Dream Academy News | The 10th Annual Power of a Dream Gala
Wednesday June 29, 2011
U.S. Dream Academy Founder and CEO Wintely Phipps kicked off the 10th annual “Power of a Dream” Gala on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 saying “Our dream has flourished, our roots have grown, our mission has matured and America knows the U.S. Dream Academy is making change real,”
Each year the Power of a Dream Gala attracts the support of Hollywood celebrities, political figures, corporate executives, community leaders, and VIPs who are committed to the Dream Academy’s vision to succeed in making a difference in the lives of at-risk youth and children of incarcerated parents. Co-Chairs for the event were none other than NFL Hall of Famer Darrell Green and his wife Jewell Green and Donna Bozarth, Chair of the Miss America Outstanding Teen Competition.
Comedian Meshelle Foreman Shields and News anchor Brenda Wood hosted the special event which kicked off with a heart touching performance by the talented youngsters of U.S. Dream Academy DREAMKids. The evening was highlighted with incredible musical performances by acapella group Committed, winners of the hit show “The Sing Off” in 2010 as well as a stellar duet performed by the legendary Patti LaBelle and U.S. Dream Academy Founder and Grammy Nominated Singer, Wintley Phipps. The duet segued into Ms. LaBelle’s magical performance. The Food Network’s acclaimed pastry chefs, Chef Norman & Chef Zane, brought a special cake onto the stage as the evening concluded with a soulful Happy Birthday serenade by Committed to celebrate Ms. LaBelle’s birthday.
Honorees for this year’s event, who are proactive in making a difference in the lives of youth through their philanthropic endeavors included: U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina M. Benjamin, the 18th Surgeon General of the United States. As America’s Doctor, she provides the public with the best scientific information available on how to improve health and the health of the nation. Sheila C. Johnson, a successful entrepreneur and impassioned philanthropist and Vice Chairman of Monumental Sports & Entertainment and Founding Partner of BET (Black Entertainment Television); Robert Townsend, award winning actor, director, producer and visionary (The Discarded Boys, The Five Heartbeats, Parenthood, Natalie Cole Story, The Robert Townsend Foundation) and Dr. Delbert W. Baker, founding Board Member of the US Dream Academy, Seventh-day Adventist minister, author, educator, administrator, and a vice president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Amway was the Presenting Sponsor of the gala. Other sponsors include; Insurance Advantage, Ray & Pamela Hill, George Johnson, USA Funds, MarkerNet, Inc., Southwest Airlines, Adventist Health System, American Express, Florida Hospital for Children, IBOAI, Kalorama Partners, Quality Tech LP, Systems Integration & Management, Inc., Team Scotti and Wachovia.
The mission of the U.S. Dream Academy is to empower children who are at risk of future incarceration to maximize their potential by providing them with academic, social and values enrichment through supportive mentoring and the use of technology. The 10th Annual Power of a Dream Gala raised close to $1,000,000.
