“I Have a Dream” Celebrates Record-Breaking Gala

Portland, November 11th, 2014. “I Have a Dream” Oregon and more than 600 guests raised a record-breaking $425,000 to empower more than 1,500 students from low-income communities to thrive in school, college, and career. The first package of the evening featured original artwork by Kindergarten Dreamers inspired by the question “What Is Your Dream?” Reggie Aqui, Emcee; Brandon, 5th Grade Dreamer student and Auctioneer Johnna Wells sold the artwork for $1,600. Students like Alma, an 8th-grade Dreamer and aspiring astronomer told her story via video. The event’s “Dream” theme was abundant, with the stories of Dreamers past, present and future and “Dream-themed” silent and live auction items to destinations such as France, Bali and Costa Rica. (photo credit, Andie Petkus)

Daniel Capuia; Allison Day, Nike; Dr. Alisha Moreland-Capuia, Medical Director, Volunteers of America & Class 1 Dreamer and Ken Lewis, Co-Founder of “I Have a Dream” Oregon

Adarian & Brandon, 5th Grade Dreamers in the class of 2026 greeted Dream Big guests at the door

Widmer Brothers Brewery sponsored the inaugural Dream Big After Dark event following Dream Big, pictured is Sarah Smith, Randy Hammond, Andy Thomas, CEO of Craft Brew Alliance and Ed Smith, Director of External Reporting and Investory Relations, Craft Brew Alliance.

Julie Petersen & Amanda Davenport served as members of the event’s planning committee

Allyson Harris, Community Volunteer; Kay Toran, President, Volunteers of America; Mike Rossi; Traci Rossi, VP for Programs, “I Have a Dream” Oregon and Hosheman Brown, Community Collaborations & Investment Manager, United Way

Original skateboard art featuring the Dreams of middle to high-school age Dreamer students was auctioned off to lucky bidders

“I Have a Dream” celebrated a record-breaking Dream Big event.

The event was presented by Miller Family Holdings. Other event sponsors included: Boly:Welch, Hawks View Cellars, Gray & Company, First Republic Bank, Knowledge Universe, Stoel Rives, Vernier Software & Technology, Widmer Brothers Brewing, A to Z Wineworks, Amy Vining Photography, Capital Pacific Bank, Pacific Power, Portland State University, Mollet Printing and Vibrant Table Catering & Events.

From “I Have a Dream, Oregon”:

“I Have a Dream” Oregon believes that education is the key to eliminating poverty. They work to align the work of schools, families, nonprofits, colleges and businesses around the shared goal of student success. With the generosity of the community, 100% of Dreamer students will graduate from high school and 80% will pursue post-secondary education.

Watch Alma’s Dream here.

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.