The I Have a Dream Foundation Los Angeles hosted its 11th annual Gospel Brunch on Sunday at the House of Blues, doling out awards to actress Keke Palmer, attorney and Los Angeles Sparks co-owner Carla Christofferson, and attorney Matt Johnson for their roles in fostering education programs. Producer and entrepreneur Nely Galan hosted the event, while presenters included Sparks head coach Michael Cooper, actress Angela Bassett, and actor Michael Keaton.
The foundation's executive director, Wendy Free, oversaw the event, and found the dismal state of the economy to be the source of fund-raising difficulties this year. The goal was to raise $300,000—or at least to exceed last year’s $250,000. In the end, $225,000 materialized.
“The fund-raising was a little more challenging—we raised about 90 percent of what we did last year," said Free. "Some of our bigger donors still participated, but gave less this year. Some corporate donors did not give to anyone this year. In some cases they did not participate [at this event] and in others, pitched in personal money to buy a table. We were happy to do as well as we did.”
The event's production used every resource the venue had to offer, including catering, audiovisual services, wait staff, and entertainment. The brunch concluded with the House of Blues Gospel Choir singing a set led by Sylvia St. James.
