The Portland-area group Levé has selected ‘I Have a Dream’ Foundation as it’s 2012 beneficiary.

The I Have a Dream foundation was founded in 1990 t0 help low income children achieve success in school and college. This year, I Have a Dream Oregon embarked on a partnership with Alder Elementary School in east Multnomah County, a school with one of the highest poverty rates in the state. Attending to the entire cradle-to-career continuum, and using the research-based STRIVE model to guide their efforts, “I Have a Dream” Oregon is transforming Alder Elementary and its community into a place “where college begins.”

Every year since 2004, Levé selects a different Portland-area charity to help by raising money and awareness primarily through it’s annual winter charity ball. Last year Levé raised $46,500 for Loaves and Fishes and $41,600 went to the Children’s Cancer Association in 2010. Other beneficiaries include Growing Gardens, Schoolhouse Supplies, Friends of the Children, YWCA, MercyCorps and P:ear. Each year Levé has increased the amount of donations to their designated charities.

Phoogoo created the Levé web site as a pro bono project and continues to provide ongoing support and hosting for the group.