Previous Galas

The Annual Power of a Dream Celebration: 25 Years of Cultivating Dreams took place at the Museum of The Bible, Washington, DC. 

$3.5 million was raised, exceeding the fundraising goal of $1 million for the year, with a surprise donation of $2.5 million by Oprah Winfrey.

This was announced through a video message from Ms. Winfrey. 

The 25th anniversary gala was an inspiring evening with many special highlights and guest speakers such as:

• Alumni Keynote Speaker: Withney Simon, U.S. Dream Academy Alum, Entrepreneur and Head Image Consultant at Connaisseur Paris
• Host:  News4 Anchor, Washington D.C., Shawn Yancy
  
• Entertainment: Jennifer Holliday, GRAMMY and TONY Award winning Broadway Actress, Recording Artist and Gospel Singer; Takoma Academy Choir and DC DreamKids
• Special video message from Maryland Governor Wes Moore, a longtime supporter of US Dream Academy
  
• Special Performance & Appearance: Wintley Phipps, GRAMMY nominated Gospel Singer, and Founder and CEO of U.S. Dream Academy
• Mentor of the Year Award, sponsored by QTS: Daniel Guerrero, a mentor at U.S. Dream Academy Learning Center in Salt Lake City

We were excited that $15,000 was awarded to three of our alumni students and we also received a commitment for $32,500 per year in scholarships from Washington Adventist University for DreamKids who attend their college.

The Honorary Congressional Committee included:

• The Honorable Pete Aguilar, (D-CA)
• The Honorable John A. Boehner, Former Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives (R-OH)
• The Honorable Ben Cardin (D-MD)
• The late Honorable Diane Feinstein (D-CA)
• The Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX)
• The Honorable Kwesi Mfume (D-MD)
• The Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)
• The Honorable Bobby Scott, (D-VA)
• The Honorable David Trone (D-MD)

We are grateful for our sponsors: Amway, QTS, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, Centera Transport Inc., AdventHealth, IBOAI, MarkerMan Productions, Giant, NFL Foundation - Inspire Change, Bethea Family Foundation, David McDonald, and National Alliance of Faith and Justice

Photos during the gala by Imagine Photography.

Out of abundance of caution, the 21st Annual Power of A Dream Celebration  - Dreams Ablaze -  Presented by Amway, was held virtually  last May 11, 2022. The day programming reflected our charge for 2022 and beyond to a continued commitment to grow, engage, and create. It was also a day where  extraordinary men and women who over the years sought change and inspire hope for a future generation were honored. PowerUp Sessions with leading experts across a variety of topics to educate, empower, and enhance was also part of the day programming.  Senator Mitt Romney  also joined  and spoke about the life of Senator Orrin Hatch. It was part of the  tribute to the late Senator Hatch to commemorate his life and impact on the U. S. Dream Academy. 

PowerUp Sessions:

• The Power of Connections , sponsored by TV One Networks
• The Power of Mentorship , sponsored by Amway
• B.E.E Advocates for Mental Health Equity Presented by Dania Y. Lofton, Esq.
• Spicing Up Your Food and Wellness, sponsored by Giant , Presented by Alexandra Brown and Melanie Berdyck
• Finding Fellowship, Presented by  Jason Green and Moderated by  Diane Wallace Booker

On September 15, 2021, the 20th Annual Power of A Dream Celebration - Village of Dreams, Presented by Amway, was held to mark and celebrate the achievements of the year and honor extraordinary men and women who over the years sought change and inspire hope for a future generation.

In an abundance of caution and to keep attendees safe, the annual celebration was a live cast event. Attendees joined for an evening they were sure not to forget as we honored those who had committed to serve and support children in need. They also had an opportunity to engage with leading experts and young leaders during the PowerUp Sessions in the morning.

PowerUp Sessions:

• Incarceration Effects   , with Diane Wallace Booker, Esq., Chief Strategy Officer & Executive Vice President U.S. Dream Academy
• Boost Your Immunity ,  with Leslie Jefferson, MS, CNS, LDN, Nutritionist and Su Jin K. Roberge R.Ph., Pharm.D., Manager Clinical Programs at Giant Food
• Leadership In Times of Uncertainty ,  Presented by Terri Gaskey, sponsored by IBOAI
• Asset Building Relationships,  Presented by Naaila Gray, U.S. Dream Academy National Mentor Program Director

The yearly in-person gala event was transitioned to the first virtual "Live Cast." The decision to postpone the in-person annual gala event, which was scheduled to occur last spring, was made due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During those unprecedented times, it was essential to secure broader funding for the programs and celebrate the accomplishments of service to America's children. On Monday, October 19, 2020, the virtual event, The 19th Annual Power of a Dream Live Cast Celebration: Accelerate Dreams, was hosted.

PowerUp Sessions:

• Understanding the Impact of Parental Incarceration on Young People with Diane Wallace Booker, Esq., Chief Strategy Officer & Executive Vice President, U.S. Dream Academy, sponsored by Centera Transport Inc.
• Youth Panel: Young People and Mental Health during COVID-19 with Dr. Marissa Leslie, System Medical Director of Psychiatry, Adventist HealthCare, sponsored by AdventHealth
• How to Shift Your Brilliance with Simon T. Bailey, International Speaker, Author, Consultant, Coach Simon T. Bailey International, sponsored by QTS
• Food Fighters – Immune Boosting Foods presented by Giant Food, Speakers: Jillian Griffith, MSPH, RDN, LDN and Samir Balile R.Ph., Pharm.D.
• Leading with Integrity - A Conversation with Wintley Phipps on Leadership & Building Character. Dr. Wintley Phipps, CEO and Founder U.S. Dream Academy, sponsored by IBOAI

The 18th Annual “Power of A Dream” Gala themed, “Dream Forward,” with presenting sponsor Amway was hosted on May 8th 2019 at the J.W. Marriott in Washington, D.C.  It was co-hosted by Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kodjoe to celebrate the 21 years of U.S. Dream Academy. Honorees included Ndaba Mandela, Judge Greg Mathis, and Kay Coles James. The gala also featured speeches from Makayla Graham and Markenslay Jean Louis, as well as musical performances from Wintley Phipps, Takoma Academy Chorale, and Clifton Davis. Nahtalia Lizcano won the XS Energy Gum new package design competition.

Honorees for the U.S. Dream Academy 18th Annual Power of A Dream Gala included; Ndaba Mandela, who received the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award; Judge Greg Mathis , recipient of this year’s President’s Award ; Kay Coles James, who received the Legacy Award, and the Mentor of the Year Award was presented to Lauren Harris from the U.S. Dream Academy Houston Center.



The U.S. Dream Academy hosted an exciting 17th Annual “Power of A Dream” Gala themed, “Living the Dream” on May 8th 2018 at the Washington, D.C. Marriott Marquis presented by Amway. The organization hosted 450 guests for its 20th Anniversary celebration. The gala fundraising goal was $1 million which was exceeded when Oprah Winfrey planned a surprise announcement with her mentee Mpumi Nobiva, who was being honored at the event with the DreamBlazer Award.   At the end of the gala, Nobiva ran back on stage to announce that Oprah would match all donations made for the gala. 

The gala was co-hosted by popular award-winning actor, producer and director Larenz Tate  along with WHUR popular radio personality Triscina Grey.  The year's honorees, Cicely Tyson (President’s Award), Dave Shapiro (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award) and Mpumi Nobiva (DreamBlazer Award) are passionate advocates of mentorship, education and philanthropy, working to make a lasting impact in their respective fields, in our communities and around the world.  In addition,  Kaleem Payne from the Baltimore City Dream Academy,  was awarded 1st prize of the Amway design contest and his design will now be the feature on the XS Energy Gum package along with the US Dream Academy.  Payne was awarded $2,500 for first place.

The U.S. Dream Academy's 16th Annual "Power of A Dream" Gala with  the theme  Ignite Dreams was held on June 6th 2017 in Washington, D.C. Amway and the U.S. Dream Academy co-hosted the event, which was chaired by Candace Matthews and Muriel Garr. Larenz Tate and Michelle Williams co-hosted the gala, which featured musical performances from U. S. Dream Academy founder and Grammy nominee, Wintley Phipps, the Takoma Academy Chorale and the DreamKids from Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia.

The 2017 U.S. Dream Academy Award recipients included the Mentor of the Year Award  presented to Robert Logan, Dr. David R. Williams with the Legacy Award, and both  France A. Córdova and Wanda Durant with the President's Award for their philanthropic work. The gala was attended by 500 guests. 

The U.S. Dream Academy recently celebrated their 15th Annual “Power of A Dream” Gala, themed, “Growing Dreams,” presented by title sponsor Amway. The annual black tie fundraiser was hosted on Tuesday May 3, 2016 at the Washington Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C. 

The gala was hosted by actress Tamara Tunie and actor, Laz Alonso. A unique and popular part of the event that fascinated guests, included a 15 foot Dream Tree on display that allowed guests and students the opportunity to write and hang a dream leaf to illustrate the evening’s theme and the possibilities of Growing Dreams. 

The year’s honorees were Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA.) for the Legacy Award ; Jaime Casap, Global Education Evangelist at Google received the President’s Award and Jarrett M. Adams, the MLK Jr. Award recipient. 

The audience were also entertained with memorable performance of "He's Got the Whole World in his Hands" with U. S. Dream Academy founder, Grammy nominee, Wintley Phipps and the Takoma Academy Chorale, along with The Dream Kids from Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia. In addition Susan L. Taylor, Founder, CARES Mentoring made a special appearance and shared a moment of encouragement with the Dream Kids. A full circle moment for the evening took place that night when one of the U.S. Dream Academy Alumni, Marcus Randolph, served as a keynote speaker of the evening.

The U.S. Dream Academy 14th Annual “Power Of A Dream” Gala, themed “Score For Dreams” presented by Amway, was held on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at the Washington Hilton Hotel. 

The year’s Honorees included: Edwin Moses, former Gold Medal Olympian, Jonathan Mariner, Chief Investment Officer of Major League Baseball (MLB), Jody Victor, President and CEO, MarkerNet, Inc. and Herbert Douglas Jr., the Oldest Living Olympian and U.S. Bronze Medalist. The Mentor of the Year award was given to Charlyn Anderson for her commitment to the D.C. Learning Center. Musical talent for the evening included Grammy Award Winning Artist, Regina Belle, Entertainers Extraordinaire, The Savoy Ellington’s and The US Dream Academy Dream Kids.

The U.S. Dream Academy celebrated its 13th Annual “Power of A Dream” Gala on Wednesday, June 11th 2014 at the Washington, D.C. Hilton Hotel. The year’s Gala, themed “Dream Big”, presented by Amway and chaired by Chad Williams (Chairman and CEO, QTS) raised over 1 million dollars.

Distinguished honorees for the President’s Award included, The Honorable Chaka Fattah (U.S. Congressman, PA.), Andrew M. Bertamini (Wells Fargo Regional President) and Britt Worldwide Charities. Ben Zander from the US Dream Philadelphia Learning Center was honored posthumously as Mentor of the Year.

Hollywood actress Ion Overman and actor, producer Dale Godboldo hosted the  special event. It kicked off with  a special heartwarming artistic dance and singing performance of Pharrell Williams’ song, “Happy” with the U.S. DreamKids and guest soloist Matthew Schuler. There was also powerful performances from Two Time Grammy Award Winning Ann Nesby, U.S. Dream Academy Founder, President and CEO Wintley Phipps.

Additionally Heather Foster, Advisor from the Office of Public Engagement for Media Advisory, the White House, shared remarks regarding the President’s new initiative, My Brother’s Keeper, which could impact these children’s lives. Miss America’s Outstanding Teen made a special appearance and inspired the DreamKids. The evening ended on a high note with Ann Nesby singing “I Believe” and Founder Wintley Phipps joining on stage for a collaborative performance and sharing a powerful message on the importance to make a commitment to continue to make a difference in these children’s live.

The 11th Annual Power of a Dream Gala, themed “Dreams for the Future” was held on May 1, 2012 in Washington, DC to benefit their nationally recognized after-school programs for children. The event was held at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel.

Honorees for that year’s event included; Lars Houmann (President & CEO Florida Hospital), Mark Ingram, Jr. (Heisman Trophy Winner New Orleans Saints of the National Football League), Laura Kaeppeler (Miss America 2012), Hilton O. Smith (Sr. Vice-President, Community Affairs Turner Construction Company), George Allen “Pat” Summerall (Former National Football League Player and Television Sportscaster), and Kathy Victor (Board of Directors Chairman, Independent Business Owners Association International).

A special highlight of the evening included performances by; the US Dream Academy DREAMKids, Grammy Award Winning Gospel Group Mary Mary, and Grammy Award nominee and founder of U.S. Dream Academy, Wintley Phipps. Chef Jeff Henderson

Executive Chef, Best Selling Author, Multi-Grammy Award and Star of the Food Network’s “The Chef Jeff Project” served as the keynote speaker. Emmy Award and Edward R. Murrow Award winning anchor Cynne’ Simpson and popular actor Lamman Rucker emceed the gala.

The U.S. Dream Academy celebrated its 10th Power of a Dream Gala on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 in Washington, DC. The event was held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

Honorees for that year's event included Vice Admiral Regina M. Benjamin, MD, MBA, the 18th Surgeon General of the United States Public Health Service; Sheila C. Johnson, a successful entrepreneur and impassioned philanthropist and Vice Chairman of Monumental Sports & Entertainment and Founding partner of Black Entertainment Television) Robert Townsend, award winning actor, director, producer, and visionary ; and Dr. Delbert W. Baker (founding Board Member of the US Dream Academy, Seventh-day Adventist minister, author, educator, and administrator and a vice president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists).

Special guest performances were given by US Dream Academy DREAMKids, the highly acclaimed Accapella Chorus group “Committed”, Grammy nominee and founder of U.S. Dream Academy, Wintley Phipps, and the legendary Grammy Award winning Patti LaBelle. Comedian Meshelle Foreman Shields and News anchor Brenda Wood hosted the event.

On May 18, 2010, the U.S. Dream Academy held its 9th Annual Power of a Dream Gala entitled, “Dream America". The event was held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel.

That year’s honorees included: news anchor veteran, Dan Rather; The Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX); award-winning actress Angela Bassett ; Judge Joe Brown ; 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.

Returning as hosts were actor/comedian Chris Tucker and news anchor Cynne Simpson. Emmy Award-winning actor Charles S. Dutton served as the keynote speaker. Academy Award-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. and Jonathan Mariner (CFO of Major League Baseball) served as the Gala co-Chairs. VIP guests included; Members of Congress, and NFL veterans, Rick Doc Walker and Darrell Green, among many others.

A night full of entertainment was scheduled with a performance from teen sensation Charice. Additionally, Wintley Phipps, a world-renowned Grammy-nominated vocal artist provided entertainment for the night, and the Dream Academy Dream Kids Choir was also featured. The event was designed and produced by Hutchinson Design Group.

The U.S. Dream Academy tonight hosted its 8th annual Power of a Dream Gala with the theme Turning Dreams Into Reality on May 21, 2009 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Washington, DC. 

Among the stars headlining the 2009 gala were Academy Award-winning actor Lou Gossett, Jr., Academy Award-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson, Essence Magazine Editor-in-Chief Emeritus and National CARES Mentoring Movement founder Susan L. Taylor, MTV Award-winning comedian-actor Chris Tucker, and Grammy Award-winning vocalist-producer BeBe Winans.

Gala co-chairs United States Senators John Ensign (R-Nevada) and Mark L. Pryor (D-Arkansas) were among the 500 attendees who joined U.S. Dream Academy President and CEO Wintley Phipps.

Actor Lou Gossett, Jr. was the recipient of the 2009 Legacy Award, actress and Washington, D.C. native Taraji P. Henson was presented with the 2009 President’s Award, and LDS Business College dean of academic outreach Keith Poelman was honored as 2009 Mentor of the Year.

Chris Tucker and WJLA television news anchor Cynné Simpson emceed the program that featured moving musical performances by Wintley Phipps, BeBe Winans, and the U.S. Dream Academy “DreamKids Choir” . Essence Magazine Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Susan L. Taylor provided a powerful keynote speech that focused on reasons she started the National CARES Mentoring Movement.

The 10th Anniversary Gala of the U.S. Dream Academy was held on May 21, 2008, at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Washington, DC. The event was attended by star entertainers, members of Congress, and children from the U.S. Dream Academy to  pay tribute to 10 years of U.S. Dream Academy preparing children of incarcerated parents to succeed.

The gala featured performances by Jennifer Holliday, Chris Tucker, Peabo Bryson, Keyshia Cole, and Wintley Phipps. The Gala Co-Chairs were Rep. Elijah Cummings and Rep. Zach Wamp, and the Honorary Congressional Gala Co-Chairs included Senator Orrin Hatch, Rep. Dan Burton, Rep. Chaka Fattah, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Rep. Sue Myrick, and Rep. Maxine Waters.

The 2008 Gala Award recipients were Dr. Benjamin Carson, Jim Payne, and Isaac “Ike” Brown Jr. The gala was co-hosted by comedian and MTV Award-winning actor Chris Tucker and WJLA Washington (ABC7) news anchor Cynné Simpson.

The U.S. Dream Academy’s 6th Annual Power of a Dream Gala took place on May 22, 2007 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The theme for that year was Breaking the Cycle. Former President William J. Clinton; Carl Dalstrom, CEO, USA Funds; and Billy Tauzin, CEO of PhRMA, Inc. were honored at the gala. The non-profit organization based in Columbia, Maryland had garnered the support of business partners, such as Wachovia Bank, Freddie Mac, USA Funds, Park & Go, MarkerNet, Adventist Health, CNL and IBOAI. Leon Harris, lead news anchor for Washington, DC’s WJLA-TV News co-hosted the program with comic-actor Chris Tucker of the Rush Hour movie franchise.

Celebrities such as Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young, Actor Woody Harrelson, Minnesota Vikings first-round draft choice Adrian Peterson, and American Idol finalist Kelly Pickler each had a parent in prison during their youth. They all attributed their success to the influence of a strong mentor.



Congresswomen Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) and Sue Myrick (R-North Carolina) were among the speakers who, with Phipps, addressed the press on this disturbing trend, and what his US Dream Academy was doing to help reverse it, especially for children who had a parent incarcerated. In the United States, there were 2.8 million children whose parents were in prison. When their parents were incarcerated, their dreams went with them. Phipps saw this as devastating to a child’s future. “A child with a dream is a child with a future,” said Phipps.

The U.S. Dream Academy, with the help of long-time supporter and gala co-chair Senator Orrin Hatch and other key congressional supporters, strives to combat the current educational crisis for children of prisoners and children falling behind in school through its largest annual fundraiser, the “Power of a Dream Gala”. The Fifth Annual Power of a Dream Gala was held on Thursday, May 18, 2006 at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Washington, D.C. The reception began at 6 PM, followed by dinner and an awards ceremony honoring Senator Hillary Clinton, NFL Player Donald Driver, Attorney Tom Mesereau, Jr., Esq. and Cicely Tyson. A host of congressional supporters, corporate executives and educators were also be in attendance.

Championing its primary mission to help at-risk youth maximize their potential, the U.S. Dream Academy, Inc., and its president and CEO, Wintley Phipps, hosted its fourth annual gala dinner on Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Dream Academy, in partnership with its corporate sponsors, have committed to a fundraising goal of $1 million that will be used to provide academic support, mentoring and values-based education to 1,000 children through the Academy’s network of Learning Centers across the nation. 

In support of this worthwhile cause, several noteworthy figures attended the black-tie optional dinner, “Power of a Dream Gala,” to help generate awareness for the U.S. Dream Academy and rally much-needed support for its enrichment programs targeting at risk children and youth. Among the evening’s celebrated guests included: acclaimed media mogul Oprah Winfrey, Sen. Orrin Hatch (Event Chair), Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (Honorary Event Chair), and legendary husband-and-wife team and Grammy Award winning performers Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. (Event Honorees).

To that end, U.S. Dream Academy gladly welcomed several “Dare to Dream Ambassadors” who attended the year’s gala for special recognition of their individual efforts and achievement. Selected from Dream Academy Learning Centers in Atlanta, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington, each Ambassador exemplifies Wintley Phipps’ vision and is a living testament to the Academy’s personalized learning strategies. 

The U.S. Dream Academy announced that it presented the President's Award and Legacy Award to Attorney Willie Gary and Minnesota Vikings Quarterback, Daunte Culpepper at its annual THIRD POWER OF A DREAM GALA: Building Dreams, which took place on Wednesday, May 19, 2004, 7:30 PM at the Washington Renaissance Hotel. Senator Orrin Hatch and Dr. Benjamin Carson served as Co-Chairs. The honorees were cited for their exemplary dedication to youth and extraordinary personal achievement.

The evening program was highlighted with stellar musical presentations by Melba Moore, Marvin Winans, and renowned Gospel music artist Wintley Phipps.

President Bush had called on the American people to focus on the needs of the most vulnerable citizens, including "boys and girls trying to grow up without guidance and attention, and children who have to go through a prison gate to be hugged by their mom or dad." These are the children that the U.S. Dream Academy serves.



The second annual Power of a Dream Gala was held on May 21, 2002, at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, DC. 

Senator Orrin Hatch and Dream Academy Board Member Jody Victor are our Gala Co-Chairs and Melissa Manchester will entertain that evening. The Congressional Co-chairs were Senator Jon Corzine, Representative Chaka Fattah, Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, Representative COnnie Morella and Representative J.C. Watts. The celebration featured the past year's of expansion for the Dream Academy. The musical guest will during the gala was the Grammy Award singer-songwriter, Melissa Manchester. 

The President's Award was given to Plato Learning Systems President and CEO John Murray.



The first gala was held in May 8, 2001 at the J.W. Marriott in Washington D.C to celebrate the fruition of a long-held goal of founder, WIntley Phipps, to directly assist in stemming the growing tide of juvenile incarceration and to raise much-needed funds for future Learning Centers.

The event included several members of Congress, with Senator Orrin Hatch and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton as the co-sponsors of the gala. The Tuesday night event is named "The Power of a Dream, A Gala to Benefit the U.S. Dream Academy, Inc." and was presented by the two Senators, gospel singer CeCe Winans, and others. 

Joining the  congressional committee were Rep. Charles Rangel and Rep. J.C. Watts. Delta Airlines was the  Title Sponsor for the event and its generosity and partnership was a welcome boost to our efforts.