Each year the U.S. Dream Academy's Power of a Dream Gala attracts and recognizes celebrities, political figures, corporate executives, community leaders, and this year Miss America Royalty. National titleholder Laura Kaeppeler was honored this week by the academy for her personal platform work with children of incarcerated parents.

To date, the gala event has raised $11 million for educational means to address children of incarcerated parents. The mission of the Dream Academy is to make a difference for at-risk children of incarcerated parents. The academy is an afterschool program that offers academic and learning opportunities to engage children and help them realize goals and ambitions.

Among others recognized at this year's gala were Lars Houmann, President & CEO Florida Hospital; Mark Ingram, Jr., Heisman Trophy Winner New Orleans Saints of the National Football League; Hilton O. Smith, Sr. Vice-President, Community Affairs Turner Construction Company; George Allen "Pat" Summerall, Former National Football League Player and Television Sportscaster; and Kathy Victor, Board of Directors Chairman, Independent Business Owners Association International.

Source and photo: MAO