IHADLA's 3rd Annual DREAMER DINNER Set for 3/20

On Sunday, March 20, the third annual "Dreamer Dinner" will take place at the Skirball Cultural Center to benefit "I Have a Dream" Foundation Los Angeles' (IHADLA) ongoing efforts to provide educational support for local at-risk youth.

This year's dinner will recognize the extraordinary contributions of Terence Carter (Executive Vice President Development & Programming at Fox), Wilmer Valderrama ("That '70s Show," "From Dusk Till Dawn," "Grey's Anatomy"), and the Board of Directors of SHARE, Inc.

Melissa Peterman ("Baby Daddy," "Reba") will emcee the event.

IHADLA chooses entire classes of students (known as "Dreamers") and supports them from early elementary school all the way through college - with financial support, afterschool tutoring, college preparation, field trips, and mental and social encouragement. Since 1987, IHADLA has worked directly with more than 1,000 students through 19 class sponsorships benefitting over 7,000 others including families, communities, and schools. IHADLA's most recent sponsorship is a class of third graders in Boyle Heights. IHADLA is also currently sponsoring students at schools in Watts and Inglewood.

The philanthropic endeavors of Terence Carter and Wilmer Valderrama, along with the programming Terence has championed at FOX and Wilmer's charitable commitments, make them outstanding honorees. SHARE, Inc. is an outstanding nonprofit philanthropic organization that raises funds for at-risk youth and children with disabilities. The vision of its Board of Directors has made a positive difference in the lives of Los Angeles youth.

WHAT: Third Annual "Dreamer Dinner;" Proceeds to benefit IHADLA's programs in Watts, Boyle Heights, and Inglewood. Hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be provided by IHADLA.

WHEN: Sunday, March 20, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. PST. Reception will be held from 5:00 - 6:30 pm during which photo opportunities and interviews with honorees and IHADLA leadership will be available.

WHERE: The Skirball Cultural Center

PRESENTERS: Jussie Smollett (EMPIRE)

RSVP: Email Sacha Evans at sevans@douglasgould.com

"IHADLA has just sponsored a new class of third graders in Boyle Heights; 40 of these 'Dreamers' will be at the event," said Debra Fine, CEO of IHADLA. "This year's benefit includes a live auction, where attendees can support the greatest needs on the spot at the event, like clothes, healthy snacks, books, or field trips. Contributions will also go a long way to support a new college assistance program, which includes an important mental health component."

IHADLA's mission is more urgent than ever as data from the U.S. Department of Education shows that just nine percent of students from low-income families receive a Bachelor's degree and data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that more than half of public school students are from low-income families.

IHADLA's Dreamers have a graduation rate of above 80 percent. Eighty-six percent of IHADLA's 2013 class graduated; of those graduates, 96 percent are enrolled in college or post-secondary education.

"The support of the IHADLA was essential in giving me hope for a better future," said Britney Callins, Dreamer class of 2011. "When I was young, I went through a lot. I didn't value education, I couldn't picture my future, and none of it really mattered to me. It was then that IHADLA came to my rescue. Ms. Alvarado [IHADLA Program Coordinator] paid me a visit and explained the life I could have and how I was ruining it for myself. Her support gave me the kick I needed, and I resumed the fight. Now I'm finishing my B.A. at Cal State San Bernardino, and my ultimate goal is to earn a Ph.D in Psychology."

IHADLA was recently featured in a CBS Cares Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign during the 2015 holiday season with ads by Mayim Bialik ("The Big Bang Theory") and LL Cool J ("NCIS: Los Angeles"). The PSA campaign was part of a CBS Cares partnership with the national "I Have A Dream" Foundation, which also included a spot during the 2015 Super Bowl.