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Surprise Duet Performance by Patti LaBelle & Wintely Phipps at the 10th Annual Power of a Dream Gala
Surprise Duet Performance by Patti LaBelle & Wintely Phipps at the 10th Annual Power of a Dream Gala
U.S. Dream Academy Honored
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina M. Benjamin, Sheila C. Johnson, Robert Townsend and Dr. Delbert W. Baker at the 10th Annual Power of a Dream Gala to Benefit At-Risk Youth on May 25th
Washington,
Washington, D.C.,
United States of America
(prbd.net)
17/06/2011
(WASHINGTON, DC)- The U.S. Dream Academy celebrated its 10th Annual “Power of a Dream” Gala on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 in Washington, DC to benefit its nationally recognized after-school programs for children at risk. The event was held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel located at 1330 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20024. Each year the Power of a Dream Gala attracts the support of Hollywood celebrities, political figures, corporate executives, community leaders, and VIPs to invest and raise awareness to further help U.S. Dream Academy programs succeed in making a difference in the lives of at-risk youth and children of incarcerated parents.
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. Additional special highlights were provided by 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 the dynamic acapella group, 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 include: 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.
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. VIP guests included: Members of Congress, Sports legends, Corporate Executives and community leaders.
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 rose close to $100,000.
About the U.S. Dream Academy
The U.S. Dream Academy focuses on impacting the lives of children with incarcerated parents and children falling behind in school. The program founded by renowned gospel singer Wintley Phipps, is currently operating in 10 cities nationwide. Its research-based initiatives challenge nearly 800 young people daily and engage them in active learning through one-to-one mentoring, strong academics, and technology-driven activities and curricula. Visit our website at www.usdreamacademy.org
In Washington, D.C., the Dream Academy Learning Center is co-located at the Ferebee Hope Elementary School where 60 students have access to after-school academic support, character building and dream building activities along with weekly mentoring by positive adult volunteers.
Important Statistics
• One in 40 children in the United States has an incarcerated parent.
• More than 10 million children in the U.S. have had a parent in prison.
• Each year about 400,000 mothers and fathers finish serving prison or jail sentences, and return home.
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Media Contact: Priscilla Clarke & Associates, Tel. (202)723-2200,pclarkepr@aol.com
Event Information: Angela Hunt Bonitto, Director of Development, U.S. Dream Academy,
Tel. (410)772-7143, abonitto@U.S.dreamacademy.org
About
The principals of Clarke & Associates, LLC collectively, represents over 25 years of experience in the area of public relations, marketing, entertainment, event management and production. C&A has a qualified team that includes publicists, certified event planners, marketing and production specialists. In addition, C&A has had a strong involvement in the Corporate, Political and Entertainment worlds.
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