“Meet Me on Dream Street, the hippest street in town”

The Colorado I Have a Dream Foundation was founded in 1988, as a long-term academic and social mentorship program for youth who live in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Today the CIHAD Foundation has impacted the lives of over 810 Dreamers who were selected and adopted in kindergarten and continued through post-secondary pursuits.

The expectation for all Dreamers is that they are prepared for college, obtain a degree and have a viable path for entry into the workforce. They accomplish these goals with tools designed in five-key focus areas: Academic Enrichment & Discovery, Cultural Access, Success & Financing, Career Readiness.

This year’s gala, themed “Dream Street,” embodies the organization’s mission in helping metro Denver’s most underrepresented youth stay on the road to achieving their dreams. CIHAD paves the way for students from kindergarten thru college with an award-winning, multi-year program of mentoring, academic assistance, life-skills development, cultural enrichment and partial scholarships for higher education. Over 90% of the Dreamers graduate from high school and in collaboration with our partners – the teachers, administrators, volunteers, and others – they move beyond the threshold of high school into the next chapter of their lives.

The gala recognized one of CIHAD’s founders, Chris Romer, who has helped pave the road for hundreds of Dreamers since the program began in 1988.  A former Colorado State Senator and this year’s recipient of the McHugh Award, Chris was honored for his exemplary efforts in leveling the playing field in education.  Also, the annual Dream Maker Award will be presented to Robert Hottman, chief executive officer of EKS&H for his countless contributions and commitment to quality education.

With entertainment by the charming Denver Chorale’s gaggle of children (and adults not in costume), and Reggie Rivers working it as the gracious and successful host, the evening was a bonafide success. Rivers kept hitting the audience up for more and they responded by buying over the top live auction items as well as cash donations. He didn’t have the auctioneer’s yodel but, he definitely displayed a magical persuasive tongue.

The evening wrapped with a performance by the newest name in jazz. Pianist Joey Alexander, with his band (from New York City), performed an original composition that blew the audience away. Alexander was recently introduced on the “Today Show,” and was scheduled over the weekend for a performance at the world famous Dazzle Jazz Club.