Dream BIG for the “I Have a Dream” Foundation

Portland, October 1st. The “I Have a Dream” Foundation held its Annual Gala at the The Nines Hotel. The nonprofit reports: “By providing long-term relationships with caring adults and creating a “culture of college” from a young age, “I Have a Dream” Oregon has been able to increase graduation rates and work towards breaking the cycle of poverty for Dreamer students.”

Alder Elementary Dreamers Abril Sierra, Giselle Amrosio and Jonathan Guerrero present the platters that Alder Dreamers designed for the Dream Big Live Auction. They are joined on stage by emcee Natali Marmion from KATU.

Class 8 Dreamer, Yeymy Martinez, sharing her story for the special appeal

President and CEO, Mark Langseth, with Alder Elementary Dreamers Abril Sierra, Giselle Amrosio, Jonathan Guerrero, and Greg Chaillé, celebrate the evening during the Dinner Program. The Alder Elementary Dreamers were on-hand to present the platters that they and their classmates designed and created with the help of Polly Spencer.

Program Director, Traci Rossi, and Heidi & Bryan Bell

Diana Kerman, Judy Hubbard, and Board Member/Class 9 Sponsor Julie Ball

A raffle, wine wall, and silent auction were followed by a dinner program with live auction, special appeal, speakers and entertainment by Dreamers. The special event raised a total of $235,000.

Alder Elementary Dreamer Abril Sierra presenting one of the live auction Dreamer Platters

The purpose of Dream Big is to raise crucial funds for Dreamer Classes and Dreamer School programs.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.