Drum Cafe USA: Uniting Through Rhythm
Drum Cafe USA aims to break down barriers and foster unity through the power of rhythm. This mission aligns perfectly with the vision of the American Dream Awards, which are designed to honor and celebrate diverse achievements.
Celebrating Diversity at the Gala
The upcoming American Dream Awards Gala promises to resonate deeply with attendees. Scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2025, at The Amber Room Colonnade, the event will showcase a headline performance by Drum Cafe USA. This internationally acclaimed group excels in bringing people together through rhythm, music, and collective movement. The evening’s theme, “Around the World in One Evening – A Celebration of All of Us,” will immerse guests in a unique experience led by Drum Cafe USA. Instead of traditional instruments, participants will engage with their voices, claps, and movements, creating a unified rhythm that fills the space. Emanuela Palmares, Vice President of TNADF, expressed, “Drum Cafe USA is about breaking barriers and building harmony through rhythm. That’s exactly what the American Dream Awards are meant to celebrate. We want our guests to not just witness the celebration, but to feel part of it.”
A Purposeful Performance
Drum Cafe USA boasts a rich history of performances for Fortune 500 companies, global summits, and community events across over 60 nations. Established in South Africa post-apartheid, this group utilizes music to promote teamwork, empathy, and a sense of shared purpose, particularly among diverse cultures. The ensemble in the U.S. comprises skilled musicians and facilitators who effectively blend sound with audience interaction, ensuring that even those with no musical background can connect with the rhythm and with each other.
More Than Just a Gala: A Night with a Cause
The American Dream Awards Gala serves as the primary fundraising event for TNADF, the nonprofit dedicated to providing essential services for immigrant families in Danbury and surrounding areas. These services include assistance with citizenship applications, tutoring, free legal immigration clinics, emergency relief grants, health access support, and translation and notary services. Since its inception in 2016, TNADF has made significant strides, such as serving over 49,000 meals, distributing $77,000 in scholarships, and assisting more than 800 families in 2023 alone.
Honoring Achievements and Supporting Students
The gala will also recognize several notable contributions, including:
– United Way’s Cora’s Kids Initiative – Community Hero Award
– Doug Polistena of The Amber Room Colonnade – American Dream Champion
– Connecticut Attorney General William Tong – Lifetime Achievement Award
Additionally, four exceptional students will each be awarded a $3,000 scholarship, furthering the Foundation’s commitment to empowering the next generation of immigrant leaders. The recipients include:
– Gardenia Carpio, 16, a junior at Danbury High School, who aspires to become an architect.
– Samuel Pereira, 16, who balances a part-time job with his ambition to become a doctor.
– Jonnathan Jaramillo, 19, a Mechanical Engineering major at UConn, active in the university’s Honors Program and STEM advocacy.
– Yasmin dos Santos, 22, who immigrated from Brazil at 16 and is pursuing a degree at Southern Connecticut State University while working full-time; she aims to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst to aid children with developmental disabilities.
Join the Celebration
Tickets for this transformative event are now available at www.americandreamgala.com.
