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Showing posts with label fashion show. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fashion show. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
5/7 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Global Down Syndrome Foundation DC Gala
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
FEB 27: Fashion Show Open Auditions for Models with Down Syndrome for Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Be Beautiful Be Yourself Gala
By Liz Susla from Silver Spring Patch:
Fashionistas with Down syndrome are encouraged to audition for a spot in the fashion show of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s (Global) Be Beautiful Be Yourself Gala, a high-style fundraiser with celebrities and members of Congress taking place in D.C. on May 7 that is designed to raise awareness about this chromosomal disorder that affects one in 691 babies.
Auditions for the gala take place on Thursday, February 27, 2014 from 5:30pm-7:30pm at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School located at 7130 Leesburg Pike in Falls Church. Auditions are open to individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities who are seven years old and older.
No experience is necessary. Models are encouraged to wear nice clothes for this fun event. A practice session will precede the auditions. A panel of judges will pick the models for the May 7th gala. Selected models must be able to make several required time commitments, including a clothes fitting and a rehearsal on the day of the gala. To register for the auditions or learn more, visit www.globaldownsyndrome.org. Auditioning does not guarantee a spot in the gala.
Down syndrome is the most frequent chromosomal disorder affecting an estimated 400,000 Americans, but is the least funded genetic condition by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), securing an infinitesimal part of NIH’s annual budget. Global is focused on raising funds and educating the public and leaders about the discrepancy in research funding for the condition, as well as the abilities and achievements of those who happen to have Down syndrome.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Samantha Stevens takes to the runway
When Michelle Sie Whitten established the Global Down Syndrome Foundation five years ago, her mission was to give a face to those within the community. And there’s hardly a more glamorous way to move into the spotlight than to don beautiful clothes and take to the catwalk. Of course, including a bevy of famous friends doesn’t hurt either.
“As a philanthropist, I go to a lot of charity events and [notice that] the people that are being served are often invisible,” Whitten said. She went on to create what has become the largest fund-raiser for Down syndrome in the nation, the annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Video! At the Global Down Syndrome Foundation ‘Be Beautiful, Be Yourself Fashion Show’
from Extra:
Hollywood’s A-listers teamed with nearly 20 models with Down syndrome at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global) “Be Beautiful, Be Yourself Fashion Show,” a high-style fashion show and fundraiser which took place in Denver on Saturday, September 28.
The event featured celebrities including Jamie Foxx, John McGinley and Quincy Jones, who are helping raise money and awareness of the condition.
Take a look!
The gala honored HLN’s Kyra Phillips and businessman/social media phenom Tim Harris, who has Down syndrome. They received the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award for their support of those with disabilities, and for raising awareness about the social inequities that still exist.
Hollywood’s A-listers teamed with nearly 20 models with Down syndrome at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global) “Be Beautiful, Be Yourself Fashion Show,” a high-style fashion show and fundraiser which took place in Denver on Saturday, September 28.
The event featured celebrities including Jamie Foxx, John McGinley and Quincy Jones, who are helping raise money and awareness of the condition.
Take a look!
The gala honored HLN’s Kyra Phillips and businessman/social media phenom Tim Harris, who has Down syndrome. They received the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award for their support of those with disabilities, and for raising awareness about the social inequities that still exist.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Fashion show puts spotlight on amazing children
It's a star studded event. The energy is electric. The crowd always goes wild.
There are members of Congress, Senators, famous athletes and television personalities.
But nothing or no one is more beautiful than the models.
Each of them struts down that runway, wearing the fashion designer's most exquisite piece.
They wave to the crowd, flash a smile, blow a kiss, take a bow and even twirl underneath the spotlights.
These models are proud, they are confident... and they have Down syndrome.
I can't even begin to tell you what joy this gala brings me. As the emcee of the "Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show" in Washington, D.C., I am honored to say that this is the single largest annual fundraiser benefiting people with Down syndrome.
I have volunteered with Special Olympics for more than 20 years, I have co-workers and friends with children who have Down syndrome and I never realized that, according to the National Institute of Health, it is the least-funded genetic condition in the United States. The Global Down Syndrome Foundation was formed with the goal to improve the lives of people with Down syndrome through advocacy, research, medical care and education. Foundation supporters work to empower governments, educational organizations and communities around the country to affect legislative and social changes so that every person with Down syndrome has an equal chance at a fulfilling life.
As a journalist and as a parent, I need to be an advocate. If you have never been touched by a child who has Downs, let me tell you... their compassion, their love, their ability to see joy within every obstacle will not only humble you, but challenge you to be a better human being.
Check out the video above on the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and our fabulous fashion show fundraiser.
I hope you'll support GDSF and share this article to help spread the word.
As Co-Founder and Executive Director Michelle Sie Whitten said so eloquently:
"I come from a somewhat over-achieving family. I don’t know for sure, but I believe that if my daughter had been born typically, I might have put her and her younger brother on a similar track: focusing more on achievement than quality of life. I honestly believe that having a child who is differently-abled has made me an infinitely better parent – one who is clued into my child’s needs, strengths, motivators, and self-esteem. I enjoy every minute with both of my children! And now I really have patience for all children. What an amazing gift."
An amazing gift indeed.
Love,
Kyra
Friday, March 15, 2013
GDSF's Be Beautiful Be Yourself Gala in Washington DC!
May 8, 2013 – Save the Date for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s
Be Beautiful Be Yourself Gala in Washington, DC!
Join us May 8 to celebrate our models with Down syndrome, 2013 Ambassador Cole McMorris Rodgers, and Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award recipient U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers. More details about the event and registration information are coming soon! For more information, contact Jessica Karlsruher at 703-683-7500 or jkarlsruher@epiphanyproductions.com.Auditions for the models will be Friday, March 15, at the George Washington University in Washington, DC. Registration for the auditions is open now!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Gobal Down Syndrome Foundation 2012 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Raises $1.5 Million, Honors Jamie Foxx and Luke Zimmerman
Quincy Jones, Natasha Bedingfield Star at Benefit for Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome
from Herald Online:
Over $1.5 million was raised at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s 2012 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show on Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Sheraton Downtown Denver Hotel to benefit the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome. The gala was sold out, with 1,200 people in attendance, including football legends Pat and Annabel Bowlen, and John and Paige Elway.This year, the annual event honored Academy Award-winning actor Jamie Foxx and “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” TV star Luke Zimmerman with the 2012 Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Awards. Quincy Jones, the organization’s International Spokesman, presented the award to Foxx, while Foxx’s sister, DeOndra Dixon, who is the foundation’s 2011 Ambassador, presented the award to Zimmerman.The Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show featured the foundation’s 2012 Ambassador, 6-year-old Samantha Marcia Stevens of Massachusetts, as well as 29 other guest models who happen to have Down syndrome. They strutted the runway with celebrity escorts, including actress Virginia Williams, Denver Nuggets star players Andre Iguodala and Danilo Gallinari, and Colorado Rapids forward Conor Casey. Kim Christiansen of 9News was the evening’s emcee.British singer-songwriter Natasha Bedingfield closed out the evening with a concert that featured dancing help from the models during her chart-topping hit “Unwritten.”The event’s live auction raised $210,000, with such exclusive offerings as Hyde Park Jewelers’ Kentucky Derby VIP package, an Indianapolis 500 experience with Buzz Calkins, and a dinner with Denver Broncos icons Pat and Annabel Bowlen, and John and Paige Elway.The money raised at the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show provides crucial funding for research, medical care, education and advocacy benefiting people with Down syndrome. Because Down syndrome is the least-funded genetic condition by the National Institutes of Health, the research and care provided by the Linda Crnic Institute at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, and the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome at Children’s Hospital Colorado rely heavily on private funding.The Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show is the single largest annual fundraiser benefiting people with Down syndrome.More information about this event and the Global Down Syndrome Foundation is available at www.globaldownsyndrome.org.
About the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is a public non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education and advocacy. Formally established in 2009, the Foundation’s primary focus is to support the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the first academic home in the US committed to research and medical care for people with the condition. Fundraising and government advocacy that corrects the alarming disparity of national funding for people with Down syndrome is a major short-term goal. The Foundation organizes the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show - the single largest annual fundraiser benefiting people with Down syndrome. Programmatically the Foundation organizes and funds many programs and conferences including the Dare to Play Football and Cheer Camps, Global Down Syndrome Educational Series, and Global Down Syndrome Multi-Language Resource Project. The Foundation is an inclusive organization without political or religious affiliation or intention.
About the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome
The Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome is the first medical and research institute with the mission to provide the best clinical care to people with Down syndrome, and to eradicate the medical and cognitive ill effects associated with the condition. Established in 2008, the Crnic Institute is a partnership between the University of Colorado School of Medicine, the University of Colorado Boulder, and Children’s Hospital Colorado. Headquartered on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, the Crnic Institute includes the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome at Children’s Hospital Colorado. It partners both locally and globally to provide life-changing research and medical care for individuals with Down syndrome. The Crnic Institute is made possible by the generous support of the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation, and relies on the Global Down Syndrome Foundation for fundraising, education, awareness and government advocacy. It is a research and medical-based organization without political or religious affiliation or intention.
Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/10/16/4341081/global-down-syndrome-foundation.html#storylink=cpy
Monday, September 3, 2012
Thursday, July 19, 2012
NDSC Convention Schedule for Thursday 7/19
Thursday's Itinerary for the NDSC Convention in Washington, DC.
There are 2 main events planned for today.
NDSC Day on the Hill
In this important election year, WE are making a difference — more than 400 people have registered to be part of what’s expected to be the largest advocacy effort ever in our nation’s capital focused specifically on Down syndrome. Participants will have the opportunity to influence public policy that affects people with Down syndrome and their families. The day will start with meeting in the Capitol where we will be recognized by Congress and then advocates will continue on to their individual state meetings with Congress members to support the following legislative priorities.
See the NDSC Convention website for all official details.
There are 2 main events planned for today.
NDSC Day on the Hill
In this important election year, WE are making a difference — more than 400 people have registered to be part of what’s expected to be the largest advocacy effort ever in our nation’s capital focused specifically on Down syndrome. Participants will have the opportunity to influence public policy that affects people with Down syndrome and their families. The day will start with meeting in the Capitol where we will be recognized by Congress and then advocates will continue on to their individual state meetings with Congress members to support the following legislative priorities.
- Cosponsor the Trisomy 21 Research Centers of Excellence Act (H.R. 2695/S.1840) and the Trisomy 21 Research Resource Act (H.R. 2696/S.1841).
- Cosponsor the Keeping All Students Safe Act (H.R. 1381/S. 2020).
- Cosponsor the Transition toward Excellence, Achievement and Mobility legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives (including the TEAM-Education Act, H.R. 602; TEAM- Empowerment Act, H.R. 603; and TEAM-Employment Act, H.R. 604) and consider championing the introduction of a companion legislative package in the U.S. Senate.
- Cosponsor the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act (H.R. 3423/S. 1872) to ensure the creation of tax-advantaged savings vehicles for individuals with disabilities.
- Featuring Dr. Huntington Potter Director of Alzheimer Disease Research, Department of Neurology & the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado School of Medicine
- Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Preview featuring models with Down syndrome
- Attendence from members of Congress supporting people with Down syndrome
- Performances by Scott Grimes and Bob Guiney
- This is at a different location than the NDSC Convention
See the NDSC Convention website for all official details.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Actors Scott Grimes and Bob Guiney to Perform at GDSF's Fashion Show, Featuring Models with Down Syndrome
SOURCE: Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GDSF)
WHAT
Models with Down syndrome--escorted by members of Congress--will star in the Global Down Syndrome Foundation's (GDSF) Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Preview, a fundraiser designed to raise awareness about the chromosomal disorder affecting one in 691 babies. This high-style evening also features a musical performance by Hollywood actors Scott Grimes and Bob Guiney and fashions from Robcyns Children's Clothes and Accessories.
WHEN
July 19, 2012, 6:30-8:30pm
WHERE
Sewall-Belmont House 144 Constitution Avenue, NE, DC
WHO
-- Models with Down syndrome, including GDSF Ambassador (and Jamie Foxx's sister) DeOndra Dixon, accompanied by four members of Congress and actors Bob Guiney (The Bachelor) and Scott Grimes (ER)
-- Celebrity musical act: Scott Grimes and Bob Guiney, who perform with Band from TV, a group of television actors who donate their performance proceeds to charities
-- Dr. Huntington Potter, newly appointed Director of Alzheimer Disease Research, Department of Neurology and the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado School of Medicine
-- Members of Congress including the Honorable: John Barrow, Ann Marie Buerkle, Michael Burgess, John Carney, Bill Cassidy, Geoff Davis, Diana DeGette, Cory Gardner, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Ed Perlmutter, Jared Polis, Scott Rigell, Pete Sessions, Scott Tipton, and Chris Van Hollen
WHY
Down syndrome is the most frequent chromosomal disorder affecting an estimated 400,000 Americans, but is the least funded genetic condition by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), securing a mere 0.0007 percent of NIH's 2011 $31 billion budget. GDSF is focused on raising funds and educating the public and leaders about the discrepancy in research funding for the disorder as well as the abilities and achievements of those with the condition.
HOW
Tickets start at $150 for people who have a family member with Down syndrome and $250 for general public admission and can be purchased at http://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/ or by calling 703-683-7500.
CONTACT
To cover the event, please contact Shawn Flaherty at 703-544-3609.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
A model story from the Global Down Syndrome Foundation Gala
from The News-Herald By Jean Bonchak:
Erin Farragher is fond of a large poster picturing children she modeled with at the recent Be Beautiful, Be Yourself Global Down Syndrome Foundation Gala.
She smiles as she proudly points to the photos of those who have become her friends since the Washington, D.C., event.
“The poster is her trophy,” explained her mother, Maria Dellapina.
Erin, 12, who lives with Dellapina in Burton Village, has Down syndrome and was chosen to model for the fundraiser benefitting the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome at the Anschutz Medical Campus at the University of Colorado in Denver.
The audition tape showing Erin sporting her sister’s party frock caught event organizers’ eyes and landed her the runway spot.
“You put her in something frilly and fashionable and she’s a princess,” Dellapina said. “I knew she’d want to perform.”
Once chosen, Erin, who attends Geauga Project Achieve in the Kenston School District, practiced for the special occasion by promenading around the house and waving ceremoniously.
The rehearsal served her well as she successfully strutted down the gala’s runway.
Although she had several dresses from which to choose, she said her selection was based on its pleasing pattern with a look of peacock feathers and was cut in such a way that she could twirl in it.Meeting a few celebrities and politicians in attendance was another perk.
Supermodel Beverly Johnson, the foundation’s spokeswoman who has a niece with Down syndrome, took a significant amount of time with the models, which made Erin especially happy, Dellapina said. Erin’s bright smile and hearty nod affirmed her mother’s assessment.
Erin also had a chance to meet actor Jamie Foxx’s sister, DeOndra Dixon, the ambassador for the foundation, and she danced with entertainer and songstress Gladys Knight.
Politicians attending the event included U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa; and U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas; both advocates for the genetic condition affecting 5,500 children born each year in the U.S.
Dellapina, who was inspired by her daughter to initiate the business Spec4us, which provides custom frames for people with Down syndrome, said she noticed some of the models wearing ill-fitting eyeglasses and has since helped some of them.
With an optical technician background, Dellapina said she recognized the need for the customized glasses when she was unable to find a pair to correctly fit Erin.
She sent her own designs — which revised standard glasses to fit the facial features often associated with Down syndrome individuals — to some manufacturers and eventually found one in South Korea with whom she is working.
Dellapina said the need for such a service is obvious. She often receives positive feedback from many people, including some who said that before the adjusted frames they chose not to wear glasses because they were too uncomfortable or didn’t work.
“I just feel blessed that we are able to enrich their lives, and they can participate in school and see the world more clearly,” Dellapina said.
Meanwhile, Erin is still basking in the memories of her modeling experience.
“I think the smile on her face while she was on the runway said it all,” Dellapina said.
Mother and daughter plan to return to the gala next year, and Erin is especially looking forward to reuniting with her friends.
“I know when we are back … she will remember each one of them,” Dellapina said.
“I think the smile on her face while she was on the runway said it all,” Dellapina said.
Mother and daughter plan to return to the gala next year, and Erin is especially looking forward to reuniting with her friends.
“I know when we are back … she will remember each one of them,” Dellapina said.
Monday, October 3, 2011
The Little King and His Marshmallow Kingdom
from ereleases.com:
Louie Rotella IV, the star of his father Lou Rotella III’s book, The Little King and His Marshmallow Kingdom, will be taking part in the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Be Beautiful Be Yourself Jet Set Fashion Show on October 15, 2011. It is one of the largest and most successful fundraisers for Down Syndrome, which affects 1 in every 800 babies born each year.
The event will honor award-winning actor John C. McGinley and accomplished musician Sujeet Desai. It will be held at the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center and features special guest Quincy Jones.
The book, titled The Little King and His Marshmallow Kingdom, strives to show readers that everyone is different, and that is what makes life special. “No two kids are exactly alike. But we’re all kids. Right?” says Grandma Janet in the story of Louie and his friends and family. The Little King is now the recipient of Gold in the Mom’s Choice Awards, as well as Gold in the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards, and has been named a 2012-13 Golden Sower Nominee.
The Little King has received attention from local media such as the Omaha World Herald and Metro Magazine as well as national parenting media, and joyful reviews from Down Syndrome organizations and parenting blogs alike.
Actor Chris Burke, who wrote the foreword for the book and is best known for his role as “Corky Thatcher” on ABC’s hit show Life Goes On, says, “The Little King, Louis IV, shows us what fun it can be to have an imagination and put it to good use in our everyday lives.”
Author Louis Rotella III is an executive and entrepreneur, with business and law degrees from Creighton University in Omaha. He is active in the local and national business community, as well as with multiple organizations benefiting people with developmental disabilities. Louis and his wife, Jill, have three children.
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is a non-profit corporation dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down Syndrome by supporting basic research, clinical research and clinical care. For more information about the Jet Set Fashion Show or GDSF visit http://globaldownsyndrome.org.
For more information on Louis Rotella, to book an interview, or request a review copy of The Little King and His Marshmallow Kingdom, please contact Lisa Pelto at lisa@conciergemarketing.com, or at 402-884-5995. You may also visit http://www.MarshmallowKingdom.com for more information. The title is available at major bookstores and major online retailers, as well as through Baker and Taylor.
The Little King and His Marshmallow Kingdom, by Louis Rotella III, illustrated by Mark Chickinelli, ISBN: 978-0-9826842-1-4, 41 pages, hardcover with dust jacket (retail price: $22.95).
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Global Down Syndrome Foundation's Gala - "Be Beautiful, Be Yourself"
From MarketWatch:
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation announced that Gladys Knight, the Empress of Soul will perform live at its inaugural Washington, D.C. Gala - Be Beautiful, Be Yourself.
Washington's most powerful and influential leaders and professional athletes will gather to support Down syndrome research and advocacy on Wed., Nov. 16, 2011, at the J.W. Marriott in Washington, D.C.
The Foundation will honor Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) & Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas), two Congressional champions for the cause, with the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award for their strong support and advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities. More than 600 friends of the Foundation are expected to attend, including national and local celebrities, congressional leaders, administration officials, ambassadors from around the world, members of the media, and senior corporate and association executives who share a commitment to human rights, civil rights and people with Down syndrome.
The event will include cocktails, dinner and a full-scale fashion show featuring beautiful guest models with Down syndrome, escorted by celebrities and professional athletes. The evening will be capped off with music from the Empress of Soul, Gladys Knight. VIP tickets include preferred seating, a VIP reception and photo ops with celebrities including Gladys Knight. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the first academic institute with a mission to eradicate the medical and cognitive ill effects associated with the condition.
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation will be hosting auditions for guest models with Down syndrome on October 5, 2011. Auditions will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the JW Marriott, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004. For more information and to register for auditions, please contact Abby Perlmutter at Aperlmutter@globaldownsyndrome.org or 303-468-6665.
This year marks the debut of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation Gala - Be Beautiful, Be Yourself in Washington, D.C. In its third year in Denver, Colo., the event draws 1,200 attendees and notable supporters including Quincy Jones, Jamie Foxx, Timothy P. Shriver, "Survivor" host Jeff Probst, super model Beverly Johnson, award-winning actor John C. McGinley, NBA champion and New York Nicks' Chauncey Billups, pro golfer David Duval, and NFL champions Ed McCaffrey, John Lynch, Brian Griese, and John Elway.
The 2011 Ambassador for the Washington, D.C. event is Alex Sessions, the son of Rep. Sessions, who is a 17-year-old self advocate and a third generation Eagle Scout. He has won Special Olympic medals in swimming, basketball and track. His family will be attending and are important supporters and advocates of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.
Established in 2009, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation's primary focus is to support the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome. The Crnic Institute is the first organization in the United States with the mission to eradicate the medical and cognitive ill effects associated with Down syndrome through basic and clinical research and through clinical care. The Crnic Institute incorporates scientific partners both locally and globally, with headquarters at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Colorado.
Sponsorship packages are available starting at $5,000. For ticket information, please contact Katie Maness at 703-288-8695 or kmaness@hayespr.com. To learn more about the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, please visit us at http://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/ .
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation announced that Gladys Knight, the Empress of Soul will perform live at its inaugural Washington, D.C. Gala - Be Beautiful, Be Yourself.
Washington's most powerful and influential leaders and professional athletes will gather to support Down syndrome research and advocacy on Wed., Nov. 16, 2011, at the J.W. Marriott in Washington, D.C.
The Foundation will honor Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) & Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas), two Congressional champions for the cause, with the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award for their strong support and advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities. More than 600 friends of the Foundation are expected to attend, including national and local celebrities, congressional leaders, administration officials, ambassadors from around the world, members of the media, and senior corporate and association executives who share a commitment to human rights, civil rights and people with Down syndrome.
The event will include cocktails, dinner and a full-scale fashion show featuring beautiful guest models with Down syndrome, escorted by celebrities and professional athletes. The evening will be capped off with music from the Empress of Soul, Gladys Knight. VIP tickets include preferred seating, a VIP reception and photo ops with celebrities including Gladys Knight. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the first academic institute with a mission to eradicate the medical and cognitive ill effects associated with the condition.
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation will be hosting auditions for guest models with Down syndrome on October 5, 2011. Auditions will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the JW Marriott, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004. For more information and to register for auditions, please contact Abby Perlmutter at Aperlmutter@globaldownsyndrome.org or 303-468-6665.
This year marks the debut of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation Gala - Be Beautiful, Be Yourself in Washington, D.C. In its third year in Denver, Colo., the event draws 1,200 attendees and notable supporters including Quincy Jones, Jamie Foxx, Timothy P. Shriver, "Survivor" host Jeff Probst, super model Beverly Johnson, award-winning actor John C. McGinley, NBA champion and New York Nicks' Chauncey Billups, pro golfer David Duval, and NFL champions Ed McCaffrey, John Lynch, Brian Griese, and John Elway.
The 2011 Ambassador for the Washington, D.C. event is Alex Sessions, the son of Rep. Sessions, who is a 17-year-old self advocate and a third generation Eagle Scout. He has won Special Olympic medals in swimming, basketball and track. His family will be attending and are important supporters and advocates of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.
Established in 2009, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation's primary focus is to support the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome. The Crnic Institute is the first organization in the United States with the mission to eradicate the medical and cognitive ill effects associated with Down syndrome through basic and clinical research and through clinical care. The Crnic Institute incorporates scientific partners both locally and globally, with headquarters at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Colorado.
Sponsorship packages are available starting at $5,000. For ticket information, please contact Katie Maness at 703-288-8695 or kmaness@hayespr.com. To learn more about the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, please visit us at http://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/ .
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