A Peanut Butter Falcon Takes Flight
December 21st, 2018 by Global Down Syndrome Foundation
From Down Syndrome World Issue 3 2018
ZACHARY “ZACK” GOTTSAGEN, an accomplished stage performer and film actor who happens to have Down syndrome, was working on set for a movie in Los Angeles courtesy of the amazing nonprofit, Zeno Mountain Farm, when he met directors Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz. They were so taken with Zack’s intelligence, humor, enthusiasm, and joy for life that they decided to write a film for him to star in. The result, The Peanut Butter Falcon, incorporates Zack’s infectious personality and his love for wrestling into their lead character, also named Zak. The two relatively new directors gained the support of big-name actors including Shia LaBeouf, Dakota Johnson, and Thomas Haden Church.
Nilson and Schwartz hope The Peanut Butter Falcon, their first feature-length movie, gives people who are differently-abled a taste of the freedom they can enjoy when they follow their dreams.
A modern-day spin on Huckleberry Finn, The Peanut Butter Falcon follows Zak, a 22-year-old man with Down syndrome, who escapes the nursing home where he lives to pursue his ambition of professional wrestling. The budding wrestler hopes to meet retired wrestling legend “The Salt Water Redneck,” played by Thomas Haden Church, who lives in rural North Carolina. On his journey, Zak meets a crab fisherman and small-time outlaw named Tyler (played by LaBeouf), who becomes Zak’s ally.
Lucky Treehouse, one of the film’s production companies, describes the pair’s adventure: “Together they wind through deltas, elude capture, drink whiskey, find God, [and] catch fish.” Tyler and Zak are eventually joined by Eleanor (played by Johnson), an employee from Zak’s nursing home who is searching for him as well as answers of her own.
“Many people struggle to maintain a regular life, not because of their disabilities, but because of others’ disbelief in their talents … I am making [this film] for the people who believe it is OK to dismiss them,” Nilson writes on Lucky Treehouse’s production website.
AN A-LIST CAST Gottsagen was excited to work alongside the Hollywood A-list actors. LaBeouf is known for roles in movies such as Transformers, Holes, and Borg vs McEnroe. Johnson is known for films including How to be Single and for starring in the Fifty Shades of Grey franchise. Church has acted in TV shows and movies since 1980 and most recently played the lead in the HBO series Divorce.
Bruce Dern, a two-time Oscar nominee, plays Carl, Zak’s roommate at the nursing home. Producers for the movie include Ron Yerxa and Albert Berger, the talent behind Cold Mountain and Little Miss Sunshine. T Bone Burnett, the creative genius behind numerous award-winning film scores, produced the soundtrack.
In addition to Lucky Treehouse, the film was produced by Armory Films, Nut Bucket Films, and Tvacom Film and TV.
This article was published in the award-winning Down Syndrome World™ magazine. Become a member to read all the articles and get future issues delivered to your door!
THE MAKING OF A FALCON Despite its impressive cast and crew, The Peanut Butter Falcon’s true star is Gottsagen, 33, who credits his first acting role as the star of a natural childbirth instructional video on April 22, 1985. He was the first student to be fully included in a Palm Beach County public school, and in 2004, he earned a theater degree from the A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach. Currently, Gottsagen lives independently in Boynton Beach, Florida, and works at a local movie theater.
For more than 10 years, Gottsagen worked with Zeno Mountain Farm, a nonprofit that hosts camps for people of all abilities in Vermont, California, and Florida. He worked with the nonprofit’s Film Camp and appeared in movies such as Burning Like a Fire and Life of a Dollar Bill. While filming a western called Bulletproof, he got involved with a documentary titled Becoming Bulletproof, which followed the movie’s actors and probed the question of why more actors who are differently-abled don’t appear in films. The movie was nominated at numerous film festivals and won the Best Film, Audience Choice, Festival Prize, Grand Jury, and Best Documentary awards at the Cleveland International Film Festival, Heartland Film Festival, Massachusetts International Film Festival, New Hampshire Film Festival, and the Vail Film Festival respectively. It was screened at the Smithsonian Museum’s 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act in July 2015 — Gottsagen was the keynote speaker at the event.
But it gets even better. In a March 2018 Esquire cover story interview, LaBeouf gave Gottsagen some serious credit for sobering up. In the cover story, LeBeouf not only alludes to Gottsagen’s acting chops, he states, “That mother#>@%&* is magical.”
For Gottsagen, he is centered knowing he has an extended family of actors and film crews. He appreciates the opportunity to live out his dream of being an actor and has already started on two additional productions.
“I hope that thousands of fans see [The Peanut Butter Falcon],” Gottsagen told the Palm Beach Post. “I hope that they will love it, and the cast, a lot, including myself.”
In May, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation hosted a special screening of The Peanut Butter Falcon at the Sie FilmCenter in Denver. It was attended by a focus group of local self-advocates and families, as well as Gottsagen and his mother, Shelley, who flew in from Florida.
Shelley is an extremely articulate but quiet woman who clearly has a remarkable relationship with her son. While she is awed by how outgoing her son is, she is not surprised at his career choice.
“Zack told me when he was 3 years old, and every year after that, he was going to be an actor,” she told the audience. “I am definitely proud at what he has accomplished.”
Gottsagen, music and film producer Berger, and director Schwartz did a Q&A after the screening, and the audience left inspired and thoroughly entertained. The film is currently in post-production and will be released later this year.
Gottsagen’s talent and his many accomplishments have earned him Global’s 2018 Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award along with award-winning Irish actor, Colin Farrell. The award will be presented at Global’s 10th Anniversary Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 20, in Denver.
Like this article? Join Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Membership program today to receive 4 issues of the quarterly award-winning publication, plus access to 4 seasonal educational Webinar Series, and eligibility to apply for Global’s Employment and Educational Grants.
Register today at downsyndromeworld.org!
December 2018 Newsletter
December 17th, 2018 by Global Down Syndrome Foundation
December Brings Joy to Global!
Global Webinar Series – Winter 2018 Recap
December 14th, 2018 by Global Down Syndrome Foundation
WINTER 2018
Physical Therapy for Children with Down syndrome & How to Set your Child Up for Successful Learning Experiences
What You Need to Know
Overview & Speakers:
This webinar reviews physical therapy for children with Down syndrome and how to set up your child for successful learning experiences. Key takeaways from this presentation are:
- Goal of physical therapy
- Physical factors that impact the development of gross motor skills
- Compensations for these factors
- Crucial Components to develop when learning gross motor skills
- Examples of how physical therapy addresses learning gross motor skills to help develop the crucial components
Patricia Winders, PT is the Director of Therapies and Senior Physical Therapist at the Anna & John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Prior to this position, she worked at the Kennedy Krieger Institute Down Syndrome Clinic in Baltimore, Maryland (from 1989-2007). Since 1981, she has specialized in providing physical therapy services to children with Down Syndrome. She is author of the book Gross Motor Skills for Children with Down Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals (Second Edition), published by Woodbine House (2014). She is a member of the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (DSMIG-USA) and also serves on the Professional Advisory Committee of the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC).
Important Notice
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s employees and/or volunteers are NOT acting as your medical professional or attorney. Responses you receive via electronic mail, phone, or in any other manner DO NOT create or constitute a doctor-patient or attorney-client relationship between you and the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global), or any employee of, or other person associated with, Global.
Information received from Global’s employees or volunteers, or from this website, should NOT be considered a substitute for the advice of a medical professional or lawyer. Globaldownsyndrome.org DOES NOT provide any medical or legal advice. You should consult with your own doctor or lawyer for medical or legal advice. This website is a general service that provides information over the internet. The information contained on this website is general information and should not be construed as medical advice to be applied to any specific factual situations.
GLOBAL Webinars Archive
2023
2023
2022
2021
2019
CPAP, Hearing Aids, & Glasses, Oh My! How to Help my Child & Adult Wear their Medical Equipment
What Families Need to Know: Utilizing the Pediatric Medical Care Guidelines for Down Syndrome
Self-Advocates Win Landmark Federal Funding for Research: Join GLOBAL – Join the Movement
Take A Deep Breath: Lung Infection & Cognition in Down Syndrome
2018
Be Beautiful Be Yourself Dance Winter Performance
December 12th, 2018 by Global Down Syndrome Foundation
Donations Open Doors To New Down Syndrome Education Center
December 8th, 2018 by Global Down Syndrome Foundation
Global Down Syndrome Foundation Receives Generous Daniels Fund Grant
December 4th, 2018 by Global Down Syndrome Foundation
The grant will help fund Global’s state-of-the-art Education Center for important life skills, education and vocational training for the differently-abled
Press Contacts:
Rejena Carmichael | rcarmichael@globaldownsyndrome.org | C: (240) 603-5494
Anca Call | acall@globaldownsyndrome.org | C: (720) 320-3832
DENVER, CO December 4, 2018 – Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global) announced today that it has received an $850K Daniels Fund grant – $100K to support Global’s life skills programs and a transformative $750K grant to help underwrite the buildout of Global’s state-of-the-art Education Center, expected to open in 2019.
The generous grant builds upon The Salah Foundation’s $1 million grant that secured the space for Global’s Education Center where programs will be held in The Salah Learning Zone. The Education Center will have a flexible design and storage to get maximum differing usage from the 2,480 square foot space.
Global intends to run several programs for students with Down syndrome including computer skills classes for various ages, and cooking and nutrition classes. In addition, Global will open up the space for non-profits and organizations serving the differently-abled community.
“We did an informal listening campaign with over 20 non-profits serving the differently-abled and the findings showed there is a great need for meeting space, classroom space, and that there are many ideas about new programs that can be launched at our Education Center,” said Michelle Sie Whitten, President & CEO of Global. “At the same time, we did a short informal survey of over 30 businesses in the Cherry Creek North area and all but four expressed interest in hiring a person with Down syndrome.”
With the generous Daniels Fund grant, Global will make vocational training and securing internships and jobs as a key priority. “We have supported Global’s life skills programs for several years and we are excited that the organization’s future programs have an emphasis on job training,” said Linda Childears, President & CEO of the Daniels Fund. “Global’s vision to find employment for its students in the Cherry Creek North area is very compelling for us as it fits in with our goal of helping people with disabilities achieve maximum independence and quality of life.”
###
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. Global supports the research of hundreds of scientists around the world through their advocates, partners and affiliates, including the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome and the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome. To learn more, please visit www.globaldownsyndrome.org.
About Daniels Fund
The Daniels Fund, established by cable television pioneer Bill Daniels, is a private charitable foundation dedicated to making life better for the people of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming through its grants program, scholarship program, and ethics initiative. Visit DanielsFund.org to learn more.
Global Down Syndrome Foundation Receives Generous Daniels Fund Grant
December 4th, 2018 by Global Down Syndrome Foundation
Dancing in the Streets benefits arc Thrift stores
December 2nd, 2018 by Global Down Syndrome Foundation
Colorado Governor & Philanthropists Help Honor Community Leaders Devoted To Improving The Lives Of People With Down Syndrome
November 30th, 2018 by Global Down Syndrome Foundation
Global Down Syndrome Foundation Presents Leadership Awards to The Salah Foundation families and to the Vollbracht & Winfield families at the Grand Opening of its Headquarters
Press Contacts:
Rejena Carmichael | rcarmichael@globaldownsyndrome.org | C: (240) 603-5494
Anca Call | acall@globaldownsyndrome.org | C: (720) 320-3832
DENVER, CO November 28, 2018 – Over 100 guests packed the lobby at the new headquarters for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global) in the vibrant Cherry Creek North area. Governor John Hickenlooper gave an opening address before the awards ceremony and before the tour of the new building, which includes an Education Center and a future coffee shop.
At the event, Global presented its 21X21 Campaign Leadership Award to Noreen Salah Burpee, Executive Director of The Salah Foundation. “Noreen and her amazing family have been our champions for many years giving us guidance and helping us to grow,” says Michelle Sie Whitten, President & CEO of Global. “Last year they provided a historic, extremely generous $1 million grant to Global that will underwrite The Salah Foundation Learning Zone in our Education Center where we will provide transformative educational programs to people with Down syndrome of all ages.” Fred Churbuck and Megan Fearnow, two of Burpee’s children who also serve on The Salah Foundation board, were in attendance to support Global and receive the award.
“The education center was a team effort and The Salah Foundation is very proud to be a part of this team that will help so many people with Down syndrome,” says Noreen Salah Burpee. “This building is a tribute to the generosity and the goals of Anna and John J Sie. It is through their vision and dedication and the tireless efforts of their daughter Michelle Sie Whitten that this is all possible.”
Global also presented its Community Leadership Award to the Vollbracht and Winfield families. Leslie and Bill Vollbracht are the founders of Land Title Guarantee Company and have been pillars of the Colorado business and philanthropic community for years. Their daughter and son-in-law, Alison and Kirby Winfield, are carrying on that family tradition in Washington state with their two children, Katherine (Kate) and Kirby Jr. Kate is Global’s Ambassador and happens to have Down syndrome. “The Vollbrachts and Winfields have always been there for us from the beginning and understood the importance of the research and medical care on our children’s health outcomes,” said Whitten. Alison and Kirby Winfield and the Vollbracht’s daughter Dana Vollbracht were on hand to help accept their families’ award.
“We have seen firsthand the incredible impact Global has on the lives of people with Down syndrome,” says Allison Winfield. “In a world where public resources and awareness are scarce, Kate and her peers need organizations like Global to advocate for their health and interests and push the envelope on evolving research and therapy. Global constantly raises the bar for how all of us include and support people with Down syndrome.”
Global’s new headquarters is located at 3239 E. 2nd Avenue on the corner of 2nd and Adams in the Cherry Creek district, which boasts hundreds of restaurants, spas, shops, and banks. The building is an important legacy project for cable TV pioneers and community leaders, Anna and John J. Sie. Their granddaughter, Sophia, was born with Down syndrome. The Sie’s daughter and Sophia’s mom, Michelle Sie Whitten, runs the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. Michelle, Tom, Sophia, and Patrick Whitten were all in attendance for the Grand Opening.
The building is 53,879 square feet in total and was built by GH Phipps Construction Companies, designed by Saiber Saiber Architecture, kitted out by OfficeScapes and branding by ArtHouse Design. The second and third floors of the building are occupied by Global staff while the fourth floor is dedicated to the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation and AJS Ventures. The first floor, where the Grand Opening event took place includes a lobby, an Education Center measuring 2,480 square feet and a future coffee shop that occupies 1,624 square feet. The Education Center will open its doors by the end of 2019 and the coffee shop is expected to open sometime in 2020.
“This building will not only be a headquarters but a destination for inclusion, inspiration and achievement,” says John J. Sie. “We want to have thousands of people who are differently-abled working together with the broad-based community and finding ways to accomplish great things together.” An important focus of The Salah Foundation Learning Zone and the Education Center will be vocational training toward job placement.
The impressive list of event attendees included award-winning actor and Global board member, John C. McGinley, Born this Way TV phenom, Megan Bomgaars. Philanthropic leaders included Peter Kudla, Mike Fries, Don Elliman, Ellen Bruss & Mark Falcone, Laura Barton & Willy Matthews, Charlie Gallagher, Sunny Brownstein, Susan Karsh, Casey & Brett Perry, Greg Karsh, Nancy Sevo, Don & Susan Sturm, Edie Marks, Chris & Lu Law, Joy Dinsdale, Jay Mills & Kiana Akina, Michele & Michael Ritter, Mac & Rebecca Macsovits, Bob & Liane Clasen, Dick & Marcia Robinson, Arlene & Barry Hirschfeld , Kalleen Malone, Allison & Brian Levin, Brian & Shelley Hart, Brook Griese, Andy Irvine, and Katy Call. Other Community Leaders included Rebecca Chopp, Christoph Heinrich, John Reilly, Stephen & Dee Daniels, Jennifer Darling, and Miguel Lovato.
###
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. Global supports the research of hundreds of scientists around the world through their advocates, partners and affiliates, including the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome and the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome. To learn more, please visit www.globaldownsyndrome.org.
10 Local Charities Worth Your Dime on Colorado Gives Day
November 30th, 2018 by Global Down Syndrome Foundation