MAY 7: Vocal Sensation Leona Lewis Headlines Global Down Syndrome Foundation Be Beautiful Be Yourself Gala/Fashion Show, Featuring Models with Down Syndrome

Sen. Jerry Moran and Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton Honored

WHAT 

Tickets are available for the upcoming Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global) Be Beautiful Be Yourself DC Gala, a high-style fashion show and fundraiser taking place at the Mayflower Hotel. More than 19 models with Down syndrome—many from the DC region—will take to the runway during the event, which features a performance by British singer/songwriter and philanthropist Leona Lewis. Known for chart toppers such as “Bleeding Love,” Lewis has already sold more than 20 million albums. Other celebrities include HLN’s Kyra Phillips, Fox News’ John Roberts, and members of Congress. During the event, Global will honor Sen. Jerry Moran and Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton with the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award for their support of those with Down syndrome.

WHEN

Wednesday, May 7, 2014; 6:00 p.m. — Reception; 7:15 p.m. — Dinner, fashion show, live auction and Leona Lewis performance

WHO

• Leona Lewis, singer/songwriter
• 25 models with Down syndrome, escorted by celebrities and members of Congress
• Honoree Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)
• Honoree Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), whose daughter happens to have Down syndrome
• Kyra Phillips, HLN, and Gala Emcee
• John Roberts, Fox News
• Katherine Felicia Norton, Global Ambassador
• Alex Sessions, Inaugural Global Ambassador (son of Rep. Pete Sessions)
• DeOndra Dixon, Global Ambassador (Jamie Foxx’s sister)
• Michelle Sie Whitten, Executive Director, Global Down Syndrome Foundation
• Dr. Huntington Potter, leading researcher on connection between Alzheimer’s and Down syndrome at the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome

WHERE

Renaissance Mayflower Hotel

1127 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.

WHY

The event will raise money for groundbreaking Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome research
at the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome.  Down syndrome is the most frequent chromosomal condition, affecting an estimated 400,000 Americans, but is the least-funded genetic condition by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), securing an infinitesimal portion of NIH’s annual budget. Global is focused on raising funds to support research, educating the public about the discrepancy in research funding, and showcasing the abilities of those with Down syndrome.

HOW

Tickets start at $250 and can be purchased online at www.globaldownsyndrome.org.

CONTACT

To cover the event or receive photos, contact Shawn Flaherty at 703-554-3609. For more information, visit www.globaldownsyndrome.org.

• 2008 Press Releases
  • Step out in Style Be Beautiful Be Yourself! – Jet Set Fashion Show
  • The Children’s Hospital Announces the Establishment of the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome
• 2009 Press Releases
  • 2009 Be Beautiful Be Yourself – Jet Set Fashion Show Kicks-Off At SAKS!
  • Foundation Makes History with Inaugural Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award
  • Sponsorships & Tickets On Sale Now Denver’s Premier Event featuring Honoree Music Icon Quincy Jones and Singer-songwriter Josh Kelley Be Beautiful Be Yourself Jet Set Fashion Show
  • Universityof Denver Establishes the SIÉ CHÉOU-KANG Center for International Security and Diplomacy
• 2010 Press Releases
  • Benefit for Global Down Syndrome Foundation raises over $1 million
  • Campaign to Bring Awareness to the Least Funded Genetic Condition Garners Broad Local Support
  • Colorado Ballet and the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome at the Children’s Hospital Launch Dare to Dance Class
  • Colorado Ballet and the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome at the Children’s Hospital Launch Dare to Dance Class
  • DeOndra Dixon Received Birthday Surprise from her Friends
  • The Children’s Hospital Announces Renowned Pediatrician as Director of the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome
  • Trish Morris Named Program Director for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation
• 2011 Press Releases
  • Americans overwhelmingly support government programs and research for people with Down syndrome
  • Gladys Knight Performs and Sen. Harkin & Rep. Sessions Receive Awards at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Gala & Fashion Show Début in Wash, D.C.
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation launches Dare to Play Soccer Camp with Regis University, Colorado Rapids, Adidas, Kroenke Sports Charities
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation Receives ICON Award
  • John C. McGinley: Down the right path
  • John Lynch Foundation and the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation Double the Number of Scholarships to Students
  • Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome Hires Internationally Recognized Education Specialist Patricia McVay
  • Michelle Sie Whitten Receives the Inaugural National Football Foundation Community Outreach Award
  • Supermodel Beverly Johnson joins Quincy Jones and John C. McGinley as International Spokesperson for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation
  • Volunteers with Down Syndrome Contribute to a Special Experience for Denver Zoo Visitors
• 2012 Press Releases
  • Alzheimer’s Association, Linda Crnic Institute, Global Down Syndrome Foundation Launch Research Grants Program
  • Be Beautiful Be Yourself Dance Class featured in Colorado Ballet’s Spring Academy Showcase Sunday, May 20, 2012
  • Cable TV pioneer Dr. John C. Malone makes impactful donation to the Global Down Syndrome Foundation
  • Distribution Announced for Down Syndrome Prenatal Testing Pamphlet
  • Down Syndrome Organizations Express Concern Over Reports of Jailed Pakistani Girl
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation 2012 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Raises $1.5 Million, Honors Jamie Foxx and Luke Zimmerman
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation joins forces with
    Inspirato’s Inspired Giving
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation launches Be Beautiful Be Yourself Hollywood Ball
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation partners with Groupon Grassroots for “Decked out for Dare to Play”
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation representatives receive award, accolades at national convention in Washington, D.C.
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation Supports Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Encourages Renewed Focus on Research and Care
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation, National Down Syndrome Congress Publish Hallmark Prenatal Testing Pamphlet for Pregnant Women
  • Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome Announces $1 Million in Major Challenge Grants
  • Local Down syndrome organizations celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, 2012
  • National Down Syndrome Congress, National Down Syndrome Society, and Global Down Syndrome Foundation express disappointment in federal funding decrease for people with Down syndrome
  • National Down Syndrome Organizations Collaborate on Prenatal Testing Issues
  • National Institutes of Health Establishes First National Patient Registry for Individuals with Down Syndrome
  • New grants to spur educational programs for people with Down syndrome
  • Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan and Super Bowl Champion
    Ed McCaffrey reunite to coach individuals with Down syndrome
  • Renowned scientist to galvanize Alzheimer’s research and clinical care
  • Renowned Scientist, Tom Blumenthal, takes the helm of Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome
  • Sie Center for Down Syndrome marks first anniversary, becomes largest Down syndrome-focused Center in the U.S.
  • United Nations passes historic resolution on
    World Down Syndrome Day
  • World-renowned speech and language expert Dr. Libby Kumin to receive Global Down Syndrome Foundation Award of Excellence
• 2013 Press Releases
  • Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show Raises Over $1.6 Million, Honors Kyra Phillips and Tim Harris with Quincy Jones Award
  • Dr. Dennis McGuire Joins Global Down Syndrome Foundation to Help Establish a Center of Excellence for Adult Care and Health Related Programs
  • Global Down Syndrome Educational Grants Provide $155,000 to 14 Innovative Programs for Parents, Professionals and People With Down Syndrome Across U.S. & Puerto Rico
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation Hosts First Research & Medical Care Roundtable, Grammy-Winner Colbie Caillat Performs at Private Concert
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation Kicks Off 2013 Denver Broncos Cheerleaders Dare to Cheer, Dare to Play Football Camps
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation Launches Comprehensive Directory of Down Syndrome Medical Care Centers
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation Launches National Research & Medical Care Roundtable, Highlights 21 Pre-Eminent Experts in One “Phenomenal” Day
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation Launches National Research & Medical Care Roundtable, Highlights 21 Pre-Eminent Experts in One “Phenomenal” Day
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation Partners with Groupon Grassroots for National Campaign to Outfit Participants in Dare to Play Sports Camps
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Hallmark Fundraiser “Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show” Wins Big at ICON Awards
  • Huntington Potter, Director of Alzheimer’s Research at Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, Inducted into National Academy of Inventors
  • John C. McGinley, Kyra Phillips, John Roberts, Eric Dickerson Provide Star Power to Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show
  • Joint Statement from Down Syndrome Organizations on Robert Ethan Saylor Case
  • Linda Crnic Institute Co-Hosts Workshop on Cognition in Down Syndrome in Washington, D.C., on April 13-15
    • Workshop on Cognition in Down Syndrome Agenda and Speakers
  • Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome Awards $1.3 Million in Grand Challenge Grants to 14 Researchers
    • 2013 Crnic Grand Challenge Grant Recipients
  • New Research Grants from Alzheimer’s Association and Global Down Syndrome Foundation Explore Links Between Alzheimer’s and Down Syndrome
  • PBS Spotlights Crnic Institute Research on Down Syndrome & Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Chris Van Hollen to Be Honored at Be Beautiful Be Yourself DC Gala
  • Sheryl Crow Headlines Be Beautiful Be Yourself Gala & Fashion Show
  • Sie and Whitten Families Receive President’s Award, Katheleen Gardiner Receives Scientific Award at National Down Syndrome Congress Convention
  • Three Children from Global Down Syndrome Foundation Programs to Be in Colorado Ballet’s “Nutcracker” This December
  • Todd Park Mohr to Perform at 2013 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show
  • World Down Syndrome Day Celebration at Children’s Hospital Colorado to Honor Sandy Wolf
• 2014 Press Releases
  • Academy and Grammy Award-winner Jamie Foxx and his sister DeOndra Dixon Help Launch Down Syndrome World during Down Syndrome Awareness Month
  • Be Beautiful Be Yourself Global Down Syndrome Foundation DC Gala – Confirms 2015 Date & Venue
  • BioFrontiers Institute Launches Inaugural Sie Post-doctoral Fellowship Program; Research Will Focus on Improving the Lives of People with Down syndrome
  • Global Down Syndrome Educational Grants Have Provided $232,500 to 23 Innovative Programs for Parents, Professionals and People With Down Syndrome Across U.S.
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation Breaks Record by Raising $1.9 Million
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation Launches National Campaign “MILLION CLICK MARCH” on World Down Syndrome Day
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation, National Down Syndrome Congress Combat Discrimination Against People with Down Syndrome
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Be Beautiful Be Yourself Dancers to Perform in Colorado Ballet’s “Nutcracker”
  • Heather Garcia Joins Global Down Syndrome Foundation as Director of Health & Wellness Programs
  • HELEN HUNT and LAURA DERN Support Global Down Syndrome Foundation
  • JOIN ED MCCAFFREY & DENVER BRONCOS CHEERLEADERS AT THE GLOBAL DOWN SYNDROME FOUNDATION DARE TO CHEER & DARE TO PLAY FOOTBALL CAMPS
  • Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome Awards $1.26 Million in Grand Challenge Grants Supporting 13 Researchers
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  • MAY 7: Vocal Sensation Leona Lewis Headlines Global Down Syndrome Foundation Be Beautiful Be Yourself Gala/Fashion Show, Featuring Models with Down Syndrome
• 2015 Press Releases
  • $1 Million in Grants for Alzheimer Disease-Down Syndrome Research
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation Educational Grants Provide $307,800 to 31 Innovative Programs for Parents, Professionals and People With Down Syndrome Across the U.S.
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation Raises Record $2 Million
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation Selects Self-Advocates to Attend Michelle Obama’s “Reach Higher: Beating The Odds” Summit at the White House on July 23, 2015
  • Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome Awards $1 Million in 2015 Crnic Grand Challenge Grants Supporting 10 Researchers
  • Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome Hires Internationally Renowned Cancer Scientist Joaquín M. Espinosa, PH.D.
  • Terrence Howard Supports Global Down Syndrome Foundation
  • World Down Syndrome Day Celebration at the State Capitol
• 2016 Press Releases
  • ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION ISSUES $7 MILLION CHALLENGE TO SCIENTISTS TO SPEED DRUG DISCOVERY
  • Fashion Giant Revolve Will Outfit Models at Global’s Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation Announces $1M Awarded for Crnic Institute Research Grants and Three New Sie Center Clinics
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation Announces Plan to Publish Medical Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation Announces Winners of Self-Advocate Employment Initiative Grants
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation Awards $400K in Innovative Educational Grants
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation Congratulates the NIH on Appointing Dr. Diana Bianchi as Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation Funds Landmark Research Showing Unequivocal Impact of Trisomy 21 on Interferon Signaling
  • Global Livingston Institute and Global Down Syndrome Foundation Launch Major Research Initiative to Address Gaps in Services for Persons With Down Syndrome in Uganda
• 2017 Press Releases
  • For the First Time Uganda Celebrates World Down Syndrome Day
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation Awards Over $475K in Educational Grants
  • Global Down Syndrome Foundation New Membership Grants help employ 32 people with Down syndrome across the country
  • Global Honored to Receive $100k from Daniels Fund for Second Year
  • Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome Names Dr. Joaquín Espinosa as Incoming Executive Director
• 2018 Press Releases
• 2019 Press Releases
• Press Releases 2014
• Press Releases 2015
• Press Releases 2016
• Press Releases 2017
• Press Releases 2018
• Press Releases 2019
• Press Releases 2020