Sueños 2019
Taye Diggs, Dascha Polanco, Jackie Cruz, Chef Kelvin, Kathy Romero and Tony Peralta
Laura Peynado being presented the Educator of the Year Award by Jonathan Wunderlich
NEW YORK, March 2nd, 2019– The 7th Annual Sueños 2019 Benefit continued what has now become a NYC tradition, raising awareness and funds for high-quality education for more than 9,000 Dominican youth. Sueños 2019 took place on Thursday, February 28, 2019 at The Mezzanine on Wall Street, celebrating Dominican Independence Day, Dominican American culture and education opportunities for all.
The red carpet included celebrity guest appearances by Honorary Chair Dascha Polanco from Orange is the New Black, along with co-star Jackie Cruz, actor/writer Taye Diggs, artist Tony Peralta, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, musicians Brandon Niederauer, Doug Wimbish and many more. The Brugal 1888 VIP tasting featured an exclusive Dominican culinary demonstration by Chef Kelvin, winner of Beat Bobby Flay. His culinary flavors from the Dominican Republic were paired with signature cocktails by Brugal 1888.
Catherine DeLaura is congratulated by her goddaughter for receiving the DREAMer of the Year Award
Sueños 2019 main event and awards featured DREAM Educator of the Year Laura Peynado, presented by Cisely Saldana of Cinestar Pictures, and DREAMer of the Year Catherine DeLaura for her 10 years of service to the Dominican community. This was followed by headline performances by The DREAM Project Bachata Academy Band. Comprised of a group of DREAM students traveling from the Dominican Republic, the band shared the stage with the legendary Doug Wimbish from Living Color and the stars from Broadway’s School of Rock, Brandon Niederauer and Raghav Mehrotra. Bachata, jazz and the sounds of rock made for a once-in-a-lifetime show.
100% proceeds from the event will go directly towards DREAM’s programs, impacting more than 9,000 Dominican youth in 27 different communities.
We would like to thank this year’s sponsors for helping DREAM create change and end the cycle of poverty in the Dominican Republic. JetBlue, Fast Enterprises, Brugal, Phoenix Tower International, Dominican Republic Tourism, The Latino Network Coalition, Beachwold Residential and The Mezzanine.