GLOBAL’s AcceptAbility Gala

A fundraiser for the

GLOBAL DOWN SYNDROME FOUNDATION

funding life-changing research and life-saving medical care for children and adults with Down syndrome

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

JW Marriott Washington, DC
6:00 PM ET Cocktail Reception | 7:00 PM ET Performance & Program

Chair

Tracy Watkins, Colonel, United States Air Force (Retired), Partner at Kearney & Company

Emcees

Kyra Phillips, Award-winning Anchor/Correspondent, ABC News
John Roberts, Co-Anchor of “America Reports with John Roberts & Sandra Smith”, Fox News

2026 Honorees

Crystal Muro

2026 Ambassador

Crystal Muro

2026 Ambassador

Crystal Muro lives in Orange County, California with her mom, thanks to a very important decision her parents made when she was born. While California's Lanterman Act of 1969 ensured the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities to community-based care, Steve and Pia Muro were encouraged to consider committing Crystal to a state hospital when she was born. They knew immediately that their only option was to bring home their newborn and fully embrace her as a member of their loving family. From the very beginning, Crystal’s infectious laugh added even more warmth to her family. But life wasn't without challenges. As an infant, Crystal was frequently hospitalized and underwent surgery for a hole in her heart. But her resilience after these hospitalizations was just the first sign of her fighting spirit and dedication to spreading joy to those around her. Since graduating from Tustin High School, Crystal has been engaged with the Regional Center of Orange County – one of a network of 21 Regional Centers across the state that were created through the Lanterman Act. The Regional Center has helped her to meaningfully engage with the community, including being part of the Orange County Goodwill Day program. For over 10 years, Crystal has brought her kindness and conscientiousness to her volunteer work at the Tustin Area Senior Center. Her colleagues know that she will be the first to grab a microphone to entertain the seniors or grab a towel to help clean up after a bingo game or lunch. An avid artist, Crystal always has a stack of paper, pens, and markers at the ready. Lucky friends and family can expect a card containing artwork on most holidays. Crystal is the queen of birthday greetings and maintains an extensive family and friends’ calendar. Once she knows your birthday, you will be sure to get a card, text, or if you're lucky, a birthday song! Crystal has been a lifelong role model and treasured friend, family member, and community leader. This is why we're so excited to have Crystal serve as GLOBAL Ambassador as she celebrates her 40th birthday at the 2026 AcceptAbility Gala. Crystal is proud to champion GLOBAL’s groundbreaking work and to represent a community she embodies so beautifully.

Shelley Moore Capito

2026 Quincy Jones Advocacy Awardee

Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) has dedicated her life to serving West Virginia and advancing policies that strengthen families across the state. As Chair of the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, she has championed increased funding for NIH Down syndrome research and is a cosponsor of the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act (S. 1838), reinforcing her commitment to improving health outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome.

Paul Tonko

2026 Quincy Jones Advocacy Awardee

Congressman Paul Tonko, who has represented New York’s 20th congressional district since 2009, is a longtime friend and supporter of the Down syndrome community. He is a senior member of the powerful House Energy and Commerce and Budget committees.

2026 AcceptAbility Gala Special Guests

Emmy Award-winning multi-platinum artist; singer; songwriter

Gala Emcee; Award-winning Anchor/Correspondent, ABC News

Gala Emcee; Co-Anchor of “America Reports with John Roberts & Sandra Smith”, Fox News

Representative

Host, The Chuck ToddCast & Former Moderator of Meet the Press

Emmy Award-winning News Anchor & Podcast Host, Agents of Tech

Author, Actor & Advocate

Principal, Williams & Jensen, PLLC

Author, Advocate & Speaker

Thank You to Our 2026 Supporters

Top Billboard
The Ashbrook Family
Avoq
Theresa Brogan & Family
David Egan & Family
The Emry Family
Natalie & Guy Harrison
Highland Electric Fleets
Narrative Strategies
The Stephens Family
Valero
Visa
The Whitten Family

Silver
Anna & John J. Sie Foundation
NCTA – The Internet & Television Association
Steampunk

Platinum
PhRMA

Gold
American Express
Intuit
Kroger
The Mullen Family

Rachel Platten

Emmy Award-winning multi-platinum artist; singer; songwriter

When the world first met Emmy Award-winning multi-platinum artist, singer, songwriter, Rachel Platten, it came in the form of a proclamation of self. An anthem for those who needed it and those who didn’t even know they needed it alike, “Fight Song” became a global sensation, an inescapable battle cry that’s now been streamed more than a billion times and is as inextricable to modern culture as any one song could be. But “Fight Song” was just one song, oneself, and Rachel Platten had so much more to say, and so many more selves to show. These days, if you dive headfirst into Rachel’s rich and growing catalogue, your odds are as strong to land on a thundering anthem like her biggest hit as they are to hit a soul-searching, scar-bearing, lyrically textured stunner about motherhood, guilt, mourning, expectations, rebirth, mental health, and the support systems we all need to guide us through life’s most earth-shaking curveballs. You’ll find all that and so much more on Rachel Platten’s most recent studio album I Am Rachel Platten, a body of work over five years in the making. I Am Rachel Platten is an artistic journey through life’s peaks and valleys. It’s a record about grief as much as it is using darkness to help better shape and contextualize the light. With songs written during sharply defined periods of her life – including the pregnancy and ensuing postpartum depression following the birth of her first daughter, Violet; as ways of searching for answers, relief, and hope throughout a prolonged mental health struggle during the pandemic; in response to her partner’s own fight to stay afloat while she was pregnant with their second daughter, Sophie; and, finally, on the other side of all that turmoil, with some clarity and hindsight to help her pick up all her pieces – Rachel felt ready to follow up 2017’s Waves with an unflinching and honest album that told her story truthfully and transparently, no matter how frightening that felt in the process of making it. Beyond her music, Rachel has a big heart for GLOBAL and the differently-abled community. In 2020, she headlined GLOBAL’s virtual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, delivering powerful performances of “Fight Song” and “Better Place” in celebration of inclusion, empowerment, and hope. GLOBAL is proud to present Rachel Platten as the entertainer for the 2026 AcceptAbility Gala! Rachel Platten’s appearance arranged through Gotham Artists.

John Roberts

Gala Emcee; Co-Anchor of “America Reports with John Roberts & Sandra Smith”, Fox News

John Roberts currently serves as the co-anchor of America Reports (weekdays, 1-3 PM/ET) on FOX News Channel (FNC). He joined the network from CNN as a senior national correspondent in January 2011, based in the Atlanta bureau. On Inauguration Day 2025, Roberts contributed to the extensive live coverage from Washington, D.C. commentating on President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance being sworn into office. Additionally, Roberts reported live from Jerusalem surrounding the Israel-Hamas war. Previously, Roberts served as FNC’s chief White House correspondent where he reported on the top headlines emanating out of the Trump administration. In this capacity, Roberts regularly attended White House briefings and covered the 2021 second impeachment of then-President Donald Trump. As chief White House correspondent, Roberts also traveled with the former president, providing live coverage from the 2019 North Korea-United States Summit in Hanoi, Vietnam. He also contributed to FNC’s coverage of President Trump's 2018 Russia-United States Summit where the former president met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, Finland. During that trip to Europe, Roberts also provided live coverage from the NATO Summit in Belgium as well as President Trump’s visits with UK Prime Minister Theresa May and Queen Elizabeth II. That year he also contributed live reports from the Singapore Summit between the United States and North Korea. Prior to his role as chief White House correspondent, he covered the 2016 presidential election where he interviewed then-presidential candidates Donald Trump, Carly Fiorina, and Marco Rubio. Additionally, he has provided live coverage during numerous breaking news and political events, including the 2012 and 2016 presidential debates, Democratic and Republican National Conventions, as well as Hurricane Irene in 2011. In addition, Roberts covered the murder trial of real estate heir Robert Durst and the U.S. Ebola outbreak. A native Canadian, Roberts secured an exclusive interview with embattled Toronto Mayor Rob Ford in 2013 surrounding allegations of his drinking and drug use. He also reported live from Moore, OK in the wake of the deadly EF5 tornado. Prior to joining FNC, Roberts co-anchored CNN's American Morning from 2007 to 2010. Previously, he served as CNN's senior national correspondent and anchor of This Week at War, examining international wars, including those in Afghanistan and Iraq. Throughout his career, he has traveled internationally to report on major developing news, including Yugoslavia during the NATO bombing, the London bombings of July 2005 and the earthquakes in Turkey. Additionally, he has interviewed numerous prominent figures, including former presidents George W. Bush, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, former Vice President Al Gore, the late Yitzhak Rabin and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf. Before joining CNN in 2006, he spent more than 14 years with CBS News, during which he was the chief White House correspondent, chief medical correspondent and anchor of the weekend editions of the CBS Evening News and CBS Morning News. While there, he was embedded with the U.S. Marines during the war in Iraq and anchored the CBS Evening News coverage of Hurricane Katrina and the death of Pope John Paul II. From 1994-1995, Roberts anchored the evening news on WCBS-TV (CBS 2) in New York. Roberts began his career in Canada, where he worked as an anchor and correspondent for City TV in Toronto and also co-anchored CTV's morning news program, Canada A.M. from 1990-1992. Over the course of his career, Roberts has been a recipient of several awards, including an Emmy, a New York Press Club award and three national Emmy Awards for his coverage of the Atlanta Olympic bombing, the death of Princess Diana and the TWA crash. Roberts also earned a National Headline Award for his coverage of the crisis along the Israeli-Lebanese border in 2006. He attended the University of Toronto at Mississauga.

Richard Hudson

Representative

Richard Hudson has served in Congress since 2013, currently representing North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District. In the 119th Congress, Rep. Hudson was re-elected by his colleagues to House Republican leadership. This position places Hudson as the fifth-ranking Member in Republican leadership and the highest-ranking Republican Member of Congress from North Carolina in history. Rated the most effective legislator from North Carolina according to the Center for Effective Lawmaking, Rep. Hudson has also been named the 12th most conservative Member of the House by National Journal, demonstrating a commitment to delivering results without compromising principles. In Congress, Rep. Hudson is dedicated to working across the aisle on solutions to support our military community, defend our Constitutional rights, create jobs, cut taxes, and improve our quality of life. As a Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Rep. Hudson is committed to bridging the digital divide, streamlining federal regulations, making health care more affordable, and unleashing American energy to lower costs and create jobs in North Carolina. He has also led efforts to clean up chemicals in drinking water which impact our overall quality of life. As the representative of the largest military base in the world, Rep. Hudson remains committed to supporting our active-duty military, veterans, and their families. Rep. Hudson has led legislation to ensure warfighters and Special Forces who are serving in combat receive the pay and tax relief they deserve, no matter where they see combat. He introduced bipartisan legislation to improve veterans’ access to health care and break up the bureaucracy at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Rep. Hudson also sponsored legislation to support wounded veteran caregivers and increase military family education and support. Recognized as a national leader on defending the Second Amendment, Rep. Hudson authored H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, to ensure law-abiding citizens do not become criminals when crossing an invisible state line. He has earned an A+ from the NRA and is an avid hunter and outdoorsman who served as a co-chairman of the bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus. Rep. Hudson also continues to lead efforts in Congress to end gun violence and protect schools. As a Christian and father, Rep. Hudson defends the right to life and has consistently been awarded the “True Blue” award from the Family Research Council Action and a 100% rating from National Right to Life. Richard grew up in Charlotte, graduated from Myers Park High School, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, while serving as Student Body President. His past volunteer leadership service includes membership on the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Board of Trustees, Board of Governors of the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association, Board of Managers of the West Cabarrus YMCA, and Board of Directors of the Cabarrus Jaycees. Richard, his wife Renee, and their son reside in Southern Pines.

Chuck Todd

Host, The Chuck ToddCast & Former Moderator of Meet the Press

Chuck Todd is one of America’s foremost experts on American Politics. A seasoned political journalist and analyst known for his sharp insight and passion for American politics, he is currently the host of The ChuckToddCast, a thrice-weekly podcast offering in-depth interviews with political figures, experts, and thought leaders. Todd’s expert analysis and timely commentary provide a comprehensive view of the political landscape, reaching audiences who seek a deeper understanding of current events. A six-time Emmy® Award-winner, Todd was NBC News’s chief Political Analyst and served as the moderator of Meet the Press, the longest-running broadcast in television history, from 2014 to 2023. During his tenure, Meet the Press became the number-one-rated Sunday public affairs program for several years, secured its first Emmy®, and expanded the brand beyond its single weekly show, with Todd’s steady, incisive reporting making him a key voice in American political journalism. Todd’s role in shaping NBC News’ political coverage extended to his daily hosting of Meet the Press NOW, which he launched in June 2022. This program, broadcast on NBC News NOW, brought the insightful analysis of Meet the Press to a digital-first audience, expanding the brand’s reach in a rapidly evolving media landscape. He also led Meet the Press Reports, a seasonal deep-dive show, and continued to host The Chuck ToddCast, where he engages in thought-provoking conversations on politics, policy, and culture. Known for his encyclopedic knowledge of politics, Todd’s analysis has earned him the reputation as one of the most trusted voices in American media. He has co-moderated multiple high-profile presidential debates, including the historic 2019 and 2020 Democratic debates, which set viewership records. In addition, his reporting on the 2020 election made him a pivotal figure in the national political conversation. Previously, Todd served as NBC News’s chief White House Correspondent from 2008 to 2014, traveling to cover 25 countries, covering the Obama administration, and hosting The Daily Rundown on MSNBC. In 2007, he joined NBC News as Political Director after 15 years at The Hotline, where he served as editor-in-chief. Todd is the author of two books: How Barack Obama Won, co-authored in 2009, and The Stranger: Barack Obama in the White House, released in 2014. His expertise has been recognized by GQ, which named him “The Most Powerful Journalist in Washington” in 2012. He is a frequent contributor to top publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Atlantic, where he’s still a contributing editor. Todd was also the founding managing editor for The Sports Business Daily in 1994, now known as The Sports Business Journal. Currently, Todd is focused on his new ventures, including The ChuckToddCast and his role as Head of Politics & Host of “Sunday Night with Chuck Todd" for the Noosphere App, where he aims to continue his legacy of delivering impactful political analysis and fostering engaging conversations with leaders shaping the future of American politics. He is also the inaugural Scholar-in-Residence for The University of Southern California’s Capital Campus, in Washington, D.C.. Todd’s accolades include multiple Emmy wins, recognition as one of Washingtonian journalists, and honorary doctorates from institutions like The George Washington University (his Alma mater), Marist College, and Marymount University. A native of Miami, he resides in Arlington, V A, with his wife, Kristian, and their two children.

2025 Highlights

2025 Photos – Step & Repeat	2025 Photos – Program Highlights

About Global Down Syndrome Foundation

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) is the largest non-profit in the U.S. working to save lives and dramatically improve health outcomes for people with Down syndrome. GLOBAL has donated more than $32 million to establish the first Down syndrome research institute supporting over 400 scientists and over 2,700 patients with Down syndrome from 40 states and 11 countries. Working closely with Congress and the National Institutes of Health, GLOBAL is the lead advocacy organization in the U.S. for Down syndrome research and medical care. GLOBAL has a membership of over 110 Down syndrome organizations worldwide and is part of a network of Affiliates – the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the Sie Center for Down Syndrome, and the University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center – all on the Anschutz Medical Campus.

GLOBAL’s widely circulated medical publications include GLOBAL Medical Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome, Prenatal Testing and Information about Down Syndrome, and the award-winning Down Syndrome World^TM magazine. GLOBAL also organizes the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, the largest Down syndrome fundraiser in the world. Visit globaldownsyndrome.org and follow us on social media (Facebook & Twitter: @GDSFoundation, Instagram: @globaldownsyndrome).

By registering, attending, or viewing at any time the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s (the “Foundation”) AcceptAbility Gala event, or any reproductions, derivate works, or related content thereof (the “Event”), you agree to be bound by the following terms. You agree that the Event may contain copyrighted, trademarked or proprietary information or content protected by intellectual property or other laws. You agree to not instigate, maintain, or authorize any action, claim, or lawsuit against the Foundation, or any other person, on the grounds that the Event infringes any intellectual property rights or related laws. The Foundation does not make any express or implied warranties, endorsements, or representations whatsoever as to the Event or its content. You agree that the Foundation shall in no event be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or exemplary damages arising directly or indirectly from the Event. You hereby grant the Fountain the right to record, film, live stream, photograph, or capture your likeness in any media in connection with the Event and to distribute, broadcast, or use such media without any further approval by or compensation to you. You agree to not record, rebroadcast, repost, retransmit, or reproduce the Event, any of its content, or any portion thereof without the express written permission of the Foundation. Any public sharing, redistribution, or reproduction of the Event or any portion thereof in any form is strictly prohibited without the express written permission of the Foundation. The Foundation intends to pursue any and all remedies available to it under law or equity in response to any breach of these terms.

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VOLUNTEER

FACT SHEET

GLOBAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

SPONSORSHIP PLEDGE FORM

2026 GALA BOARD

Jan Adams
Founder & CEO, JMA Solutions

John Ashbrook
Founding Partner, Cavalry LLC

Kevin Brennan
Principal, Bluebird Strategies

Pat DiFrancesco
Vice President, Advanced Advocacy

Emilie Eager
Director of Business Development, Julie Parker Communications

David Egan
Author, Advocate & Speaker

Felicia Emry,
Life Skills Director, Heaven on Earth NOW

Autria Godfrey
Emmy Award-winning News Anchor & Podcast Host, Agents of Tech

Natalie Farr Harrison
SVP, Government Relations, Avoq

Guy Harrison
Partner, OnMessage, Inc.

Liz Mahar
Deputy Vice President, Advocacy and Strategic Alliances, PhRMA

Erin Book Mullen
Principal, Williams & Jensen, PLLC

Matthew Perin
Vice President, Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs, Kroger

Cliff Riccio
Sr. Vice President & Chief, Government Relations, NCTA

Julie Riccio
Director, Regulatory Affairs and Public Policy, PwC

Frank Stephens
Author, Actor & Advocate

Richard Waysdorf
Legal Consultant, Global Down Syndrome Foundation

Amy Best Weiss
Executive Vice President, Global Government Affairs, American Express

Michelle Sie Whitten
President & CEO, Global Down Syndrome Foundation

2026 CONGRESSIONAL HOSTS

Senator Steve Daines
Senator John Hickenlooper
Senator Jerry Moran
Representative Robert Aderholt
Representative Katherine Clark
Representative Tom Cole
Representative Diana DeGette
Representative Rosa DeLauro
Representative Lois Frankel
Representative Richard Hudson
Representative Pete Stauber
Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton

2026 HONORARY CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE

Senator Marsha Blackburn
Senator Deb Fisher
Senator Lisa Murkowski
Senator Chris Murphy
Senator Patty Murray
Senator Tim Sheehy
Representative Jake Auchincloss
Representative Don Bacon
Representative Troy Balderson
Representative Nanette Barragán
Representative Ami Bera
Representative Don Beyer
Representative Mike Bost
Representative Shontel Brown
Representative Julia Brownley
Representative Nikki Budzinski
Representative Buddy Carter
Representative Sean Casten
Representative Emanuel Cleaver
Representative James Clyburn
Representative Steve Cohen
Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman
Representative Angie Craig
Representative Jason Crow
Representative Monica De La Cruz
Representative Mark DeSaulnier
Representative Debbie Dingell
Representative Neal Dunn
Representative Gabe Evans
Representative Cleo Fields
Representative Valerie Foushee
Representative Virginia Foxx
Representative John Garamendi
Representative Andrew Garbarino
Representative Craig Goldman
Representative Lance Gooden
Representative Al Green
Representative Adelita Grijalva
Representative Michael Guest
Representative Jim Himes
Representative Erin Houchin
Representative Steny Hoyer
Representative Val Hoyle
Representative Glenn Ivey
Representative Jonathan Jackson
Representative John Joyce
Representative Bill Keating
Representative Mike Kelly
Representative Young Kim
Representative George Latimer
Representative Anna Paulina Luna
Representative Morgan Luttrell
Representative Rob Menendez
Representative Joseph Morelle
Representative Seth Moulton
Representative Jimmy Panetta
Representative Scott Peters
Representative Austin Pfluger
Representative Chellie Pingree
Representative Mark Pocan
Representative Mike Quigley
Representative Amata Radewagen
Representative Delia Ramirez
Representative Jamie Raskin
Representative Hal Rogers
Representative Mary Scanlon
Representative Bradley Schneider
Representative Hillary Scholten
Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Representative Austin Scott
Representative Shri Thanedar
Representative Jill Tokuda
Representative Lori Trahan
Representative Jefferson Van Drew
Representative Marc Veasey
Representative James Walkinshaw
Representative Maxine Waters
Representative Rob Wittman