2011 Press Clippings

2011 Press Clippings

Anyone who knows DeOndra Dixon knows never to challenge her to a dance battle unless you're prepared to lose. At the sprawling L.A. home she shares with big brother Jamie Foxx and other close relatives, even famous friends like Denzel Washington and Chris Brown cede the spotlight to DeOndra when the music starts pumping, "They just watch her," says Foxx, "Its such a light." And Foxx, no slacker when it comes to wowing a crowd admits he was handily outmatched by his sister, 27, when the two took the stage at a recent fund-raiser for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation in Denver. After Foxx performed his song Love Brings Change in honor of DeOndra and others with Down syndrome, the battle was on: Tossing her hair and grinning broadly, DeOndra bent back her 411 body nearly parallel to the floor, I always lose the dance a huge part of Jamies life, says long time family battle, Foxx said after the show, because shes got the friend Hanna Abounadar. He will be running around crazy good moves. with all these things to do, and DeOndra will walk up, grab him and hug him, and hell stand there for 10 minutes hugShe also has the kind of confidence that comes from the ging her. It brings tears to your eyes. For Foxx, it is a sibsupport of a loving family, including her proud, Oscar winling bond that brings both rewards and challenges. One ning big brother. I havent cried so much in a long time, thing people may not understand is that the person with Foxx, 43, said on stage with his sister. These kids are so special needs, the love that they give you is unfiltered, he beautiful. This event allows them to shine. says. There is nothing in the way of them loving you and DeOndra has done just that appearing in Foxxs Blame It there is nothing in the way of them being upset with you either. You really get the true individual. Its challenging, music video, dancing at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards in front of 24 million viewers and now taking a leading role but it is moments like this that make it all work. Shes a suas the 2011 Ambassador for the GDS Foundation. She is perstar now. He works on me everyday about my eating habits, breaks in DeOndra, giving her brother a sideways glance. He nods his head. Thats the challenge, because we want to extend her life. Its tough because she is grown, and she says, Im eatin it! Its not always glory, its not always glamorous. Sometimes it just is what it is and you have to deal with it. For Foxx, it was love at first sight when he first held baby DeOndra - whose parents are Foxxs mother, Annette, and his stepfather George Dixon, at age 16. We werent trippin on the fact she had Down syndrome, recalls Foxx of DeOndras chromosomal abnormality (see box). We were trippin on the fact she was cute. She was this little chocolate ball. Growing up in Dallas and Foxxs hometown of Terrell, Texas, DeOndra was treated like any other member of the family. My mom was like, You get on the bus with the regular kids, go to the regular school, do your thing, recalls the actor. In the neighborhood, thats how it is. We just got along.

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By the time DeOndra graduated from high school in 2002, Foxx had made it big in L.A. I said, Shes going to live with me, remembers Foxx, who already had his sister Deirda, 34, a hairstylist on his movies, living with him. Then the step father he calls Pops and his mother moved in as well. Moving my family in with me is nothing but nonstop laughter and kickin it, says Foxx. And a little work. The work comes in part, from DeOndra, who recently left the Tierra Del Sol Foundation School, where she was employed in the school cafeteria and collected a regular paycheck. The brother and sister enjoy outings together that include birthday bashes at the Conga Room and regular movie nights. DeOndra also shares Foxxs wicked sense of humor. I call it

Ghetto Down, he explains recalling how he questioned her about something she took from the refrigerator and she said, O, you know I got Down syndromeit just happens. Foxx admires her confidence on videos and maybe even a movie role. I hope she lives the most regular, carefree and fun life, says Foxx. As for DeOndra, Im happy to have a big brother to count on, she says simply, who I love every day.

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A DRUG FOR DOWN SYNDROME

Dan Hurley July 29, 2011

Early in the evening of June 25, 1995, hours after the birth of his first and only child, the course of Dr. Alberto Costas life and work took an abrupt turn. Still recovering from a traumatic delivery that required an emergency Caesarean section, Costas wife, Daisy, lay in bed, groggy from sedation. Into their dimly lighted room at Methodist Hospital in Houston walked the clinical geneticist. He took Costa aside to deliver some unfortunate news. The baby girl, he said, appeared to have Down syndrome, the most common genetic cause of cognitive disabilities, or what used to be called mental retardation.... ...He lives with Tyche and Daisy in a rented apartment, having never felt he had enough job security to buy a home. At his laboratory, some of his most expensive and sophisticated equipment for studying Down syndrome remains in storage, literally gathering dust for want of financing to use it. One source of his research money has been the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation, based nearby in Denver, and run by Michelle Sie Whitten, whose 8-year-old daughter has Down syndrome. Three years ago, the foundation established a research institute at the University of Colorado in Denver, where Costa works.
Read More at: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/31/magazine/a-fathers-search-for-a-drug-for-down-syndrome.html?_r=2&pagewanted=all

Ability Magazine: Interview with John C. McGinley

Chet Cooper December 2011

Cooper: Lets talk about Denver. How did you come to work with Michelle Whitten and the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GDSF)? McGinley: They called me a couple years ago, but I was still pretty shoulder-deep in the Buddy Walk with the National Down Syndrome Society. But after eight years my message had gotten a little stale. I told them, You need a new person. Im not going to abandon you, but you could benefit from a Cooper: But the approach GDSF doctors have fresh face and a new angle. taken is to flip that. They can show how Down syndrome research benefits so many other Meanwhile, Michelle had been calling from Denver conditions, which means that they can apfor a while. One day, we had lunch and she told me proach the National Institutes of Health on about her organization. It sounded great, and she more than a dozen other funding fronts. was one of the most dynamic women Id ever met. McGinley: The organization is smart that way. And The one thing that she said that really wowed me Michelle is a badass; I mean that in a good way. was, We have a lobbyist in Washington. Were Shes a Harvard Business School person who runs going to move this ball forward the way the big her nonprofit foundation like somebody who went boys and big girls do. I told her, I need to serve to Harvard Business School. A lot of these Down on your board. I need to have a voice in what syndrome organizations are ultra-right-wing Chrisyoure doing. She said, You would be on our tian, because they dont believe in abortions. Ive board? I said, Very much so. gone to different events where it was all about Christ looking after His children. It struck me: What A lot of groups try to effect change through fundabout Yahweh? What about other faiths? GDSF raising alone. But theres a dirty little secret with doesnt promote any religious cause. I love that. Im Down syndrome fund-raising. Its unspoken, but what funders are basically saying is, If you had the going to be with them for a long time. prenatal test, you could have had an abortion [and Cooper: Hopefully not after 2017. avoided having a child with Down syndrome], but McGinley: Why? you didnt. So what do you want from us? Its reflected in the numbers at NIH. Their budget is $28 billion and only $14 million devoted to research on Cooper: Their goal is to eradicate Downs negative health effects by then. Down syndrome? Thats not a mistake. When McGinley: That makes me even happier. Thats somebody prioritized what to focus on, they said, genius. Lets give 14 mil of this 28 bil to Down syndrome Read More at: http://abilitymagazine.com/mcginley_interview.html research. Thats shockingly small.

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Jamie Foxx Challenges Sister to Dance Contest

Bryan Alexander October 18, 2011

Jamie Foxx surprised his older sister in a big way at a national fundraiser this weekend. Not only did he serenade DeOndra Dixon, who was born with Down syndrome, but he challenged her in an impromptu dance contest in front of 1,200 people. "We dance battle and she thinks she's better than me," Foxx told the crowd at the Be Beautiful, Be Yourself fashion show and fundraiser in Denver on Saturday night. "So sometimes we have to get our battles on."

Jamie Foxx and 2011 Ambassador DeOndra Dixon

And it was on. The music of choice was Foxx's Blame it, a song which Dixon had danced to on the music video. The crowd of onlookers cheered and clapped as the two boogied onstage. No clear victor was chosen, but the two embraced deeply before exiting the stage. Dixon, 27, was being honored as the Global Down Syndrome Foundation's 2011 Ambassador at the third annual fundraiser. The event raised more than $1 million for Down syndrome research. Dixon walked in the fashion show which included professional models as well as guest models with Down syndrome. Foxx called research "the most important issue for this condition." After presenting her with the ambassador award, Foxx led Dixon to a piano, where he proceeded to play the song Love Brings Change. Dixon teared up as the man she calls simply "my big bro" sang and played for her.

JAMIE FOXX SERENADES SISTER WITH HEARTFELT SONG

Krista Wick October 24, 2011

It was an uplifting night of glitz and glamour at the 2011 Be Beautiful, Be Yourself fashion show and fundraiser in Denver last Saturday as a crowd of 1,200 partied it up in style, all the while raising money for a good cause. Jamie Foxx, who is no stranger to the yearly event, ensured the affair was a memorable one for sister DeOndra Dixon, performing an original composition Love Brings Change to his teary-eyed sister. DeOndra, who was born with Down syndrome, basked in the spotlight as the 2011 Ambassador for the foundation, which raised over $1 million for Down syndrome research that night. Music Icon Quincy Jones, John C. McGinley, Supermodel Beverly Johnson, and The Real Housewives of Orange County's Peggy Tanous also took part in the star-studded festivities.

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The Global Down Syndrome Foundation Gala

Senator Tom Harkin, Gladys Knight & Congressman Pete Sessions

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation honored Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Tex.) at its first annual D.C. Gala and Fashion Show. Be Beautiful, Be Yourself, was held at the J.W. Marriott Wednesday evening. CNNs Kyra Phillips served as emcee of the event, which featured supermodel Beverly Johnson, whose neice Natalie Fuller has Down syndrome. Members of Congress also attended the event and walked the runway with children who have Down syndrome. Those in attendance included Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (RWash.), Rep. Scott Dejarlais (RTenn.), Rep. Scott Tipton (R-Colo.) and others. Both Harkin and Sessions have been advocated of raising awareness of Down syndrome.

Kate Oczypok November 19, 2011

Beverly Johnson Returns to the Catwalk for a Cause

Pat Lawson Muse November 20, 2011

Beverly Johnson walked the catwalk again at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C., Wednesday night to help raise awareness about Down syndrome and money for research. She modeled with her niece Natalie Fuller who has Down syndrome.Its very underfunded, Johnson said. We want to actually shine light on these incredible children and realize their talents and gifts. They need to be honored. The event, sponsored by the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, was dubbed Be Beautiful, Be Yourself. It featured almost a dozen young models from the Washington metropolitan area who have Down syndrome. Some of Washingtons most powerful and influential leaders attended the gala, including Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas). Both were presented with the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award for their strong support and advocacy. Sessionss 17-year old son Alex is the 2011 ambassador for the event. The gala also featured ambassadors and administration officials. Celebrities and professional athletes served as escorts for the models. The other highlight of the evening was a performance by singer Gladys Knight. Proceeds from the gala will benefit the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, reportedly the first academic institute working to eradicate the medical and cognitive ill effects associated with Down syndrome. On News4 at 4, Johnson said We need Congress to give us the funds for education and research to fight this.

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INSIGHT
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education, and outreach. The foundation supports the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the first academic home in the US dedicated to eradicating the medical and cognitive ill effects associated with the condition as well as the Crnic Institutes Sie Center for Down Syndrome, the largest medical care clinic for people with Down syndrome in the nation. It is the leader in bringing awareness to funding inequalities and in advocating to increase funding in the areas of research and medical care for people with Down syndrome. 303-321-6277; globaldownsyndrome.org

DID YOU KNOW?

Down syndrome is a chromosomal condition whereby a child
is born with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two.

Down syndrome is the most frequent chromosomal disorder,

representing an estimated 400,000 Americans.

The lifespan of a person with Down syndrome in the 1980s

was 28 years; today it is 60 years.

The IQ of a person with Down syndrome has increased

approximately 20 points over the past 15 years.

A Winning Session

January 2012

Last year Alex and I shared center stage here in Washington for the inaugural Global Down Syndrome Foundation's Be Beautiful Be Yourself Gala and Fashion Show. During the night, it became abundantly clear to me that it is not just the people who have surrounded Alex throughout his life who are committed to his simple declaration. The 400 people in the audience, including professional athletes, philanthropists, TV personalities, and public officials, all resounded with their dedication to the word 'can.' But despite the presence of these boldfaces, the children and young adults with Down syndrome were the stars of the show. The night was a wonderful opportunity for others to gain a better understanding of the Down syndrome community, as well as of the challenges we deal with to ensure that all people with intellectual disabilities have the ability to reach their full potential. The real highlight of the evening for me, however, was watching my son receive the foundation 's Ambassador Award, for self-advocates. I believe Alex will motivate others to get involved in the cause, just like he was my inspiration to become an active advocate of the Down syndrome community in Congress. In 2008, I joined Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Patrick Kennedy, and Eleanor Holmes Norton in forming the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus to educate Members of Congress and their staff about Down syndrome. Additionally, our goal is to promote research and public policies that would enhance the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome. One legislative initiative the Caucus is advocating for this Congress is the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. The ABLE Act would ease many financial strains that families face by allowing them to create taxfree savings accounts to cover expenses such as education, housing, and transportation for their loved ones with intellectual disabilities.
Read More: http://capitolfile-magazine.com/personalities/articles/congressman-pete-sessions-and-his-family-have-found-the-strength-to-succeed

DC Gala to Help Fund Down Syndrome Research

Tony Perkins November 16 2011

WASHINGTON - The Global Down Syndrome Foundation works to improve the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, and education. As a way to celebrate and to raise money, the foundation is holding a gala Wednesday with special guests and celebrities. Supermodel Beverly Johnson and Natalie Fuller, Beverly's niece who is participating in the event, joined us with more.
Watch: http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/mornings/dc-gala-to-help-fund-down-syndrome-research-111611

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An Interview with Michelle Sie Whitten

David Radcliff October 2011

Executive director of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GDSF), Michelle Sie Whitten is dedicated to promoting research of a common birth defect that has touched her family. She recently sat down with ABILITYs David Radcliff to discuss the aims of her foundation, and the role Down syndrome plays in both her work and home lives. David Radcliff: How would you explain the work you do at the foundation? Michelle Sie Whitten: Were unique in our ability to fill a void of information about Down syndrome. Historically, there have been good parent-outreach organizations, but there hasnt been a nonprofit that specifically treats research and medical care as core competencies. People with Down syndrome now live into their 60s, so theres a significant need to revisit the research and medical care.

Global Down Syndrome Foundation Executive Director, Michelle Sie Whitten and her daughter

Radcliff: You got involved in this cause because it directly impacts someone in your family. Whitten: Thats almost always the case, isnt it? My first child was born with Down syndrome in 2003. At 19 weeks into my pregnancy, I got the terrible prenatal diagnosis, and later I had the day-to-day experience of raising a child with intellectual and developmental challenges. I set out trying to find whatever information was available. I wanted to learn how I could give my daughter every opportunity. Radcliff: How much did you know about Down syndrome before the diagnosis? Whitten: Nothing. In fact, I had never met anyone who had a disability. Looking back, I wonder whether that was because people with disabilities had been segregated at the time, or because that was just a reality of where I went to school. From a young age, Ive been passionate about correcting discrimination and fighting inequality in areas of gender, sexual orientation and cultural bias. Having a child with Down syndrome, in a strange way, expanded my interest in human and civil rights to an even greater degree. Read More: http://abilitymagazine.com/Michelle-Sie-Whitten.html

Jamie Foxx Calls His Sister a "Superstar"

DeOndra Dixon named 2011 Ambassador for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.

Smriti Mundhra November 11, 2011

For years she's watched her famous brother Jamie Foxx soak up the spotlight, but now it's DeOndra Dixon's time to shine. The 27-year-old sister of Oscar - winner Foxx has been named the 2011 Ambassador for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. And no one could be prouder of her than her bro. "She's a superstar now," Foxx tells People. "One thing people may not understand is that the love a person with special needs gives you is unfiltered. There is nothing in the way of them loving you and there is nothing in the way of them being upset with you either. You really get the true individual." Dixon, who lives with Foxx in Los Angeles, seems to have nothing but love for her brother. "I'm happy to have a big brother to count on, who I love every day," she says.

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5 QUESTIONS WITH BEVERLY JOHNSON ON HER REALITY SHOW & BEING A SPOKESPERSON FOR DOWN SYNDROME
Britni Danielle November 29, 2011

Beverly Johnson ruled runways around the world in the 70s and 80s, breaking down barriers for Black women. Although she can still walk the catwalk, the 59-year-old mother and grandmother is concentrating on ruling the boardroom. In addition to being a spokeswoman for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, Johnson is building a hair care empire and gearing up to star in her first reality show, Beverly Johnsons Full House, on the OWN network, with daughter Anansa. ESSENCE.com recently caught up with Johnson to discuss her new show, her passion for Down Syndrome advocacy, and how she manages to have it all. ESSENCE.com: In addition to the new show and your hair care line, youre also the inter- Beverly Johnson & Natalie Fuller national spokesperson for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. How did you get involved with that? BEVERLY: I wanted to be involved because my sister has a child with Down Syndrome and my first cousin has Down syndrome. I went to one of their events in Denvera fashion showand my niece and I took to the runway together. She just lit up. The confidence shes had since this event is just amazing. I knew I wanted to be more involved with this organization. Also, theres a distinct disparity between African-American children who have Down Syndrome and others. Their mortality rate is 1.5 times greater. So an African-American child with Down Syndrome has an expected age of 36, and for whites and others, the expected age is 63. So, thats another reason why Im involved with the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.
Read More: http://www.essence.com/2011/11/29/5-questions-with-beverly-johnson-on-her-reality-show-and-being-a-spokesperson-for-down-syndrome/

International Spokesperson

Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show Denver

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Foundation Spokesperson Actor John C. McGinley & guest models Jaide Tygart & Miles Ross

Award winner Sujeet Desai, Real Housewife of O.C. Peggy Tanous, with the Vollbracht & Winfield families

Supermodel Beverly Johnson & guest model & niece Natalie Fuller

Honorary Committee Members Susan & Randy Karsh

2011 Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award Recipient John C. McGinley

Hildgard Messenbaugh, Kerri Greenberg, Executive Director Michelle Sie Whitten Co-Chair Laura Barton, & Lynn Dolven & Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper

Ambassador DeOndra Dixon & Foundation Executive Director Michelle Sie Whitten

Superbowl Champ and Honorary Committee member Ed McCaffrey

Co-Chair Dave Rest, Jennifer Oman, Steven Cohen, Honorary Committee members Brett & Casey Perry, Lisa & Mike Schatz, Monica Manley, Stan Arky & Cheri Michelson, Co-Chair Cookie Gold & Brittany Blanchard

Co-Chair John J. Sie, Co-Chair Jamie Foxx, Honorary Committee Member Chauncey Billups & Foundation Spokesperson Quincy Jones

Co-Chairs Ernie Blake & Sharon Magness Blake

Betty Biebel, Jan & Ross Wilkins, Co-Chairs Pat & Jack McDonnell, Debbie & Jerry Ballard, Frances Ballard, Lorrie Carey, Briana Carey

Co-Chair Debbi Alpert, Ari Silverman, Risa Silverman, Co-Chair Lee Alpert, Tanya Appel, Mike Drew & Mia Berlin

Emcee Kim Christiansen

Co-Chairs Jamie Foxx & Anna Sie

Co-Chairs Jamie Foxx & Peter Kudla

Tim & Debby Stack, Marney & Marlene Seward, Krisi & John Fiedler, Co-ChairsDonald & Susan Sturm, Rob & Lori Holt

Michelle Sie Whitten, Co-Chairs George Dixon, Deidra Dixon, Ambassador DeOndra Dixon & Co-Chair Jamie Foxx & Kim Andrew

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Honorary Committee Members Brett & Casey Perry Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award Recipient Sujeet Desai

Larry & Carol Mizel, Janie & Jeff Schmacher, Thierry & Sophie Kennell, Michele & Damon Gross, Michael & Shereen Pollak

Co-Chairs Bill & Leslie Vollbracht with Honorary Committee members Alison Winfield & Dana Vollbracht

Sujeet Desai & Real Housewife of O.C. Peggy Tanous

Honorary Committee member and NBA All Star Chauncey Billups with guest models Rachel Greenlaw & Louie Rotella

Guest model Alexandra Shankle & Denver Bronco Cheerleader

Sunny Brownstein, Co-Chair John J. Sie & Cindy Farber

Tom & Michelle Whitten Guest Models Carly Boyer, Alan Beals, Casey Gunning, Steve Ballard & Emma Bolger Honorary Committee members Eileen & Dave Morton, Christy & Craig Andrisen

Louie Rotella III, Jill Rotella, International Spokesperson Quincy Jones & guest model Louie Rotella IV

Honorary Committee Members Jim & Kay Burke Guest model Steve Ballard & Nuggets Dancer

Co-Chair Jules Haimovitz, Karyn Grossman & Co-Chairs Anna & John J. Sie

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DENVER, CO
Co - Chairs
Anna & John J. Sie Jamie Foxx George Dixon Annette Dixon Deidra Dixon Debbi & Lee Alpert Laura Barton & William Matthews Sharon Magness Blake & Ernie Blake Mike & Amber Fries Cookie Gold Jules Haimovitz Peter & Bonnie Kudla Bob & Betsy Leighton Jack & Pat McDonnell Ricki & Dave Rest Donald & Susan Sturm Leslie & Bill Vollbracht

Honorary Chairs
Congressman Pete Sessions The Honorable Cathy McMorrisRodgers & CDR. Brian Rodgers, USN (Ret.) Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton Congressman Chris Van Hollen Secretary Ken Salazar & Hope Salazar Governor John Hickenlooper Senator Mark Udall & Maggie Fox Senator Michael Bennet & Susan Daggett Congressman Mike Coffman Congresswoman Diana DeGette Congressman Cory Gardner Congressman and Mrs. Doug Lamborn Congressman Ed Perlmutter Congressman Jared Polis Congressman Scott & Jean Tipton Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock Aurora Mayor Ed Tauer

Honorary Committee
Tom & Ashley Arnold Chauncey & Piper Billups Brunello Cucinelli Susie & David Duval John & Paige Elway Brook & Brian Griese Beverly Johnson Coach George Karl John & Linda Lynch Ed & Lisa McCaffrey Jeff Probst Billy Van Heusen Kimberly Andrew Craig & Christy Andrisen Kay Burke Tomago Collins Mark & Kristy Dym Adam Fell Mike Goode Susan & Randy Karsh Jim & Cheli Kellogg Ed & Linda McCabe Tony & Jennifer McCall Dave & Eileen Morton Brandon & Jackie Perry Casey & Brett Perry Dr. Dean Prina Dana Vollbracht Alison & Kirby Winfield, Jr.

Sponsors
Haute Couture Anna and John J. Sie Foundation The Barton Family Foundation Sharon Magness Blake & Ernie Blake Mike & Amber Fries / Liberty Global Jules Haimovitz Cookie Gold, Ricki & Dave Rest, Debbi & Lee Alpert McDonnell Family Foundation Metropolitan Homes at the Vallagio Sturm Family Foundation Don & Sue Sturm Leslie & Bill Vollbracht Couture The Anschutz Foundation M.D.C. Holdings / Richmond American Homes Foundation The Whitten Family In Vogue Browstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP Sandy Wolf and Elaine Wolf from The Melvin and Elaine Wolf Foundation Designer First Bank Debbie & Larry Hauserman Land Title Guarantee Company Law Brothers Companies Bob & Betsy Leighton SomaLogic Starz Entertainment, LLC Jeff & Mary Tuten World Engineering Xchange, LLC

Be Beautiful Be Yourself Gala DC

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WASHINGTON, D.C.
Co - Chairs
Norm Brownstein Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Jeffrey Forbes Cauthen Forbes and Williams Mark Irion Grayling Hon. Madeleine Albright Rep. Tammy Baldwin Senator Michael Bennet Rep. Marsha Blackburn Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle Senator Richard Burr Rep. Russ Carnahan Senator Robert Casey Senator Tom Coburn Senator Thad Cochran Rep. Mike Coffman Rep. Geoff Davis Rep. Diana DeGette Rep. John Dingell Rep. Lloyd Doggett Rep. Jo Ann Emerson Rep. Eni Faleomavaega Rep. Chaka Fattah Michael Fitzpatrick Rep. Elaine Gantz Berman Rep. Cory Gardner Senator Charles Grassley Rep. Gene Green Rep. Ral Grijalva Senator Kay Hagan Mayor Michael B. Hancock Quincy Jones Jamie Foxx DeOndra Dixon John C. McGinley Jeff Probst Couture Anna and John J. Sie In Vogue Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Designer The Whitten Family DISH Network The Integral Group Allen Kronstadt A R Kronstadt Realty Deana Perlmutter The Integral Group Faith Perlmutter Diamond Anna and John J. Sie Anna and John J. Sie Foundation Beth Viola Holland and Knight Michelle and Tom Whitten Global Down Syndrome Foundation Rep. Jean Schmidt Rep. Albio Sires Rep. Adam Smith Rep. Jackie Speier Rep. Pete Stark Rep. Mike Thompson Rep. Scott Tipton Rep. Paul Tonko Senator Mark Udall Rep. Chris Van Hollen Rep. Ed Whitfield Rep. Frank Wolf His Excellency Kim Beazley Ambassador of Australia His Excellency Gary Doer Ambassador of Canada Her Excellency Rene Jones-Bos Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands His Excellency Manuel Sager Ambassador of Switzerland His Excellency Nuno Filipe Alves Salvador e Brito Ambassador of Portugal His Excellency Sir Nigel Sheinwald British Ambassador Brian Griese John Lynch David Duval Tim Shriver and Linda Potter Holland & Knight Charitable Foundation Mark Irion Linda and Ed McCabe Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP and Neustar, Inc. Towell Construction Company The Williams Companies, Inc. Retail Sponsor Walish Gooshe

Honorary Chairs
Governor John Hickenlooper Hon. Chris Hill and Julie Hill Rep. Steny Hoyer Rep. Walter B. Jones, Jr. Rep. Dennis Kucinich Rep. Doug Lamborn Senator Mary Landrieu Rep. Tom Latham Rep. Steve LaTourette Rep. Stephen Lynch Rep. Kenny Marchant Rep. James A. McDermott Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton Rep. Ed Perlmutter Rep. Gary Peters Rep. Jared Polis Senator Mary Pryor Rep. Nick Rahall II Senator Harry Reid Congressman Cedric Richmond Rep. Dennis Ross Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard Secretary Ken Salazar Senator Bernie Sanders Rep. Adam Schiff

Honorary Committee
Beverly Johnson Hon. Patrick Kennedy Chancy Billups Ed McCaffrey

Sponsors
Faith Perlmutter Diamond and Warren Diamond & Alan Kronstadt Beth Viola and Michael McAdams Trendsetter Sharon Magness Blake and Ernie Blake Cauthen Forbes & Williams Ceramic Technology Comcast Corporation Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott,L.L.C.

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GLADYS KNIGHT AND BEVERLY JOHNSON RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT DOWN SYNDROME
Charlee C. November 30, 2011

WASHINGTON, DC It was all smiles at the Global Down Syndrome Gala with celebrities such as Gladys Knight and Beverly Johnson lending their support to the fundraiser. CNNs Kyra Phillips was the evenings emcee, and presented the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award to Senator Tom Harkin and Congressman Pete Sessions. The two were recognized for their contributions towards increasing public awareness about Down Syndrome. Additionally, Alex Sessions was introduced as the Foundations Ambassador of the year. In attendance was Jamie Foxxs sister, DeOndra Dixon, who is also a recipient of the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award. Attendees enjoyed the Jet Set fashion show that showcased the latest collection from Walish Goosh, and fashions from Robcyns that were modeled by those surviving Down Syndrome. Escorting the Foundations models down the runway were Gladys Knight, Beverly Johnson, Fox News John Roberts, WUSAs Lesli Foster, Redskins Rocky McIntosh and Anthony Armstrong, along with many others. The highlight of the evening was Gladys Knights soul stirring performance. Singing classics like Midnight Train to Georgia, the Empress of Soul reminded guests that WE will survive. As the song resonated in hearts, Beverly Johnson held her niece, Natalie Fuller, who is living with Down Syndrome. The sentiment was contagious, as family members of Music Icon Gladys Knight and Global Down Syndrome Foundation those also affected, did the same.
Ambassador Alex Sessions Read More: http://kontrolmag.com/blog/?p=4257

Chad Chisholm December 2011 Craig Andrisen & Peter Kudla

Christy Andrisen, Paige Elway & Jacquie Palisi

Be Beautiful Be Yourself Kickoff Party

Shot in The Dark
The Be Beautiful Be Yourself Kickoff party featuring Brunello Cucinelli Fall/Winter 2011 Collection was held at Andrisen Morton and benefited the Global Down
John Sie, Trygve Myhren & Anna Sie

NBC Interview with Spokesperson Beverly Johnson

Pat Lawson Muse November 16, 2011

Lets talk about why you are here tonight? You are here for the Global Down Syndrome Foundations Gala. Your niece suffers from Down Syndrome. Tell us about the gala and the effort to raise funds. Beverly: We are trying to bring awareness to Down syndrome. Its very under funded. Its a condition that needs to be funded better. We want to shine light on these incredible children and realize their talents and gifts because they are very gifted children. They need to be honored and we need Congress to give us the funds for education and research.

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November 2, 2011

Jamie Foxx surprised his sister, DeOndra Dixon, by serenading her with "Love Brings Change" at the Be Beautiful Be Yourself fashion show and fundraiser in Denver, Colo., on Oct. 15, 2011. "One thing people may not understand is that the person with special needs, the love that they give you is unfiltered. There is nothing in the way of them loving you and there is nothing in the way of them being upset with you either. You really get the true individual. It's challenging, but it is moments like this that make it all work. She's a superstar now." - Jamie Foxx

Ability Magazine: Interview with Music Icon Quincy Jones

Chet Cooper October 2011

Cooper: How did you get involved with the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GDSF)? Jones: John Sie is an old friend of mine. Hes a pioneer of cable television, high-definition television and a range of technology. He knows his business backwards and forwards. So we were kicking around the idea of launching a black-oriented entertainment network, because I wanted to see one thats more useful to the black community than what is being offered today. Eddie Murphy, Denzel Washington and Will Smith were going to come together on it with me. We decided to put that project on hold for a while, ultimately, but John and I became friends forever. He truly is my brother from another mother. Cooper: As your friendship with John evolved, he called you up and said, I have an idea for a non profit. Is that how it happened? Jones: Absolutely. I took a trip to Denver, where I met beautiful little Sophie, his granddaughter, and it was love from then on. Cooper: Lets talk about the Linda Crnic Institute. Jones: The people there are doing great work. Theyre so passionate about the mission, and John is totally committed to it. Cooper: Other than Sophia, have you met many children with Down syndrome? Jones: Throughout my life: A lot of celebrities have kids with Down syndrome. For the last two years, Ive been working with Jamie Foxx, whose sister, DeOndra, has Down syndrome. He brought her in to do our Be Beautiful, Be Yourself fashion show, and she said, Im the star! Youd think all these kids on the runway would be shy, but theyre strutting like Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington, you know? One time they had me on the dance floor, and they almost put me in the hospital. (laughs) I just love them, man! These kids are so smart and so emotional. Cooper: So many of us are guarded in what we say and in showing how we feel. The people I know with Down syndrome seem to be more honest and sincere. Jones: Absolutely. Sincerity flows out of them. Every time Im with the kids, they want to feel my hair. I had two brain operations for an aneurysm, and they get curious.
International Spokesperson Quincy Jones DeOndra Dixon, Quincy Jones, Anna and John J. Sie, and Jamie Foxx

Be Beautiful Be Yourself Gala DC

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Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, Gladys Knight & Texas Congressman Pete Sessions

Oregon Congressman Greg Walden & models Kai Conley & Gracie Black

Co-Chair Norm Brownstein, Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award Recipient Iowa Senator Tom Harkin & Global Down Syndrome Foundation Executive Director Michelle Sie Whitten

Model Theresa Brogan & Tennessee Congressman Scott DeJarlias

Model Brad Hennefer & Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers

Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, Honorary Committee members Linda Potter & Tim Shriver CNNs Kyra Phillips & Real Housewife of DC Lynda Erkiletian

Texas Congressman Pete Sessions, Alice Sessions, Gladys Knight, Nete Sessions, Bill Sessions & Judge William Sessions

Model Scotty Lesmes & Ravens Cheerleader

Co-Chair Beth Viola, Liz Burdock & Tim Thompson

Delaware Congressman John Carney & models Michael Pheifer & Ava Bachman

Gladys Knight & Ambassador Alex Sessions

Bill Sullivan, Peter Gillon, Co-Chair Deana Perlmutter & Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson

Jane Adams, Tennessee Congresswoman Kim Andrew, George Marsha Blackburn & Kathryn Lehman Dixon & Phillis Cooke

Washington Post Editor Marcus Brauchli, Alex Sessions, & Deana Perlmutter

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Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award Recipient Texas Congressman Sessions, Ambassador Alex Sessions & Bill Sessions Colorado Congressman Scott Tipton & model Erin Farragher

Alexis Perlmutter, Abby Perlmutter, and CoChairs Deana Perlmutter, Allen Kranstadt & Faith Perlmutter Diamond

Ambassador Alex Sessions, Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, CNNs Kyra Phillips & DeOndra Dixon

Model Natalie Fuller & International Spokesperson Beverly Johnson

Co-Chairs Laura Barton & Willy Matthews with Gladys Knight

Iowa Senator Tom Harkin & CNNS Kyra Phillips

California Congresswoman Maxine Waters & Supermodel Beverly Johnson

Co-Chairs Anna & John J. Sie

Model Kendra Hager & Redskins Linebacker Rodger McIntosh

Connecticut Congressman Joe Courtney & Co-Chair Deana Perlmutter

Co-Chair John J. Sie, Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson, Diana Nelson & Co-Chair Norm Brownstein

Louisiana Congressman Bill Cassidy & Gladys Knight

Oregon Congressman Greg Walden, Melissa Maxfield & Sam Lancaster

Janet Cundiff, Ambassador Alex Sessions & Bill Sessions Model & Walish Gooshe Designer Greg Taylor

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Kids with Down Syndrome Learn to Dance

Michelle P. Fulcher May 4, 2011

The Colorado Ballet is teaching kids with Down syndrome to dance. The day we visited the kids were dancing, and skipping, and sliding to a variety of beats. The classes help with the physical problems children with Down syndrome face. Ryan Warner speaks with dance instructor Becca Jacobson of the Colorado Ballet and physical therapist Pat Winders of the Sie Center for Down Syndrome at Childrens Hospital in Aurora.

Pat Rooney July 2011

The second annual Dare to Play Football Camp, a program overseen by former Broncos receiver Ed McCaffrey, in conjunction with the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, that allows children with Down Syndrome to enjoy an opportunity to participate in one of the nations most popular games. McCaffrey also has been hosting football camps for youth of all ages and abilities for years. When he was approached roughly two years ago by Michelle Sie Whitten, the executive director of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, about possibly beginning a football camp geared toward those with Down Syndrome, the concept immediately felt like a slam dunk. Here was an opportunity to combine two of McCaffreys biggest passions teaching football and helping children in one unique setting.

Well, Ive been running football camps for a long, long time for kids of all abilities, and our Dare to Play camp was a creation inspired by Michelle Sie Whitten, who has a daughter with Down Syndrome, McCaffrey said. The idea was to give kids with special needs, specifically Down Syndrome, a chance to play team sports, specifically football in this case. It gives them a chance to play the great game of football, make friends, and have a whole lot of fun. I love coaching and I love teaching. Obviously, my expertise is the game of football. When Michelle and I began talking a couple of years ago, I guess I was a little bit shocked to find out there arent really a whole lot of opportunities for kids with special needs, specifically Down Syndrome, to play team sports Read More in the July 2011 Issue in Mile High Sports Magazine

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Cheering Children On

Aaron Ontiveroz March 21, 2011

Broncos cheerleader Jessica Flores smiles as Kacey Beightol, center, and Briana Carey react to former Denver Bronco safety John Lynch during the World Down Syndrome Day celebration at Childrens Hospital in Aurora on Monday. The annual event, held globally, is celebrated March 21 to represent the three copies of chromosome 21, a trait unique to people with Down syndrome. Attendees were taught cheers and haka, a dance of the Maori of New Zealand.

Sie Center for Down Syndrome Marks First Anniversary, Becomes Largest Down Syndrome Focused Center in the Nation

March/April 2012

The Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome (Sie Center), the medical care arm of the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, opened its doors to patients in November 2010. After just one year, it has become the largest organization with a multidisciplinary team of experts focusing solely on patients with Down syndrome. The Sie Center has served more than 13% of Colorado children younger than 21 who have Down syndrome and has seen increased visits from patients residing outside Colorado, including from Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, Washington, California and Florida. Renowned specialist in developmental and behavioral pediatrics, Francis James Hickey, M.D., Medical Director of the Sie Center, was recruited to establish the center and grow an unprecedented team of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through both medical care and clinical research. "We're fortunate to be housed at Children's Hospital Colorado," says Dr. Hickey. "It is ranked fifth in the nation and has some of the best clinicians and researchers who also have big hearts for our patients with Down syndrome. Our vision is to provide the highest quality multidisciplinary medical approach to each child who comes through the door." Dr. Hickey, who has a son with the dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism, has put together a team of outstanding professionals at the Sie Center, including nationally renowned experts Patricia C. Winders, senior physical therapist; Patti McVay, Director of Education; and Dee Daniels, program coordinator. They have more than 80 years of combined experience in caring for children with Down syndrome and developmental disabilities. A recent addition, Kristin Jensen, M.D., a physician specializing in both pediatrics and internal medicine, is developing a program for transition from youth care to adult care. The Sie Center's team also includes a genetic counselor, a social worker, speech pathologists, therapists and research assistants. In its first year, the Sie Center served more than 260 children with Down syndrome. "We have always believed that children with Down syndrome deserve the best medical care and that there is a huge difference between seeing a doctor who has seen a couple dozen versus hundreds or thousands of patients with Down syndrome," says Michelle Sie Whitten, Executive Director of the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation, the lead donor for both the Sie Center and the Crnic Institute.

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Medicine, family shape Fran Hickeys Journey

Lisa Marshall Fall 2011

In 2008, the Linda Crnic lnstitute at the University of Colorado medical school was founded to "change the paradigm of how people with Down syndrome are perceived by society" and to provide the first global institute to encompass both research and patient care. ln November 2010, Hickey was the first hire for the institute's clinical care center, the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down syndrome at Children's Colorado.
Dr. Fran Hickey and his son, James

"I became the pediatrician who has a child with Down syndrome," Hickey says. A typical pediatrician might see a few patients per year with Down syndrome. Hickey ended up with 80 in his patient population in Cincinnati, where he moved in 1993 and stayed for 17 years. "Everyone wanted Dr Hickey," says Marina Vina, whose daughter Natalia Garcia, now 16, was a patient. "Having a pediatrician with a child who has Down syndrome is Just a completely different world. He not only understands the medical side of things, but also the parent side". Hickey learned early on that his fellow physicians tended to engage in "diagnostic overshadowing"-overlooking associated conditions like sleep apnea or hypothyroidism and autism, writing them off as simply "due to Down syndrome." To address this, he delivered to pediatricians 150 copies of the American Academy of Pecliatrics guidelines on supervising children with Down syndrome. He has since helped modify those guidelines, created an online checklist and lectured to hundreds of clinicians on the topic. "I believe there is a misperception out there that having a child with Down syndrome is the worst thing in the world," he says. "lronically, some things that certain people think are so dreadful can end up being the best parts of your life".
Read More: http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/medicalschool/administration/alumni/CUMedToday/Pages/

QUINCY JONES BRINGS A STRONG BEAT TO DOWN SYNDROME FUNDRAISER AT ANSCHUTZ

Adam Goldstein October 21, 2011

Its a paired push that brought Jones to Colorado this week to attend the Be Beautiful, Be Yourself Fashion Show, a fundraiser for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, benefiting the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome at the Anschutz Medical Campus. The fashion show, held on Oct. 15 in downtown Denver, served as a showcase of the skills and talents of children from around the country with Down Syndrome. The event also featured a roster of celebrity appearances, including actor Jamie Foxx and his sister DeOndra Dixon, as well as supermodel Beverly Johnson and Real Housewives of Orange County star Peggy Tanous. Despite all of the big names and glamour, however, the real focus of the evening was young people like Sujeet Desai.

International Spokesperson Quincy Jones

Desai, the winner of this years Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award, traveled from New York to accept the honor. An accomplished musician, Desai plays b-flat and bass clarinet, alto saxophone, 2011 Quincy Jones Exceptional piano, trumpet and drums; hes performed in more than 40 states in the U.S. and 13 countries around Advocacy Award Recipient Sujeet Desai the world. Have a dream, have that passion and keep working at it, Desai said. My dream is to send messages to people with this disability and tell them how I have done in my life. I want to pass that along to people, to tell them how to improvise disabilities with their abilities. I want people to know that, how I did it in my life.

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Global Down Syndrome kickoff a GloryUs party

Glory Weisberg August 25, 2011

Sophia Whitten has a smile that brightens up a ballroom and on Aug. 16 she was with friends and family at the kickoff for the third annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show benefiting the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. Sophia was born in 2003 with Down syndrome which had not gotten its share of research dollars until Sophias grandparents, John and Anna Sie, got wind of it, resulting in what is now a major attack on the genetic condition. Their initiative created the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, a medical and research institute hoping to reduce the impact now felt Edie Marks, John J. Sie, Anna Sie, Kasey by 400,000 Americans. Years ago others born Beightol, Emma Bolger & Alison Hradek with the condition typically lived to only their 20s, but now live to their 60s. So to foster more research, the Sies daughter and Sophias mom, Michelle Whitten, took on the reins of the foundation, creating the mega-important fall benefit that has drawn 1,200 supporters to the Convention Center Hyatt, flying in media stars and adding locals in the community, many of whom are known as leading local philanthropists.

Christy Andrisen, Gretchen Bechtolt, Jacquie Palisi, Sophia Whitten & Paige Elway

The fashion show features high-end designers and the Oct. 15 edition kicked off at Andrisen Morton. The mega-mens store in Cherry Creek North was awash with those already familiar with Italian designer, Brunello Cucinelli. Mrs. Sie, Italian by birth, was well able to pronounce the name perfectly, leading others to softly laugh at their own tongue tangling tries. And so went the fun affair that offered freshly made pizzas right outside the stores door by Epicurean in its portable pizza oven. Who can resist Peter Kudla, the jovial ham and developer who was thrusting couture mens socks at some well known audience members, from Ernie Blake to Barry Hirschfeld. Quincy Jones is again flying in for the fall fashion extravaganza, as is Jamie Foxx. Mrs. Sie is hoping the designer Cucinelli will make the event.

Presenting Sponsor Brunello Cucinelli Staff

Gladys Knight performs at Global Down Syndrome Foundation's Gala

November 17, 2011

Gladys Knight took on the microphone and helped support the Global Down Congressman Pete Sessions Syndrome Foundation's at the Be Beautiful Be Yourself. The Inaugural gala brought together to support syndrome research and advocacy on Wednesday. Held at the J.W. Marriott hotel in Washington, the evening was sharing hope on the table for people who need it.

Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, Gladys Knight & Texas

Over 600 friends of the Foundation attended, including national and local celebrities, congressional leaders ambassadors from around the world and association executives who share a commitment to human rights, civil rights and people with Down syndrome. The Global Down Syndrome Foundation, founded in 2009, is dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education, and advocacy. Gladys Knight took over at the end of the night with her music and showered those in the audience with her talent. While the audience came to support the cause it was also a chance to hear a legend.

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Stars shine at Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show

Glory Weisberg October 20, 2011 John and Anna Sie are changing the lives of those with Down syndrome, fostering research and education. The National Institutes of Health had underfunded research dollars to Down syndrome when compared with other genetic conditions. But when the lights came up at the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show that statistic met with an energy that almost transformed the Convention Center Hyatt vast ballroom into an advocacy army. Jamie Foxx flew in and is now an icon for Down syndrome enlightenment. He has good reason to be. His sister, DeOndra Dixon, has the condition. On the fashion show runway Oct. 15, she was the epitome of a Hollywood star, moving and grooving as she came toward sponsoring table guests lining the ramp. Her smile could melt concrete. DeOndra was the 2011 Ambassador, the first to have been given the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award in 2009. Sujeet Desai, a musician born with Down syndrome who plays seven musical instruments, graduated from high school with honors and has performed in more than 40 states and 13 countries. He too was honored with the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award. Quincy Jones, already a music legend in his own lifetime, is the Global Down Syndrome Foundation international spokesperson. He has taken this cause on as his own, marshaling supporters to join him in conquering the major effects of the condition. John Sie said, If Quincy Jones doesnt quit before 2017 were going to eradicate the effects of Down syndrome. John McGinley is a well known actor. When he became the father of a Down syndrome child, he began raising awareness, advocating understanding and challenging the traditional concept of kids such as his son. Nearly 1,000 people witnessed the red carpet camera snapping scenario before supper as sleek and stunning model Beverly Johnson and Real Housewives cast member Peggy Tanous posed for photos.

Evrod Cassimy October 15, 2011

DENVER (CBS4) A star-studded event in downtown Denver on Saturday helped raise money for Down syndrome research. Before the event got under way CBS4s Evrod Cassimy got to sit down with some big names in Hollywood to talk about the Be Beautiful, Be Yourself fashion show. It was more than just a fashion show. The money raised from the event goes to the Global Down Syndrome Foundation to help with research for people and children living with Down syndrome.

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Matt Flener October 15, 2011 Evrod Cassimy October 15, 2011

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9NEWS Weekend AM News Matt Flener interviews Executive Director of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, Michelle Sie Whitten and International Spokesperson and Actor John C. McGinley.

CBS 4 Evrod Cassimy interviews International Spokesperson and Music Icon Quincy Jones about the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show.

Annual Fashion Show Brings Out The Stars and Contributions for Down Syndrome
Joanne Davidson October 18, 2011

Had there been a theme song for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation's third annual "Be Beautiful Be Yourself Jet Set Fashion Show," it surely would have been "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" It was there where Academy Award-winning actorJamie Foxx introduced a song he had written for his sister, DeOndra Dixon, the foundation's 2011 ambassador: "DeOndra (who has Down syndrome) is so special and often lives in the shadow of what we do." And where John McGinley, Dr. Perry Cox on the TV show Scrubs and recipient of the 2011 Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award, spoke eloquently of the challenges and triumphs experienced by his 12-year-old son, Max: "Because of Max (who has Down syndrome), I was able to give Dr. Cox a much bigger heart." The fashion show, held Saturday at the Hyatt Regency Convention Center, had 1,100 guests and netted $1 million for the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome. "Have you ever seen so many famous people in one room?" asked 9News anchor Kim Christiansen, the star-studded event's mistress of ceremonies. "This dinner has brought them to our city for a very important reason: to view people with Down syndrome in a whole new light." The celebrity lineup also included musician Sujeet Desai; Beverly Johnson, the first African-American model to grace the cover of Vogue magazine; Peggy Tanous, from The Real Housewives of Orange County; Golfer David Duval; Chauncey Billups of the New York Knicks; Conor Casey of the Colorado Rapids; former Broncos Ed McCaffrey and Billy Van Heusen; and Miss Colorado Diana Dreman. "We have a long way to go," says Michelle Sie Whitten, the foundation's executive director, "but thanks to Quincy Jones, who brings magic to everything he touches, and the money he helps us raise, we will change the status quo."

Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award winner John C. McGinley & Foundation Spokesperson Quincy Jones

Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award Winner Sujeet Desai & Real Housewife of Orange County, Peggy Tanous

Ambassador DeOndra Dixon & Co-Chair big brother Jamie Foxx

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Stars Come Out at Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show

Sheila Smith November 8, 2011

Natalie Fuller strutted down the runway with all the dazzle of her famous supermodel aunt, Beverly Johnson. In a very formal, silver-grayish dress with a black lace trimmed hem that hung just past the knees, and long locks of curly hair coming down to her shoulders, Natalie walked the walk. She even blew kisses to the audience. It was exciting for 23-year-old Natalie, who has Down syndrome, to be in the spotlight. Johnson and her niece were part of the star-studded fashion show, Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, on Oct. 15 at the Hyatt Regency Convention Center in downtown Denver. The event is an annual dinner fundraiser for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation benefiting the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome. Other celebrities of the evening were music icon Quincy Jones, actor/singer Jamie Foxx, and actor John McGinley, along with a few professional athletes from the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rapids. Johnson is the first African-American supermodel to grace the cover of Vogue magazine, back in 1974. Her fame expanded for three decades, as she went from supermodel to actress, author, activist, businesswoman, and icon in the fashion industry. Only a year ago, Johnson found herself wanting to get more involved with the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. She called her niece, Natalie, to see if she would walk down the runway in this years fashion show. Another superstar on the runway was DeOndra Dixon, 27, who has Down syndrome and happens to be Jamie Foxxs little sister. There was no doubt DeOndra knew what to do in posing, fluffing out her hair, and having that distinctive walk and big attitude like only models do. Her escort down the runway was Miss Colorado Diana Dreman. DeOndra loves shaking it. She was seen on stage dancing with her brother Jamie Foxx during the 2010 Grammy Awards, and was featured in his video to the song Blame It (On the Alcohol). This year, DeOndra became the 2011 Ambassador for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and won the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award. One of her key roles as ambassador was getting to travel to Washington, D.C. and speaking before Congressman Patrick Kennedy, besides working with other children with Down syndrome. She tells them, I like being a role model and you can do anything.
Beverly Weaver October 2011 Matt Flener September 10,2011

DENVER Executive Director of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, Michelle Sie Whitten speaks to Comcast Newsmakers Beverly Weaver about Down syndrome in general and about the Global Down Syndrome Foundation initiatives.

DENVER - Around 30 children with Down syndrome got the chance to play soccer with some college and professional athletes today. The Global Down Syndrome Foundation teamed up with Regis University, the Colorado Rapids and others to put on the "Dare to Play Soccer Camp."

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Carlos Rausseo January 5, 2012

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Telemundo Media, one of the largest Spanish-language networks, television and film producers, aired a three minute piece highlighting the Crnic Institute and Sie Center for Down Syndrome at Childrens Hospital Colorado.

DENVERMarking the first year anniversary of the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome, reporter Carlos Rausseo interviewed the parent of a patient with Down syndrome. Rausseo also spoke with Clinical Director Fran Hickey, MD and Senior Physical Therapist Pat Winders.

Global Down Syndrome Foundation Presents Award of Excellence in Education

Danielle Dascalos April 4, 2011

Featured Guest speaker Patti McVay, nationally renowned special education leader, receives the Global Down Syndrome Foundation Award of Excellence in Education during a 2-day Global Down Syndrome Symposium Series. Nearly 400 professionals and family members of individuals with Down syndrome attended a two-day symposium, learning about best practices in inclusion to help support individuals with Down syndrome. Five school districts were represented at the symposium: Jefferson, Denver, Douglas, Adams 50 and Adams 12 Counties, as were Rise School of Denver and Stanley British Primary.
Guest Speaker Patti McVay & Executive Director Michelle Sie Whitten

"To have these many school districts attending and to see Patti receiving standing ovations from both professionals and parents proves that inclusion is not only important but necessary for our kids with Down syndrome" said Michelle Sie Whitten, executive director of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. "Our kids are smart and can thrive in the school system given the right tools and support". "I almost didn't come, thinking that my own son is far enough along in education that I wouldn't need or benefit as much as parents of younger kids," said Sarah Hartway, mother of a fifteen year old with Down syndrome. "I'm so glad I decided to come anyway. Her presentation was practical, thought-provoking and inspiring."

Cucinelli's fall/winter line makes cool luxurious

Suzanne Brown October 18, 2011

When you see it at a distance, clothing by Brunello Cucinelli looks like the cool, casual sportswear that Americans love to live in. But view these designs up close, touch the cashmere, zip up a jacket, tie a scarf around your neck, and you'll experience the all-out luxury. If this line were a car, it would be a Ferrari rather than a Ford, so any comparison to L.L. Bean or Timberland doesn't hold up. Longtime Denver menswear retailer Andrisen Morton presented looks from Cucinelli's fall and spring 2012 lines Saturday during a fashion show that was part of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation Fashion Show.

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BE BEAUTIFUL, BE YOURSELF FASHION SHOW DRAWS A STELLAR LINEUP

Joanne Davidson October 18, 2011

Stars continue to shine on the Global Down Syndromes million-dollar baby, the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show. Quincy Jones and Jamie Foxx made their second appearance at the gala that International Spokesperson had its start in a Broomfield airplane Quincy Jones hangar and has since exploded into an event that commands international attention. For those who ask How did that happen?, the answer is simple. John Sie, founder of what is now Starz Entertainment, and his wife, Anna, have a granddaughter with Down syndrome, Sophia Whitten. From the moment she was born, they vowed to make sure that Sophia, and the estimated 6 million others who have Down syndrome, are treated with dignity and respect as they work, play and achieve without people telling them You cant do this or You shouldnt do that. Sophias mother, Michelle Sie Whitten, shares her parents passion and is executive director of the nonprofit organization that John and Anna Sie started, Global Down Syndrome Foundation. The foundations mission is to Significantly improv(e) the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education and advocacy. The money it raises like the $1 million net from Saturday nights Be Beautiful Be Yourself Jet Set Fashion Show goes to the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome and its medical care arm, the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome. Quincy Jones is the international spokesman for the Linda Crnic Institute, a gig he accepted because of his longstanding friendship with John and Anna Sie. The Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award was established in Jones honor. This years recipients were John C. McGinley, who plays Dr. Perry Cox on TVs Scrubs, and musician Sujeet Desai. Joining Jones, Foxx and McGinley on the red carpet at the Hyatt Regency Convention Center were Peggy Tanous, one of The Real Housewives of Orange County, and Beverly Johnson, the first
2011 Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award Winner John C. McGinley

African-American model to appear on the cover of Vogue magazine. Her niece, Natalie Fuller, has Down syndrome. The high point of the evening is the fashion show that pairs the visiting celebs and athletes like Chauncey Billups, David Duval, Conor Casey, Ed McCaffrey, Billy Van Heusen and Jim Kellogg with children born with Down syndrome. Event chairs were Anna and John Sie, Jamie Foxx, George Dixon, Annette Dixon and Diedra Dixon. Also, Debbi and Lee Alpert, Laura Barton and William Matthews, Sharon Magness Blake and Ernie Blake, Mike and Amber Fries, Cookie Gold, Jules Hai2011 Ambassador DeOndra movitz, Bonnie and Peter Kudla, Bob and Betsy Leighton, Jack and Dixon and Jamie Foxx Pat McDonnell, Ricki and Dave Rest, Donald and Susan Sturm and Leslie and Bill Vollbracht. Gov. John Hickenlooper was at the event, along with Andrisen Morton principals Craig Andrisen and Dave Morton with their wives, Christy and Eileen; Larry Mizel; Downtown Denver Partnership chief Tami Door and her husband, Rick; former Colorado first lady Frances Owens; Susan and Randy Karsh; Jeff and Mary Tuten; television talk show host Aaron Harber with distance runner Uta Pippig; Norm and Sunny Brownstein; Deana Perlmutter, one of the chairs for the upcoming Washington, D.C., edition of Be Beautiful Be Yourself; Jeff and Jamie Schumacher (hes the former chief marketing officer for Sports Authority); Michael and Shereen Pollak of Hyde Park Jewelers; Denver Art Museum director Christoph Heinrich; Thierry Kennel, general manager of the Four Seasons Hotel Denver; Dr. Dean Prina; Lisa Roy, director of the Tim and Bernadette Marquez Foundation; Vienna Presley, professional womens group coordinator for Dress for Success Denver; Caz Matthews and Jim Polsfut; Bob and Kalleen Malone; Dick and Marcia Robinson; Allied Jewish Federation chief Doug Seserman and his wife, Sue; Barry and Arlene Hirschfeld; GHP Horwath senior principal Steve Levey and his wife, Cyndi; Gayle and Gary Ray; Patti Shyne and Tommy Collier; Suzanne Arkle Wilson; Leanna Clark; John and Dana Berry; Sheila and Dr. Gary Gutterman; Elaine and Sandy Wolf; Lori and Lary Weintraub and Paula Newberry Arnold.

Christine Chang October 1, 2011

DENVERChristine Chang of 7NEWS interviews Michelle Sie Whitten, Executive Director, Global Down Syndrome Foundation, about the 2011 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show.

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Outlet
NBC 9NEWS ABC 7 NEWS Comcast FOX Washington DC NBC Washington Telemundo

Title TV
2011 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show 2011 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show 2011 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Updates Beverly Johnson on the Catwalk for a Cause Beverly Johnson on the Catwalk for a Cause Sie Center for Down Syndrome One Year Anniversary

Audience
175,000 1,398,999 800,000 55,111 80,000 237,280

Print
Ability Magazine Ability Magazine Ability Magazine Denver Business Journal Capitol File Colorado Expressions CU Medicine Today In Touch MD NEWS New York Times People The Denver Post The Hill Urban Spectrum Villager Newspaper Getty Images Capitol File Essence In Touch Kontrol Magazine NBC Washington New York Times People StarPulse The Examiner Washingtonian Wonderwall KOA 850 Colorado Public Radio ENTERCOMM Communication KOSI 101 Interview with John C. McGinley Global Down Syndrome - Things are Looking Up Quincy Jones Interview with Michelle Sie Whitten Down Syndrome Fundraiser Pulls in More Than $1 Million A Winning Session 2011 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show "Shot in the Dark" Medicine, Family Shape Fran Hickey's Journey Supermodel Beverly Johnson's Mission to Redefine Beauty Sie Center for Down Syndrome Marks First Year Anniversary A Drug for Down Syndrome My Sister the Superstar - Jamie Foxx & His Sister DeOndra Ed McCaffreys Dare to Play Football Camp The Global Down's Syndrome Foundation Gala Stars Come Out at Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show Global Down Syndrome Foundation 165,000 1,000,000 165,000 15,380 50,000 65,000 11,000 4,500,000 11,000 4,784,000 38,000,000 7,630,262 166,000 25,000 6,500 1,000,000 65,000 7,600,000 3,000,000 100,000 23,000 306,965,000 8,000,000 1,000,000 284,542 350,000 2,000,000

Online
2011 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show Global Down Syndrome Foundation 2011 Gala and Fashion Show 5 Questions with Beverly Johnson on Her Reality Show & Being a Supermodel Beverly Johnson's Mission to Redefine Beauty Gladys Knight and Beverly Johnson Perform Awareness About Down Syndrome Beverly Johnson on the Catwalk for a Cause A Drug for Down Syndrome My Sister the Super Star - Jamie Foxx & His Sister DeOndra 2012 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show Gladys Knight performs at Global Down Syndrome Foundation's The Global Down Syndrome Foundation 2011 Gala & Fashion A week in Review

Radio
2011 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show Kids With Down Syndrome Learn to Dance Global Down Syndrome Foundation 2011 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show 176,000 360,000 1,400,000 721,800

Total Audience

392,374,874

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Where People are First: Be Beautiful Be Yourself Dance Class

Michelle Sie Whitten January 2012

Lets name them: Ludwig van Beethoven, Christy Brown, Itzhak Perlman, Ray Charles, Jacqueline du Pre, Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Bernhardt, Mary Wells, Stevie Wonder. Famous artists, musicians, performers and yet categorized, too, as people with disabilities.

But where does the disability end and the person begin? At the Global Down Syndrome Foundation we believe that people are people first and that there is no disability when it comes to desire. Since the dismantling of the inhumane Institutions in the 1970s and 1980s many have gone on to perform in theatrical productions, in TV series such as Life Goes On and Glee and to excel in the visual arts as is evidenced by the painter Luo Zheng. People with Down syndrome can be gifted visual learners and performers. The Global Down Syndrome Foundation works hard to break down barriers of discrimination so that people with Down syndrome can all enjoy the visual and performing arts, and participate fully. Thank you to the Colorado Ballet for collaborating with us on the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Dance Class, and to The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DPCA) for including children of all ability levels. The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is pleased to partner with the DCPA!

DOWN SYNDROME FUNDRAISER PULLS IN MORE THAN $1 MILLION

Bruce Goldberg December 9, 2011

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation raised more than $1 million and drew more than 1,000 people to its Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, held at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center. The money will be used for research and medical care at the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome at the Anschutz Medical Campus.

Among the many sponsors: Anna and John J. Sie Foundation, Sharon Magness Blake and Ernie Blake, Mike and Amber Fries, Liberty Global, the McDonnell Family Foundation, Metropolitan Homes at the Villagio, the Sturm Family Foundation, The Anschutz Foundation, the M.D.C. Holdings/Richmond American Homes Foundation and Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP.

Global Down Syndrome Foundation

3300 East 1st Avenue, Suite 390 - Denver, CO 80206 Phone 303-321-6277 www.globaldownsyndrome.org Tax Exempt # 26-4431001
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GDSF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome by supporting basic research, clinical research and clinical care. Established in 2009, GDSFs primary focus is to support the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome. The Linda Crnic Institute is the first organization in the US with the mission to eradicate the medical and cognitive ill effects associated with Down syndrome through basic and clinical research and through clinical care. The Linda Crnic Institute incorporates scientific partners both locally and globally, with headquarters at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Colorado.
A special thank you goes out to our wonderful photographers: Jason Grubb, Karen Rubin, Debbie and Stevie Crescelius, John Sunderland, Steve Levy, Steve Peterson, Glory Weisberg, Jamie Cotten, Craig Walker, Paul Morigi, Melanie Joy, Patrick Branigan, Riccardo Savi, Black Tie DC, Black Tie Colorado.