Be Beautiful Be Yourself Global Down Syndrome Foundation DC Gala – Confirms 2015 Date & Venue

Thursday, May 14, 2015 at The Marriott Marquis Washington DC

WHAT: The fourth annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Global Down Syndrome Foundation DC Gala benefits life-changing research and medical care funded by the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. The Gala features a fashion show with models who happen to have Down syndrome escorted by elected representatives, professional athletes and Hollywood celebrities.

WHO: At each Gala, Global honors two members of Congress with the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award – honorees are advocates for people with Down syndrome and the differently-abled. Past recipients have included Reps. Patrick Kennedy, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Pete Sessions, Chris Van Hollen and Sens. Jerry Moran and Tom Harkin. Global Ambassadors have included DeOndra Dixon, Alex Sessions, Cole Rodgers and Katherine Felicia Norton.

Past musical performers have included Sheryl Crow, Leona Lewis and Gladys Knight.

WHEN: Thursday, May 14, 2015: 6 p.m. cocktail reception; 7:15 p.m. dinner and program

WHERE: Marriott Marquis, 901 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001

WHY: The Gala underwrites groundbreaking research and medical care funded by Global at the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome – including research into the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome. Despite being the most frequent chromosomal condition – affecting an estimated 400,000 Americans – Down syndrome is one of the least-funded genetic conditions by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Global is working closely with the NIH to address this disparity while raising critical funds to enhance the lives of those with the condition through life-changing research and medical care.

HOW: Information on table sponsorship levels, benefits and ticket prices is available at www.globaldownsyndrome.org/dcgala. To learn more on how to support the Gala or Global, contact development@globaldownsyndrome.org or call 303-468-6669.