LITTLE DREAMS, BIG CONCERT
By Katie Jackson
In February of 2000, a foundation brimming with a passion to provide a unique form of philanthropy and compassionate support was born. The Little Dreams Foundation, created by music legend Phil Collins and former wife and jewelry designer Orianne Collins-Mejjati, fulfills the dreams of children who do not have the means to achieve their desired goals in music, art, and sports. To say the foundation has been successful would be an understatement, as it has positively impacted over 300 lives, with participants going on to be famous guitarists, karate champions, Olympic athletes, singers, and more. Originating in Switzerland, Phil and Orianne have made it their mission to spread their foundation across the globe. After expanding to countries like Belgium and Morocco, the Little Dreams Foundation finally reached the United States this past year—with the first stop none other than the Magic City.
After receiving numerous letters from children asking for help to fulfill their passions, Phil and Orianne decided that it was time to create an organization that not only provided monetary support, but also provided guidance and special individualized attention. “We thought instead of just sending checks, we should do better,” says Orianne. The program is aimed at young children between the ages of four and sixteen. An application must be completed on the Little Dreams Foundation’s website, and if selected, children are invited to audition. Once the children are chosen to be a part of the foundation, they receive a personalized program that specifically caters to their area of interest within the three categories of music, art, or sports. Participants can receive training courses, equipment, summer camps, complete coverage of hotel and traveling expenses, personal trainers or instructors, and so much more. “It’s full support,” says Orianne. Though the children are young when they join the foundation, they often stay with the program until they are well within their twenties.
After announcing that the Little Dreams Foundation will be coming to Miami in a press conference at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel last November, and holding the first Miami auditions in March, both Phil and Orianne are excited to further the expansion. “The objective today is to be known in Florida, then state by state, and finally to be known across the U.S,” says Orianne. Until then, the foundation’s annual gala will be held at the Fillmore Miami Beach this December during Art Basel. Phil will lend his voice to the “Dreaming on the Beach Concert,” along with Latin superstars Laura Pausini and Alejandra Guzman, children from the foundation in The Little Dreamers band, and “lots of different surprises,” promises Orianne. “We love surprises!”