Dascha Polanco, Jackie Cruz And Doug Wimbish Among The Celebrities At Sueños 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 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 Wimbishand many more. The Brugal 1888VIP 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.

Sueños 2019main event and awards featured DREAM Educator of the Year Laura Messina, presented by Cisely Saldana of Cinestar Pictures, and DREAMer of the Year Catherine DeLaurafor 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.

This year's sponsors, helping DREAM create change and end the cycle of poverty in the Dominican Republic, include: JetBlue,Fast Enterprises,Brugal, Phoenix Tower International, Dominican Republic Tourism, The Latino Network Coalition, Beachwold Residential and The Mezzanine.

To learn more about this stellar night and help us make a difference, please visit www.dominicandream.org.