Right to Dream Inaugural Fundraiser a Smash Success

NEW YORK, June 9, 2009 – On Thursday, June 4, 2009, industry leaders in real estate, law, the nonprofit sector, finance, and fashion came together to enjoy an evening of cocktails and conversation with young professionals. With a room filled with different experiences and expertise, there was also a common sense of family and generosity toward the night’s primary purpose—supporting the truly exceptional cause of Right to Dream, USA with its highly-anticipated inaugural fundraiser. 

But it was the first generation Academy Boy, Albert “CK” Kumah, and his host brother and sister, Kevin and Kerry Powers, who stole the show. Kevin spoke of his experience as a somewhat awkward teenager, and the nerves that shot through him as he held a sign his father forced him to make on the car ride to JFK, 3 years ago, that read ‘CK Kumah.’ He explained that it was not until two years later, when he spent three weeks tutoring and training at the Academy, where CK had lived since he was ten years old, that he truly understood how CK must have felt in the terminal that day. He finally had a glimpse of the difficult but rewarding experience of becoming part of a new family, culture and educational experience at the rigorous Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, CT.  After hearing his brother speak, CK gave Kevin a hug and bit of jab, as only brothers can, and began to tell his own experience. It began at a tryout with over a hundred boys for a 21 year old 'English gentleman' who wanted to set up an all scholarship soccer Academy and moved to the memory of an “awkward white boy wearing strange shiny shorts with a sign reading ‘CK Kumah’ in the JFK terminal, ,” and then onto his impression of The Hotchkiss School, which is among the most selective in the US.  CK recently graduated and won the Chares Lord Prize awarded to "the senior who showed the largest measure of improvement, perseverance and courage." He will attend Bucknell University in September and play for the Bisons.

The event was held at the XChange in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City, but even the venue’s magnificent views of the sunset over the Hudson River did not compare to the feeling of the Academy’s message in the air. The event was catered by restaurateur Danny Myers Hudson Yards Catering and the guests were kept entertained by a fabulous silent auction followed by a live action featuring a soccer ball signed by the eight Academy boys in attendance, a Giant's package donated by the Mara family, and the Sundance week at the Powers ski home in Park City. Many $20 'bricks' were purchased to help build the new school in Ghana or sponsor a child’s future attendance.  It was an unusual crowd, with almost 150  twenty-somethings mixing with many senior business professionals.

The event was organized by a committee of 15 young professionals, 25 or younger, who, in the spirit of the Academy, gave up their own time to help others’ dreams come true. They were supported by the seven “Academy Boys” now in boarding schools on the East Coast; one welcomed and escorted each arriving and explained plans for the new Academy. One of the first Generation boys, King, who now plays professionally, flew from Europe at his expense to support the Right to Dream.  All proceeds of the night’s event, which netted over $65,000, will help to complete the construction of a new Right to Dream Sports Academy in Ghana, as well as help fund the fifth class of students.

Just as the Academy was founded, by Tom Vernon in 2000 – who was high on vision and low in experience and funds – the Right to Dream Cocktail Party proved, once again, that young people can come together for a worthy cause and make a tangible difference in the world we all inhabit. Without training or backgrounds in philanthropy and or event planning, the Committee and the Academy Boys pulled off a fun night with tremendous success.

About Right to Dream, USA

The Right to Dream is 501(c)3 organization that enables underprivileged children in Ghana to reach their life’s potential through sports and education. The Right to Dream Academy, founded in 1999 in Ghana, is a fully residential, international academy that provides students with a first class education in a safe and supporting environment. Since its inception, the Academy has provided a comprehensive education to over 80 children helping them escape the desperate cycle of poverty rampant in Ghana. Through their program, the Academy nurtures future leaders who will inspire positive social development in their communities and throughout the world.