make events like Day to Dream possible.”

According to a release, this year, a portion of all mattresses purchased at the Greater Dayton area locations of The Better Sleep Shop inside Morris Home and Ashley HomeStore locations help provide beds to families across the Miami Valley.

“Since 2001 we have come in contact with thousands of children who now, thanks to the generosity of strangers, have a warm and secure place to sleep at night. Over 8,000 beds and cribs have been provided to Dayton area children over the last 20 years thanks to our volunteers, partners. and community donations,” said Janess.