A brief history...
After receiving a donation from a small Quaker Church in Iowa, Rusty Johnson began planning a benefit concert. By November, 2007, Rusty’s vision had become a reality! Three weeks prior to the Concert, a State-wide press tour was started, providing interviews on news stations, radio, and newspapers. The day before the evening concert was packed with events …training foster and adoptive parents, foster youth action groups and councils meeting, guest speakers, and more. The VIP pre-concert reception kicked off the evening festivities, where guest artists from around the country, who took stage an hour later, met politicians, American Dreams sponsors, and media. Silent auction doors opened an hour before the main show and 30 minutes before the show, the house was packed! The concert was a high-energy, inspiring Las-Vegas style show with multi-media and more! The first American Dreams award was presented, acknowledging those in Iowa helping foster youth achieve their American Dreams. 100% of all ticket sales and concert profit was donated to the Iowa Friends of Foster Children, giving foster youth music, dance, sport, theatre, etc. As a former foster youth, Rusty was on stage full-filling his American Dream.
The results...
• Awareness was raised for the need of foster/adoptive parents and mentors.
• New business and community members became supporters and advocates of foster youth and families.
• Positive media attention across the state on the child welfare system.
• Foster parents, youth, and workers discovered an old and new enthusiasm as they were inspired by examples of successful foster youth.
• American Dreams 2006 net income: $13, 896
• American Dreams 2007 net income $14,333
