The “I Have A Dream” Foundation Hosts 5th Annual Dreamer Dinner Benefit

The "I Have A Dream" Foundation Los Angeles (IHADLA) held their 5th Annual Dreamer Dinner on Sunday, March 18, 2018 in the Ahmanson Ballroom of The Skirball Cultural Center.

The program honored the organization's champions of education including Emmy-Winners Regina King and Larry Wilmore; as well as Senior EVP of CBS Entertainment Thom Sherman and Homeboy Industries.

The night began with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction, followed by an award ceremony, dinner and live auction. During dinner, guests sipped on wine provided by Frank Family Vineyards and were delighted to see actress & comedian Melissa Peterman ("Baby Daddy," "Reba") in her fifth turn as emcee for the event. Rather than opening with a comedy set, Peterman read jokes written by the Dreamers students, which elicited big laughs.

At the top of the evening Board Chair Ron Camhi introduced their new CEO and Executive Director Pamela Miller who took the stage to discuss the organization's impact, her journey having left the entertainment space in favor of philanthropy and vision for IHADLA. Miller said, "I am completely committed to do absolutely everything I can, with my incredible staff and all of you, to continue our great work and drive our growth to support so many more deserving young people."

Vivica A. Fox presented to Regina King who accepted via video while on-location in New York City where she is directing and producing her very first television pilot (Untitled Holmes project for ABC). As a born and bred Angeleno, King thanked IHADLA for the recognition and said, "I've had support all my life, but there are a lot of children who don't, especially children of color, children of immigrant families...and they need the support of I Have A Dream LA."

The rest of the evening's festivities included Rachel Bloom ("Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) presenting to Thom Sherman; Senior VP of ABC Comedy Development Jamila Hunter to Larry Wilmore; as well as Jose Arellano & Richard Cabral honoring Gregory Boyle (AKA: Father Greg) of Homeboy Industries.

Notable attendees included Chad L. Coleman ("The Orville," "The Walking Dead"), Carlton Cuse ("Lost"), Jamie Hector ("Bosch," "All Eyez on Me"), Isom Innis (Foster the People), Joel Johnstone ("The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel"), Sharon Lawrence ("Shameless"), Allen Maldonado ("Black-ish," "The Last O.G."), Grace Parra ("The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore"), John Ridley ("American Crime") and Carlson Young (MTV's "Scream").

ABOUT I HAVE A DREAM FOUNDATION LA:
The "I Have A Dream" Foundation - Los Angeles is the only educational organization that works with elementary school children through high school graduation and transitioning into college, and guarantees them tuition and support through their post-secondary education. The organization recently launched a college & career program that helps students stay in and finish college, and find work. Since its founding in 1987, IHADLA has supported over 11,400 community individuals - the students (who are affectionately called Dreamers), their parents and siblings. Toward that end, Dreamers receive IHADLA's full services of in-school, after-school, and year-round academic, social and emotional support designed to break the cycle of inter-generational poverty.

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