Global Down Syndrome Foundation Breaks Record by Raising $1.9 Million

Jamie Foxx, Alec Baldwin, Helen Hunt, Laura Dern, John C. McGinley, and Beverly Johnson Lend their Celebrity and their Hearts to Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show

DENVER (Oct. 29, 2014) – A record $1.9 million was raised at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show on Saturday, Oct. 25. Power celebrities Jamie Foxx, Alec Baldwin, Helen Hunt, Laura Dern, John C. McGinley and Beverly Johnson showed up to escort models with Down syndrome in the fashion show and to support Global’s research and medical care initiatives.

On the red carpet, Emmy-winner Alec Baldwin said, “You know anything that can help educate society about how people with Down syndrome not only want but deserve to have a normal life, being included in everything, whether it’s educational, or cultural, or athletic – that’s the thing that interests me the most.”

Oscar- and Emmy-winner Helen Hunt echoed Baldwin’s sentiment: “This is about equality for people with Down syndrome, which is no different than equality for all people generally. I’m happy to support the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s work.”

“Well, the foundation’s incredible,” said Oscar nominee Laura Dern. “I’ve been learning a lot about the extraordinary research that’s being done here, and given Down syndrome is the least-funded genetic condition in our country, I feel great to support it and spread the word.”

“I believe that it’s every person’s right to live to their full potential, and that’s what I want for Natalie and that’s what I want for all people with Down syndrome,” said supermodel and Global international spokesperson Beverly Johnson, whose niece Natalie Fuller has Down syndrome.

“I can’t say enough good things about the Global Down Syndrome Foundation,” said award-winning actor John C. McGinley. “My son Max was born with Down syndrome 17 years ago, and so I’m Max’s advocate, I’m the guy who’s going to move the meter, and so if I’m going to do it for Max, I might as well do it for everybody else in the boat, and that’s why I’m here.”

The Denver event was sold out at 1,200 attendees and raised critical funds for research at the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome on the Anschutz Medical Campus and for the Sie Center for Down Syndrome at Children’s Hospital Colorado. At the event, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation also unveiled the first national publication dedicated to people with Down syndrome and their families – Down Syndrome World^™ magazine. The inaugural cover features Jamie Foxx, and Foxx’s sister and Global ambassador, DeOndra Dixon.

“What Anna and John Sie are doing for people with Down syndrome, including my sister DeOndra, is just amazing,” said Oscar- and Grammy-winner Jamie Foxx. “You know DeOndra doesn’t think of herself as different, she’s the same as you or me, and that’s what this foundation is all about. Everyone can support Global because at this foundation everyone counts.”

At the event, Global honored supermodel Beverly Johnson and self-advocate golfer Brad Hennefer with the 2014 Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Awards. John C. McGinley, Global’s International Spokesman, presented the award to Johnson, while Jamie Foxx and his sister and inaugural recipient DeOndra Dixon presented the award to Hennefer.

The event also featured Ambassador Steven Dulcie of Texas, one of 17 models with Down syndrome who walked the runway with celebrities, including Jamie Foxx, Alec Baldwin, Helen Hunt, Laura Dern, John C. McGinley, pro golfer David Duval, Denver Nuggets stars Kenneth Faried, JaVale McGee and Arron Afflalo, Denver Broncos stars Britton Colquitt, Ben Garland, Malik Jackson and Brandon McManus, Miss Colorado Stacey Cook, and Denver Broncos Cheerleaders.

“We are truly humbled by the outpouring of support this year” said Michelle Sie Whitten, executive director of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. “On behalf of the thousands of families we serve, I can’t thank my staff, our volunteers and our supporters enough.”

The event’s live auction raised over $370,000, with exclusive offerings such as Hyde Park Jewelers’ Vacheron Constantin package, a VIP trip to the 2015 Super Bowl, a painting by world-renowned impressionist Eva Makk, and an Exclusive Resorts vacation. During the event, Whitten announced a $100,000 matching donation by The Salah Foundation for programs benefiting adults with Down syndrome.

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, especially in the emerging field of research into the connection between Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome. Because Down syndrome is among the least-funded genetic conditions by the National Institutes of Health, research and medical care rely heavily on private funding.

The Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show is the single-largest annual fundraiser benefiting people with Down syndrome. The Leadership Circle supporting the event includes Anna & John J. Sie, Deedra & Jeff Dulcie, The Anschutz Foundation, Laura Barton & William Matthews, Sharon Magness Blake & Ernie Blake, Noreen Salah Burpee / Fred Churbuck / Megan Fearnow, The Fries Foundation, Cookie Gold, Jules Haimovitz, Susan, Randy & Greg Karsh, Peter Kudla, Jimmy & Debbie Lustig, Jack & Pat McDonnell, Larry & Carol Mizel, Brandon & Jackie Perry, Casey & Brett Perry, Shereen & Michael Pollak, Ricki & David Rest, Donald & Susan Sturm, Leslie & Bill Vollbracht.

The 2014 Event Chairs include Sharon Magness Blake & Ernie Blake, Ricki Rest, Edie Marks, Streeter McClure, Dominic Capuano, Kay Burke, Nancy Sevo, Jay Mills, and Tomago Collins.

More information about this event and the Global Down Syndrome Foundation is available at www.GlobalDownSyndrome.org or www.BeBeautifulBeYourself.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, Global has the primary focus of supporting the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the first academic home in the U.S. 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.  Global organizes the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show — the single-largest annual fundraiser benefiting people with Down syndrome.  Programmatically Global organizes and funds many programs and conferences, including the Dare to Play Football and Cheer Camps, the Global Down Syndrome Educational Series, and the Dare to Play Soccer Camps. Global 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.

About the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome

The mission of the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome is to provide the best medical care to children with Down syndrome regardless of race, gender, medical condition or socioeconomic status, and as a supplement to primary care. The Sie Center is headquartered on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Colorado and is the clinical care center under the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome. The Linda Crnic Institute is the first organization in the U.S. with the mission to eradicate the medical and cognitive ill effects associated with Down syndrome through basic and clinical research and through clinical care.

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• 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 Hires Ashley Miltgen As Director of Development
  • 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