The Dream Day Foundation is a 501 ( c) 3 nonprofit organization founded in 2009 by founder and Executive Director Marion A. Sankey. Her vision for this foundation is to be a beacon of light in Lee County and surrounding areas for all citizens with a focus on our young people. This is a foundation for the people and with the people. Our purpose is to cultivate the next generation of innovators, leaders, and change-makers through the arts and service.

We are proud of the Annual Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Celebration that we sponsor each year. This event allows our young people to remember the struggles that many went through in order for them to be where they are today. It reminds them of the blood, sweat, and tears that Dr. King and other civil rights leaders endured just to move to the front of the bus. As we remember our past and celebrate our progress, we are reminded that there is still much work to be done.

We embrace our uniqueness in serving the community through our Dream Acts. We are unique in the sense of being able to fulfill someone’s dream each year, be it assisting a family that was displaced due to a fire or someone who needs assistance with medical expenses. We awarded our first scholarships in the year 2014 to deserving seniors who wish to pursue higher education. We continue to award these scholarships because of the generosity of the citizens in Lee County.

The foundation will continue to focus on empowering our young people to be problem solvers, change-makers and dream achievers. We will continue to pay homage to the trailblazers and those that fought for the unjust. We will continue to seek out role models and reward them for the great legacy they have created in our community, on all levels.

THE DREAM DAY advisory board

Mrs. Margarethia Bledsoe (Copy)

Mr. Felix B. Turner (Copy)

Dr. Patricia Wade (Copy)

Thomas Sherfield (Copy)

Mrs. Judy Jones (Copy)

Mark Grantham (Copy)

Rev. Jarel Fryer (Copy)

Dr. Karen Anderson (Copy)

Amanda Harkins (Copy)

CRITERIA FOR DREAM DAY AWARD

The Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Dream Achiever Award- was established in 2004 honoring an outstanding community servant or group that has exemplified the character, dedication and goals of Dr. King during their lifelong work and commitment to the Lee County Community. Along with promoting peace and a willingness to understand and improve communication and cooperation between diverse populations…

This individual or group should exemplify one or more of the following:

• Leadership in community-building

• Advocacy for educational excellence

• Furthering economic opportunity

• Promotion of social justice

• Advancing cultural awareness

• Involvement with music and the arts to promote greater understanding and acceptance

The recipient should be a long time resident of Lee County or surrounding area.