dreams can be

"All men who have achieved great things
have been great dreamers."
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Urgo helping Brazilian kids with dreams
Thursday, April 03, 2008
By Mike Kezdi
The Sun Courier

While traveling across the globe working in the music industry, former Brecksville resident Lisa Marie Urgo, formerly Lisa Mulready, said she fell in love with Brazil and its people.

However in those travels she also realized that the Brazil she fell in love with and envisioned through its music was not all that it was cracked up to be. Urgo saw the street children and was always affected by them, she said.

So, when she retired from the fast-paced music industry in 2000, she moved to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to help those children. Urgo founded the Dreams Can Be Foundation to help the street children. "These kids don't get a chance to think about their dreams," Urgo said. "We help give hope where there was none and help these kids to believe in their dreams." Because of her work with Dreams Can Be, Urgo received the annual Ralph Greenberg Award from The American Society of Rio de Janeiro. "I was surprised," Urgo said about finding out she received the award. "We kind of keep a low profile." "I was really, really pleased because it means they (the society) really looked at our work," she added. Since the creation of Dreams Can Be, the foundation has worked in the favelas (slums) working with small grass roots programs that help children. These are programs that often get passed over by larger charitable organizations

With help of a small staff and friends both stateside and in Rio, the foundation has donated roughly $250,000 to the community.

Urgo, a 1978 graduate of Brecksville High School, said her parents Thomas and the late Alice Mulready were always involved in the community and it's no surprise that she would do the same.
"The biggest thing I learned was the value of community," Urgo said of her time in Brecksville. "It's not an accident that we're doing things in community service."

The we she is referring to is that of her brother Thomas Mulready founder of Cool Cleveland, Created in response to the familiar refrain, "There's nothing to do in this town..." Cool Cleveland which highlights political and cultural current events of the week.

During the interview, Urgo also wanted to thank the residents in the Brecksville area who donated close to $10,000 to Dreams Can Be last year after her mother's death. With that money, Urgo was able to get a matching funds to create the Alice Mulready Memorial Scholarship fund to help young women in Rio attend medical school.
"It's exciting, it's something that will live forever," Urgo said.

The American Society of Rio de Janeiro Honors Dreams Can Be Foundation Founder with the ‘Ralph Greenberg Award’ for Community Service

Lisa Marie Urgo Founder & Executive Director of Dreams Can Be Foundation was awarded the 'Ralph Greenberg Award' for outstanding community service. The selection of the Ralph Greenberg award was announced at a meeting of the Rio de Janeiro chapter of the American Society on Friday, January 26th. Ms. Urgo was recognized for her charitable work on behalf of Brazil's impoverished youth.

Dreams Can Be Founder Lisa Urgo accepts the "Ralph Greenberg Award" for Community Service from Carla Benini- US Vice Consulate of Rio de Janeiro

About The American Society of Rio de Janeiro: Founded in 1917, THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF RIO DE JANEIRO is a non-profit association dedicated to celebrating American heritage and ideals, building cross-cultural relationships, and contributing to the Rio de Janeiro community through social, educational, and charitable activities. Click here to read press release.

Dreams Can Be Foundation founding board of advisor's member Bill Bragin is named Director of Public Programming at Lincoln Center.

Dreams Can Be is very proud and happy for our talented friend and wish him all the best in his new role. We know that Lincoln Center will be well served by Bill! To read more about Bill Bragin in the New York Times click here .

Cirque du Soleil cast a spell on children of Curitiba

Dreams Can Be Partners Cris Mateus and brother Deni Mateus with 30 girls from projects in Curitiba attend the dress rehearsal of Cirque Du Soleil’s ‘Alegría’ in Curitiba on September 13th, with tickets donated by Dreams Can Be Foundation through their ongoing partnership with Cirque du Soleil and CIE Brasil.

Thirty children sheltered in units of the Foundation of Social Action (FAS) attended the dress rehearsal of Cirque du Soleil’s performance of Alegría on Thursday, September 13, 2007. This was the first presentation ever of Cirque du Soleil in Curitiba and the opening night was set for the next day. The invitations had been donated to the president of FAS, Fernanda Richa (the wife of the mayor of Curitiba), by Dreams Can Be Foundation and Dreams partner Cristina Mateus, owner of the stores Triton, Mixed and Fórum in Curitiba. Fernanda chose to invite the 22 girls of the shelter Casa das Meninas Novo Mundo (House of the Girls New World) and the eight girls from República de Meninas Nova Esperança (New Republic of Girls Hope). "This is a very unique opportunity for these girls", said Fernanda Richa.

The children were enchanted by the show. "I did not sleep. I had a colorful dream twirling around in my head ", said K.C.A, 12 years, who has spent five years in the shelter— "It is the prettiest place that I have ever been in my life. If could only stay there… ", said the girl-”All I could think about all day was the circus." T.S.L.L. 12 years old, did not know how to explain what she had seen. "It was all so fast, it seemed the time flew by, but the memory of it is huge, even though it was only two hours long. It was beautiful." Adolescent I.B.C.16 years old, was so joyful. "I told everyone at school that I was going and no one believed me. But I went to the circus and I saw everything. My dream now is to be a tumbler and to study for this. One day I will join the circus "she said. The dress rehearsal was the first presentation of Cirque du Soleil in Curitiba, attended only by special guests and the press. Cristina Mateus, who accompanied the girls to the inaugural session, said that the look in the eyes of the children, the vivid color of the spectacular, was the best gift that I could receive in my life. "Nothing is worth more than the emotion that I felt when seeing these girls hypnotized by the show.” said Cristine.

Plaque - On Friday night (Sept. 14th), Ma yor Beto Richa presented a plaque of homage to the general director of Cirque du Soleil, Jose Ramon Corraliza Gómez. The plaque was in gratitude of the city of Curitibato the circus for having included Curitibain its tour in Brazil. "The coming of the Cirque du Soleil confirms the importance of Curitibain the calendar of great international events, besides bringing this wonderful spectacular to the Curitibano public", said Richa. “It was also an important contribution to the economic sector, with employment and tourist movement in the city." The presentation of the plaque was made at club Taboo during the opening night party.

Benefit for Dreams Can Be Foundation

Lana Neumeyer and son Fabricio Junqueira Moraes visit children in the "Catadores de Papel" project located in the Goiana community

Benefit for Dreams Can Be Foundation to be held in Atlanta on Friday, Sept 28th
Dreams Can Be Foundation is pleased to make you aware of the great work of our newest friends Lana Neumeyer and her son, Fabricio Junqueira Moraes. Lana hosted two events at her home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to benefit the project, "Catadores de Papel"; the first in June - a typical Brazilian Festa de Junina, and the second in July with the launch of her unique and colorful coutoure clothing line for spring 2008.

On September 28th, Lana’s son Fabricio Junqueira Moraes along with Jess Gardner will host a similar benefit fashion show to launch Lana's clothing line in Atlanta, as well as deliver a taste of Brazil to Atlanta's residents. Both Lana and Fabricio are natives of Goiana and Dreams Can Be Foundation is very pleased to help them give back to their community by helping those less fortunate than themselves. If you have an interest in attending the Atlanta benefit you can RSVP emailing fabriciojmoraes (at) gmail.com . More information about the event can be found clicking here .

We are happy to have our new friends, Lana and Fabricio, and we applaud them in their service to their community back home in Brazil.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS OF LANA'S FESTA DE JUNINA PARTY IN PITT:
picasaweb.google.com/LanaJNeumeyer/FESTAJUNINA07

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS OF LANA'S COPACALANA PARTY IN PITT:
picasaweb.google.com/LanaJNeumeyer/CopacaLanaParty

Yemanjá Music Project

The Yemanjá Music Project´s New Year´s Party to benefit Dreams Can Be was a huge success, featured by the Miami Herald as one of the 12 Best New Years Party of the World! It attracted over 1,000 guests, including Rosario Dawson (left). Dreams Can Be is very greatful to Rio New Year´s 2007 and the Yemanjá Music Project for supporting Dreams Can Be and using such a terrific event to support the youth of Brazil.

Global Beats

Global Beats' party in Pittsburgh, PA riased over $500 USD for Dreams Can Be Foundation! Carla Andrea C. Leininger wants everyone who attended her party to know: "It was a blast! I feel very grateful for your friendship, for your support of Global Beats, and on this occasion, for joining my cause of helping needy children in Brazil. It's in giving that we receive."

Global Beats is an initiative to help create a venue for World Music and to help build bridges across different cultures. Our hope is that through music. We build a world based on respect, peace and fun. For more information please visit www.globalpittsburgh.org

We would like to thank Carla Andrea C. Leininger for always thinking about our work at Dreams Can Be Foundation!

Celebrate With ‘A Brazilian Christmas’ At Connectbrazil.com

On Thanksgiving Day November 23rd, 2006 Connectbrazil.com (www.connectbrazil.com) will unwrap its annual musical gift – ‘A Brazilian Christmas’. This 24/7 webcast channel will feature a variety of holiday songs by many of Brazil’s greatest singers and instrumental artists as a unique way to celebrate the holiday season. This special webcast offering will continue through New Years Day, 2007 and is free to anyone with a dial-up or broadband connection to the Internet worldwide (example).

For the second year in a row ‘A Brazilian Christmas’ is presented in part by the Dreams Can Be Foundation and runs continuously from November 23, 2006 to January 1st, 2007 and is free to anyone with an Internet dial-up or broadband connection by clicking on the ‘Brazilian Christmas’ banner on the home page at www.connectbrazil.com.

‘A Brazilian Christmas’ showcases an abundance of musical style: From Bossa Nova and Samba to Pagode, Baiao, MPB, Classical and jazz, these holiday songs stream like colorful ribbons crowning the biggest present under the tree. “A Brazilian Christmas’ is meant to add to the festive cheer of the holiday season”, say Scott Adams Connectbrazil’s founder. “And it comes at a time of year when many Brazilian families cannot be together. Personally, it’s an important and heartfelt part of how I view Brazil, my Brazilian family and my friends who live so far away.”

To read the press release click here .

In partnership with Cirque du Soleil and CIE Brasil, Dreams Can Be Brasil has the pleasure to announce a benefit performance of Saltimbanco, in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. This social action is being realized in cooperation with FASE and all proceeds will go to support the programs and projects of the Rede Circo do Mundo Brasil, a member of Cirque du Monde, an international social program of Cirque du Soleil. Reserve your tickets for the show Saltimbanco of Cirque du Soleil in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo and help more than 10,000 children and youth at risk from Brazil! São Paulo
Price: R$ 300,00 / Setor 1 SOLD OUT!!
Date: October 10, 2006
Time: 9:00 P.M.
Place: Espaço Vila Olímpia Rio de Janeiro
Price: R$ 400,00 / VIP Ticket SOLD OUT!!
Date: November 22, 2006
Time: 9:00 P.M.
Place: Cirque Big Top at Barra Shopping Parking Your benefit ticket with a complimentary Saltimbanco program. To make your reservation, please call today at (21)2249-5772
Or send an e-mail to contato@dreamsbrasil.org.br Treat yourself and help the children of Brazil at the same time. Dreams Can Be Foundation is pleased to announce their partnership with The Yemanjá Music Project for An Official Event of the 4th Brazilian Film Festival of New York on Tuesday August 8th, 2006 at 10PM.

Dreams Can Be Foundation has been chosen as the social partner for the Yemanjá Music Project's Official Celebration of the Brazilian Film Festival (BFF). Yemanjá Music Project© (YMP) which is the most sought-after invitation of the Festival is designed for approximately 800-1000 guests; featuring performance artists from around the globe who will display their mastery of percussion and dance in a celebration of life. Guests will be served food and spirits, creating an unforgettable evening. The event will take place at Luna Park Restaurant in NYC's Union Square Park with expected attendance at the YMP of over 100 Latin and International celebrities including local and Hollywood personalities. EVENT: Yemanja Music Project
DATE: Tuesday, August 8th, 2006
TIME: 8:30PM – 2:00AM
LOCATION: Luna Park- Union Square, NYC

BENEFIT: Dreams Can Be Foundation International event producer, Geo Darder, known for his famous Rio de Janeiro New Years event and the Havana Film Festival, has partnered up with top New York promoters, Rocco Ancarola, Jayma Cardoso, Maria Rita-Caso and Alma's Joann Jimenez to welcome YMP to New York after an incredibly, successful June 2006 launch in South Beach, Miami. YMP is inspired by the rich cultural traditions that occur on the beaches of Copacabana in Brazil at the end of each year. Yemanjá, goddess of all oceans is honored with a procession, ritual drums and offerings, in hopes for a prosperous and healthy New Year. Luna Park, Union Square located at 50 East 17th Street between Broadway and Park Avenue will be transformed into a garden temple setting featuring natural elements of water, light and sound. Dancers and percussionists will be mingling with party-goers dressed in white, the requested special attire. The Yemanjá Music Project boasts performance artists from around the globe that will display their mastery of percussion and dance in a celebration of life. International DJ Erick Paredes from Miami's Delano Hotel, electronic dub band Agape featuring Nadia Harris, Joanna Gardner, Manhattan Samba : New York's longest running authentic Brazilian samba drum ensemble, Cuban son group Yerason, musical ingenue Michou, opera prodigy Terry Doe, Alma's DJ True, DJ Leche, Raw Tribal, Erol Josue, Happy Zebbebe and tap dancing sensation Ico Manzanero are among the entertainers billed to perform.

Yemanjá Music Festival

We were recently introduced to Geo Darder- the producer of Rio's annual New Year's Eve Yemanjá Music Festival that takes place on the beach in Rio de Janeiro and is being integrated with the Brazilian Film Festival in Miami, New York and Barcelona. Dreams Can Be Foundation was chosen to be the social partner for The Official 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Brazilian Film Festival of Miami, which took place on Saturday, June 3rd, 2006. The party featured the World premiere of IRENE CARA'S , DOWNTOWN music video from the sound track of the soon to be released feature film “DOWNTOWN” and Irene Cara spoke about the work of Dreams Can Be Foundation to the invitation only crowd of 1,000 people including many Brazilian and American celebrities from film and television.
Cirque du Soleil
Special New York City Performance
for Dreams Can Be Foundation!

for more information about this event click here...

SCISSOR SISTERS has chosen Dreams Can Be Foundation as a beneficiary in their support of the 21st Century Leaders, Ana, Jake, Paddy Boom and JJ Garden have personally designed exclusive wristbands which all contain a message and symbol of hope for the future.

Scissor Sisters drummer Paddy Boom spent some time with us in Brazil, remembered us and designed his own wristband "Never take No Hope for an answer" especially for Dreams Can Be Foundation. All proceeds from the sale of his wristband go to support programs of Dreams Can Be Foundation. If you fancy a new hip accessory and want to help a good cause at the same time, then the new limited edition music charity wristbands are for you! To purchase or find out more click here or visit www.whateverittakes.org . A big thanks to Paddy Boom and Scissor Sisters!!!!!!!!!
Brazil's beloved singer Joyce who Tom Jobim called “one of the best singers of all time,” and a dear friend and Dreams spokesperson has launched her very own website...

you can visit by clicking on her logo or directly at: http://www.joyce-brasil.com/

We would also like to thank Dreams Brasil board member
Marcello Yuka for including the work of Dreams Can Be in
the liner notes for the 1st CD from his newest band F.UR.T.O