On Sunday, May 17, 2015, Joe’s Stone Crab was filled with guests attending the Little Dreams Foundation Brunch, hosted by Phil and Orianne Collins. The Little Dreams Foundation helps underprivileged children obtain music lessons, career direction and mentoring at a time when they need it most. The restaurant was filled with autographed photos, jewelry and other precious items for the silent auction that was held. Proceeds of the brunch will support the Young Talents class of the 2015-2016 year.
The brunch showcased performances of many involved with the Little Dreams Foundation and was hosted by celebrity sound technologist, David Frangioni. Performances included two members of LDF, girls, Biana and Luisa, as well as the band What You Know featuring Nicholas Collins. Among the guests in attendance were DJ Irie, Alejandro Sanz, and Romero Britto.
The Little Dreams Foundation is close to David Frangioni who was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, cancer of the eye, at the young age of two. Frangioni used music as a refuge during the tough time. Today, he can give back to kids that are suffering from cancer, and provide a helping hand during this difficult long journey; something he did not have while growing up in Boston.
“Nothing is easy, everything worthwhile requires hard work. The Little Dreams Foundation gives kids the opportunity to learn how important hard work really is, while getting invaluable coaching along the way. All at no cost to the children, funded by donations to the Little Dreams Foundation. It’s a wonderful cause with great results to show,” says Frangioni.
DJ Irie, who is currently planning the 11th Annual Irie Weekend & summer European tour, is very passionate about the Little Dreamers Foundation and what it does to help the youth.
“The Little Dreamers Foundations, Orianne and Phil Collins, to me, mean the greatest opportunity and blessing I have ever received. LDF has given me the opportunity to to speak and learn from legends such as Phil Collins, sing on stage with Alejandra Guzman, Laura Pausini, and see what this world really looks like. The world of music is incredible and I am getting constantly more exposed to it thanks to LDF, and every second I fall more in love with what I do. LDF is making my dreams come true and is allowing me to make the connections I have always dreamed of making. I am forever grateful to Phil and Orianne Collins and the Little Dreams Foundation,” says DJ Irie.
Biana, one of the performers during event, is a student at Miami Arts Charter and recently opened for George Benson at the Nat King Cole Foundation. Biana is scheduled for a school tour that will introduce minority kids to opera and classical music.
“The Little Dreamers Foundation is a great foundation that helps kids be able to perform and train and learn more in their art. It’s really a great way to help kids. It has benefited me as well as others,” says Biana.
Luisa, another performer at the brunch, is currently a student at the University of Miami studying music business. She is presently working with the foundation and performing at several events. Luisa loves and will continue to write songs in Spanish. She also has big plans for the upcoming summer.
“This summer I will be in Miami focusing on writing and recording, working with LDF to further pursue my dream, and fly to Italy for two weeks to visit my family,” said Luisa.