Godwill Tandoh stuck the landing. Months ago, he set out to have the Dreamers Wish Foundation, a Utah organization focusing on youth enrichment and STEAM education for low-income, refugee, and developing communities in Utah and abroad, host a formal, fundraising gala complete with dance performances, delicious food and an auction of African-made products. On April 21, everything came together in a loud and lively celebration at the Clubhouse event space on South Temple. Tandoh raised thousands of dollars, which will support his efforts to provide school uniforms, textbooks, clothing and educational workshops to 1000 children in Kenya.
The night started with a cocktail hour from 5–6 p.m. with Danny and Adrivee providing a musical garnish. Food service began at 6 p.m., and those samosas went fast! The 100 sugar cookies from Corrine Garcia’s Cookies with a Cause (@cookieswithacause) didn’t last long, either. Once Tandoh had offered a prayer and a proverb and welcomed everyone to the gala, the fundraising started in earnest with an energetic auction hosted by Tosh Swain and Abi Goddey. After starting with chocolate bars, Goddey auctioned necklaces and clothing. By the time he started modeling colorful hats, the audience was eagerly raising paddles to place bids.
As promised, the Dreamers Wish Foundation delivered a celebration of dance for tonight’s gala. Jade J literally kicked it off with a jazzy dance duet followed by LaConga Salsa Ladies in fantastic costumes that magnified their movements. Salt Lake’s popular Bomba Marile next took the stage with confidence. With a blend of music, dance and tradition, Bomba Marile educated and entertained as they moved from song to song. Ngoma Y’Africa ended the gala’s second act with style. As they danced, they alternated between DJ-spun songs and live, drum-pounding rhythms.
With the evening’s energy running high, Tandoh brought out his Dance for a Cause Utah team of performers for two choreographed routines—kizomba and bachata. A costume change in the middle gave guests a chance to raise their arms while dancing to “Y.M.C.A.” by the Village People.
As the celebration transitioned from a fundraising gala to a DJ-dance party, Tandoh took a moment to thank his family, the gala’s sponsors and the Dreamers Wish Foundation board of directors. He also mentioned upcoming events. There’s a service trip planned to Kenya in July and a Giving Tuesday gala in support of refugees scheduled for November. Tandoh’s commitment to service is sincere, and anyone who’d like to join him on this journey is invited to come along. He quoted an African proverb as the gala began: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Photos: John Barkiple // john@slugmag.com
Adrivee and Danny (@dannyadrimusic) performed during a VIP cocktail hour before the gala’s 6 p.m. start time. Photo: John Barkiple
Guests line up for dinner prepared by Ishmael Mohammad and Najati Abdala—they provided the food for tonight’s gala through their restaurant, Namash Swahili Cuisine (@namash_swahili_cuisine). Photo: John Barkiple
Bachata and samba dancers pose for a photo before entering the gala. Photo: John Barkiple
(L-R) Godwill Tandoh and Ishmael Mohammad describe how much they appreciated the warm receptions they had as refugees arriving in Utah. Photo: John Barkiple
Godwill Tandoh welcomes sponsors, guests and donors to the first annual Dreamer’s Wish Foundation Gala with a message and a prayer. Photo: John Barkiple
(L-R) Guillermo (@king_ciego_soto) and Jorge (@jorge_8_y_ade_8), a two-man dance team called Jade J, perform a choreographed routine early in the program. They’ve been performing together for four months. Photo: John Barkiple
LaConga Salsa Ladies stick their landing as they complete their dance performance at the Dreamers Wish Foundation’s Gala. Photo: John Barkiple
(L-R) Tosh Swain and Abi Goddey emceed the gala and hosted an auction for chocolates, necklaces, clothing and hats. The items were made by hand in Africa. Photo: John Barkiple
Two chocolate fans got into a bidding war for boxes of chocolate bars—in the end, they each scored boxes via $60 donations! Photo: John Barkiple
The Jade J dancers and friends relax in the Clubhouse’s bar area with its stained-glass windows and comfy furniture. It’s an ad-hoc assemblage that will take a more permanent shape as Dave Brewer continues to refine this event space. Photo: John Barkiple
Salt Lake’s Bomba Marile perform a dance routine with sticks rather than with the machetes that were used when the dance originated. Photo: John Barkiple
Bomba Marile celebrate the African heritage that serves as a foundation for Brazilian music and dance. Photo: John Barkiple
Many of Ngoma Y’Africa’s members came up from Utah County in support of the Dreamer’s Wish Foundation Gala. Photo: John Barkiple
“Music is for the community,” so Bomba Marile invited guests to join them on the dance floor for their final song. Photo: John Barkiple
5110 Members of Ngoma Y’Africa perform a harvest dance with baskets. Photo: John Barkiple
During their last dance, Ngoma Y’Africa invited the gala guests to stand and dance. Tandoh quoted an African proverb: “If you can speak, you can sing. If you can walk, you can dance.” Photo: John Barkiple
(L-R) Dave and Kati have donated several tango lessons to Dance4aCauseUtah (@dance4acauseutah), which is a group that’s closely associated with the Dreamers Wish Foundation. Photo: John Barkiple
DJ-driven interludes between dance performances gave guests a chance to dance. Photo: John Barkiple
Abdi closed a $40 auction deal for a colorful hat. Funds raised will buy backpacks and hygiene kits for kids in Kenya. Their goal is to help 1000 children. Photo: John Barkiple
DJ Nexar (@DJ_NEXAR) kept the crowd engaged between acts and deejayed an after-gala dance party. Photo: John Barkiple
Godwill Tandoh dances on the Dance for a Cause Utah kizomba team with his girlfriend. Photo: John Barkiple
In addition to a samba team, Dance for a Cause Utah also has a bachata team. Photo John Barkiple
The bachata team anchored the gala’s evening, and that performance was a showstopper! Photo: John Barkiple
With girlfriend Ainsley Temudo, at his side, Godwill Tandoh closes the gala with an inspirational message. Photo: John Barkiple
(L-R) Shelia Carrion, Godwill Tandoh and Reginald Maonedzo take a moment to thank guests and promote upcoming events. Carrion and Maonedzo are on the Dreamers Wish Foundation board. Photo: John Barkiple
