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GLOBAL DOWN SYNDROME FOUNDATION
HOSTED 9TH ANNUAL
BE BEAUTIFUL BE YOURSELF FASHION SHOW SUPPORTED BY A-LIST CELEBRITIES
Foundation Raised Critical Funding to Improve the Lives of People with Down syndrome while Celebrating Milestone Year for Medical Research and Advocacy
| WHO: |
Jamie Foxx (2012 Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award Recipient [Q Award] & brother
to DeOndra Dixon who happens to have Down syndrome), Eva Longoria (2017 Q Award recipient), Marisa Tomei, Joe Manganiello, Denis O’Hare, John C. McGinley (Foundation Board Member, International Spokesperson, 2011 Q Award Recipient & father to Max who happens to have Down syndrome), Amanda Booth (Prenatal Testing Advocate & mother to Micah who happens to have Down syndrome), Matt Dillon (Advocate & uncle to Ty who happens to have Down syndrome), DeOndra Dixon (Self-Advocate, 2011 Foundation Ambassador & 2009 Q Award Winner), Michelle Sie Whitten (Foundation Co-Founder, President, CEO & mother to Sophia who happens to have Down syndrome), Madeline Stuart (Self-Advocate, Australian model & 2017 Q Award recipient), Marcus Sikora (Self-Advocate & 2017 Foundation Ambassador) and veteran foundation supporter Quincy Jones, among additional special guests. |
| WHAT: | The Global Down Syndrome Foundation held its 9th annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show (BBBY) and raised critical funding to improve the lives of people with Down syndrome while celebratinga milestone year for medical research and advocacy around this least-funded genetic condition.
An impressive roster of A-list celebrities (listed above) traveled to Denver this weekend in support of the fashion show, the single largest fundraiser for Down syndrome research in the country. The evening kicked off with inspiring words by Michelle Sie Whitten and 2017 Fashion Show Chair Peter Kudla. The night continued with a delectable sit-down dinner, silent and live auctions – including a grand piano signed by entertainment legends Quincy Jones and Jamie Foxx – and the spirited fashion show featuring the supporting celebrities walking alongside beautiful models with Down syndrome who stole the show. Highlights of the evening include: the presentation of the 2017 Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award to recipients Eva Longoria, presented by Quincy himself, and Madeline Stuart, presented by DeOndra Dixon; Eva Longoria’s tribute to sister with special needs; and the grand finale where all models hit the runway for a final procession to ‘We are the World.’” Proceeds from the evening have reached nearly $3.6 million, including a $1 million gift from The Salah Foundation, adding to the over $14 million already raised in the previous eight fashion shows held by Global Down Syndrome Foundation to fund critical research conducted by the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome on the Anschutz Medical Campus and Sie Center for Down Syndrome at Children’s Hospital Colorado. |
| WHEN: | Saturday, November 11, 2017 5:00pm to 9:30pm |
| WHERE: | Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel 1550 Court Pl, Denver, CO 80202 |
| IMAGES: | http://bit.ly/2zQgzZv
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| PRESS: | For images or interviews: Trisha Davis Trisha@ballantinespr.com / 818-640-9259 |
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About the Global Down Syndrome Foundation
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is at the forefront of research, medical care, education and advocacy dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome. Supporting the research of hundreds of scientists around the world, and through our advocates, partners and affiliates including the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome and the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome, Global is making an impact on the lives of people with Down syndrome today, and remain focused on finding solutions tomorrow. We are committed to helping people with Down syndrome realize their fullest potential and lead healthy and productive lives. To learn more, visit. www.globaldownsyndrome.org.
For more information about the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show visit www.bebeautifulbeyourself.org.
#BBBY2017 #DownSyndrome
Facebook: @GDSFoundation
Twitter: @GDSFoundation
Instagram: @globaldownsyndrome