2025 American Dream Awards Gala Raises $15K for Mission Health Day and Awards $12K in Scholarships

The New American Dream Foundation (TNADF) hosted its 11th Annual American Dream Awards Gala on Friday, September 26, at The Amber Room Colonnade, transforming the venue into “American Dream Airlines” for an evening of culture, recognition, and philanthropy.

The sold-out event drew more than 300 guests, who were invited to attend in black tie or traditional cultural attire, and raised $15,000 for Mission Health Day while awarding $12,000 in scholarships to immigrant and first-generation students.

The gala opened with a vibrant Chinese Lion Dance performed in honor of Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, who later received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his trailblazing career in public service and civil rights. In his remarks, Tong asked the student scholars to stand and recognized guests in traditional attire.

“We are living in times of uncertainty, that some may say, ‘I don’t recognize our country anymore,’” Tong said. “But when I look around this room, I am crystal clear… this is who we are.”

The evening’s MCs, TNADF Vice President and Program Director Emanuela Palmares, and other members of TNADF guided guests through a travel-themed program featuring a playful “safety briefing” skit and stories of resilience and community service.

Scholarships and Honorees

Four students received scholarships totaling $12,000:

• Gardenia Carpio, aspiring architect and daughter of Ecuadorian immigrants.

• Samuel Pereira, son of Brazilian immigrants, who plans to study medicine.

• Jonnathan Jaramillo, a first-generation Ecuadorian American pursuing mechanical engineering at UConn.

• Yasmin Dos Santos, the 2025 Americo S. Ventura Scholar, studying behavior analysis to support immigrant families.

Other honorees included:

• Community Hero Award: Cora’s Kids, a United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut initiative connecting families with affordable, home-based childcare.

• American Dream Champion Award: Doug Polistena, Partner and General Manager of The Amber Room Colonnade, recognized for his leadership and partnership in launching the Senior Hot Meal Program.

• Special Recognition: RobyDodd Family Charitable Foundation, honored for providing a permanent home for the New American Dream Center.

The program concluded with a grand finale by Drum Café USA, presented by Northwell Health and Nuvance Health. Facilitators Kasa Panzu (Congo), Andy Algire (USA), Moussa Drame (Ivory Coast), and Boubacar Diabate (Ivory Coast) led the audience through rhythm, clapping, and movement, turning the ballroom into a celebration of unity and joy.

“Drum Café reminded us that when we come together in rhythm, we break barriers and move as one community,” said Palmares.