The DREAM Project Celebrates 30 Years of Empowering Youth in the Dominican Republic
Michel Zaleski, Founder of The DREAM Project
New York, United States - The DREAM Project successfully celebrated its 30th anniversary with a New York City gala on October 22nd, From DREAMs to Reality, an event filled with excitement, gratitude, and hope. The evening brought together friends, supporters, and leaders of the Dominican diaspora to commemorate three decades of educational and social impact in the Dominican Republic. What began as a small volunteer effort in 1995 has grown into an internationally recognized non-profit educational organization, serving over 7,000 children, youth, and families each year.
The evening paid tribute to Michel Zaleski, DREAM's visionary founder and Chairman Emeritus, and recognized Lucy Doughty as DREAMer of the Year for her generous support of DREAM’s summer enrichment programs and her commitment to education and community initiatives, which she has pledged to support through 2030.
Lucy Doughty, recognized as DREAMer of the Year
Special guests included Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Consul General of the Dominican Republic in New York, Jesus Vasquez, and President of the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), Dr. Guillermo Linares, who celebrated the honorees' achievements and DREAM's transformative impact on education.
The gala featured a keynote speech by Julissa Reynoso, former U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, who reflected on leadership, service, and the power of community.
The evening was emceed by Genesis Suero, whose warmth and charisma energized the night. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, talented musicians from DREAM’s own Bachata Academy filled the welcome reception with the lively rhythms of bachata, merengue, and salsa, setting the perfect tone to kick off the celebration
During the event, guests also participated in a silent auction featuring exclusive experiences, artwork, and Dominican cultural treasures, including a trip to Cabarete with a visit to DREAM’s educational center and original art pieces by DREAM students. Every bid contributes directly to supporting DREAM's educational mission. The auction is still live, and DREAM invites you to check out the exciting options: https://givebutter.com/c/30-anniversary-gala/auction.
Thanks to the support of corporate sponsors Beachwold, JetBlue, Morgan Stanley, Time Equities Inc, Hispanic Federation, Liberty Coca-Cola, and Barceló, Board members, partners, and the community, DREAM surpassed its fundraising goal and celebrated three decades of shared achievements, which served as a reminder that when we dream together, there are no limits to what we can achieve.
More than just a celebration, it was a renewed promise to continue transforming lives through education.
Consider supporting DREAM by making a donation at www.dominicandream.org/donate