Oprah Winfrey, U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch, U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Dr. Dorothy Height and U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Among Key Figures Slated to Attend Event on May 24


COLUMBIA, Md. (APRIL 29, 2005) – 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, are pleased to announce that its fourth annual gala dinner will take place on Tuesday, May 24 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 are slated to attend 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 are: 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).

The U.S. Dream Academy will also bestow its President’s Award to the following distinguished Americans for their leadership and service to communities all over the world: Dr. Dorothy Height, chairman emerita, National Council of Negro Women; George E. Johnson, founder and chairman (retired), Johnson Products Company, Inc.; and Harris Rosen, president and owner, Rosen Hotels and Resorts.

“These are truly exciting times for the Dream Academy,” said Phipps. “ With each child that we enrich, we are opening doors that were once closed and seemingly impassable. I am extremely grateful for the overwhelming support we’ve received over the years and look forward to continuing our mission of affecting change for the disadvantaged.”

“I have given my enthusiastic support to the Dream Academy for years because it makes a lasting impact in the lives of youth who are facing life’s most difficult challenges,” Hatch said. “I believe in this program's potential because I have already seen its effects. These youth receive the educational tools and moral support they need to succeed.”

To that end, The U.S. Dream Academy gladly welcomes several “Dream of the Future Ambassadors” to attend this 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 youth ambassador exemplifies Wintley Phipps’ vision and is a living testament to the Academy’s personalized learning strategies. All travel expenses to, and accommodations in, Washington, D.C., will be underwritten by Delta Air Lines and Marriott® Hotels and Resorts, U.S. Dream Academy sponsors.