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.

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