Introducing Global 2016 Ambassador Louis Rotella IV

Louis “Louie” Rotella IV—the charming boy who inspired his dad to create the celebrated story of acceptance The Little King and His Marshmallow Kingdom—will inspire an audience of 1,200 when he takes to the runway as the 2016 Ambassador at Global’s Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show on Saturday, November 12.

“‘Life with Louie’, that is the saying around our house,” says his mom, Jill Rotella.  “Life with Louie is filled with joy, tears, laughter, Marshmallows, and lots of lessons in patience and humor.  Our lives are better because of the journey that we travel with Louie!  We will be proud and honored to be by Louie’s side during this next adventure on his journey as the 2016 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show Ambassador!”

Each year, in addition to choosing 20 self-advocates to model in their fashion show, Global selects an ambassador who graces the front cover of their award-winning invitation. Ambassadors and their families are dedicated to garnering support for Global’s work towards significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education and advocacy.

Louie’s family owns and operates Rotella’s Italian Bakery Inc., in Omaha, Nebraska, founded in 1921. Baking is a family tradition that goes back five generations, and you can learn more about this dynamic family in this excerpt from Down Syndrome World magazine.