Gala Hosted at The Diplomat Beach Resort
Miami, FL (November 28, 2023) – Stephanie, Jules, and Eddie Trump of Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach hosted the 28th Annual “I Have a Dream” Foundation Miami Gala on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at The Diplomat Beach Resort. The evening raised nearly $1 million, benefiting the “I Have a Dream” Foundation Miami Dreamers – the class of 2032 who are now in the 4th grade. The Trump family founded the Miami-Dade chapter of the Foundation in 1995.
Almost 650 South Florida philanthropists joined 40 Dreamers for a magical and uplifting evening filled with philanthropy and generosity. A silent auction featured 50 enticing prizes, including luxurious hotels stays at prestigious destinations like Six Senses Ninh Van Bay in Vietnam, Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, Little Palm Island and The Ritz London along with unforgettable dining experiences and award-winning spa packages. Auctioneer Jay Rokeach orchestrated a live auction, offering dreamy getaways including an Italian escape to iconic properties like Le Sirenuse, Hotel Santa Caterina and Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, a Swiss adventure with stays at the legendary Badrutts Palace, Baur Au Lac and Victoria Jungfrau and a trip to France with accommodations at the J.K. Place Paris and the flexibility to spend four nights at any Small Luxury Hotels Collection property.
Miami artist Cameron Wheeler captivated the audience with her soulful voice during the cocktail hour, while The Diplomat’s culinary team curated a delectable four-course menu for the guests’ enjoyment.
The evening unfolded with touching moments, beginning with founder Stephanie Trump's inspiring address, where she gave special recognition to the “I Have a Dream" Foundation's longtime Executive Director, Jonas Severe, and Project Director, Nicole Taylor, acknowledging their pivotal role in the program’s success. Heartfelt speeches followed including one by Miami Dreamer Tiondra Wright who graduated in 2005 and has a Master’s degree and Bachelor’s degree. She shared her experiences and gratitude towards the “I Have a Dream” program, affirming a commitment to always remain a Dreamer. The night also showcased performances by the Dreamers of the class of 2032, encompassing an orchestra ensemble and captivating dance performances that mesmerized the audience.
The Gala culminated in a high-quality stage production, featuring a blend of music, rhythmic drum beats, and a dazzling light show.
All proceeds from the Gala benefitted the “I Have a Dream” Foundation Miami Dreamers – children in low-income communities – providing them with opportunities to pursue higher education, capitalize on their talents and fulfill their leadership potential by allowing them to get the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. The Foundation also guarantees the children’s academic tuition at a Florida state university for a four-year degree or at an accredited trade school.
For more information, call (305) 937 7834 or visit dreammiami.org.
About I Have a Dream Foundation
The Miami chapter of the “I Have a Dream” Foundation was founded by the Trump Family in 1995. The Foundation adopted the entire second grade class (97 Dreamers) at the Charles R. Drew School in Liberty City. 95 Dreamers reached the 12th grade, 83 of them graduated in 2005 on time and 54 graduated from college. In August 2007, the “I Have a Dream” Foundation adopted a new class of Dreamers at Hibiscus Elementary School in Miami, the class of 2020. Out of 107 Dreamers, 96 graduated on time and five graduated in 2021. As a result, 86 Dreamers are now enrolled in post-secondary education. While only 50% of students in low-income communities are expected to finish high school, and only one out of seven will graduate from college, our Dreamers have gone on to become teachers, social workers, secretaries, scholar-athletes, lawyers, and more.
The “I Have a Dream” Foundation Miami Chapter supports 63 Dreamers who will become the graduating class of 2032. These young children will be offered the same opportunities as the classes of 2005 and 2020.
About Acqualina Resort & Residences
Acqualina Resort & Residences is where the charm of a Mediterranean villa meets elegance on the beach. The lush grounds feature red couches set on Seashore Paspalum grass and are dotted with signature red umbrellas. A seaside luxury haven located on 4.5 beachfront acres in pristine Sunny Isles Beach, Acqualina Resort features 98 impeccably appointed guest rooms and suites and 188 residences with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, world-class dining including Il Mulino New York, the alfresco Costa Grill and the new Ke-uH Japanese restaurant, three oceanfront swimming pools, spacious meeting rooms and an innovative marine biology-based children’s program. A variety of lavish interior and exterior venues provide an ideal background for opulent weddings and memorable events. Acqualina Spa provides guests with an exquisite 20,000-square-foot, two-story tranquil sanctuary of excellence and relaxation. A family-owned and operated property, Acqualina is a recipient of the coveted Forbes Travel Guide Awards for both the hotel and spa and the AAA Five Diamond Award.
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Media Contact
Alexandra Wensley, Vice President of Communications
Acqualina Resort & Residences
(786) 930 1900
Alexandra.wensley@acqualina.com