Dream Academy News | 9th Annual Power of a Dream Gala
Friday May 21, 2010
ANGELA BASSETT, DAN RATHER, DR. BERNICE A. KING, JUDGE JOE BROWN, AND MORE HONORED AT THE 9TH ANNUAL “POWER OF A DREAM GALA”
Chris Tucker, Charles “Roc” Dutton, Louis Gossett, Jr., and Cherice among Gala Participants Who Support U.S. Dream Academy Programs for At-Risk Youth
May 30, 2010 (Washington, D.C.) – On May 18, 2010 the stars came out to attend the U.S. Dream Academy’s 9th Annual Power of a Dream Gala to benefit their nationally recognized after-school programs. The event, entitled “Dream America,” was held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel (1150 22nd Street NW) in downtown Washington, D.C. Each year the Gala attracts some of Hollywood’s top celebrities, corporate executives, and VIPs, as well as political and community leaders, to support and invest in the future of children at risk of future incarceration, and this year was no different.
Highlights of the evening included a powerful keynote speech from actor, Charles Dutton, riveting acceptance speeches from Gala honorees and a moving performance from talented young artist Charice.
Returning as hosts were actor/comedian Chris Tucker and news anchor Cynne Simpson who entertained the audience. The humorous Tucker kept the laughter flowing throughout the event as the night proceeded without a hitch.
The annual event honors those who are making a difference in young people’s lives with their philanthropic efforts. This year’s honorees included: news anchor veteran, Dan Rather (“CBS Evening News” and “Dan Rather Reports”); The Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX); award winning actress Angela Bassett (The Rosa Parks Story, What’s Love Got to Do with It); Judge Joe Brown (“The Judge Joe Brown Show”); Roger D. Bozarth (CEO of Insurance Advantage); Mary Bryant Tucker, (mother of actor/comedian Chris Tucker); and Dr. Bernice A. King (daughter of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference) . Additionally, Ashley Tyrrel was honored as Mentor of the Year.
A special highlight of the night was keynote speaker, Emmy Award-winning actor Charles S. Dutton delivered a rousing speech. His speech captivated the entire audience as he chronicled his journey from convicted felon and prison inmate to Yale graduate and Emmy-award winning actor. His speech was truly an inspiration to the children of the U.S. Dream Academy, many of whom have parents who are incarcerated.
The night was jam-packed with entertainment, headlined by teen sensation Charice. The young star brought the audience to its feet on several occasions with her powerful and soul-stirring voice. Charice first came to notoriety when Oprah gave her the opportunity to sing with Celine Dion, and now she is quickly becoming an international star who will be featured on Ellen and Oprah this month to debut her first album.
Additionally, Wintley Phipps, a world-renowned Grammy nominated vocal artist, provided entertainment for the night as well as the Dream Academy Dream Kids Choir who sang a heart-warming performance of “We are the World.”
Academy Award-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. and Jonathan Mariner (CFO of Major League Baseball) served as the Gala co-Chairs. Several notable guests attended the affair including Members of Congress and NFL veterans, Rick Doc Walker, Lavar Arrington and Darrell Green, among many others.
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.
Wintley Phipps, Founder and CEO of the U.S. Dream Academy states, “It’s truly amazing to see people come out every year to the event to support the children of the U.S. Dream Academy. This event helps us to create and implement programs to touch more and more children’s lives. Too many children don’t believe in their greatness and are victims of their circumstances. Through our programs, we give children hope…the opportunity to dream.”
The Gala was sponsored in part by Amway Global, USA Funds, Insurance Advantage, MarkerNet, IBOA International, Adventist Health, Coca Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, General Atlantic, Kalorama Partners, Southwest Airlines and Integrated Management Systems.
Judge Joe Brown and his wife
Bernice King, Angela Bassett, and Mary Tucker,
Charles “Roc” Dutton shared his inspirational story of triumph from incarceration as the keynote speaker for the event.
