2011 press brochure

2011 Press Clippings

2011 Press Clippings 2

Anyone who knows DeOndra Dixon knows never to chal-lenge her to a dance battle unless you're prepared to lose. At the sprawling L.A. home she shares with big brother Ja-mie 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, "It’s 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 Syn-drome Foundation in Denver. After Foxx performed his song “Love Brings Change” in honor of DeOndra and oth-ers with Down syndrome, the battle was on: Tossing her hair and grinning broadly, DeOndra bent back her 4’11” body nearly parallel to the floor, “I always lose the dance battle,” Foxx said after the show, “because she’s got the good moves.” She also has the kind of confidence that comes from the support of a loving family, including her proud, Oscar win-ning big brother. “I haven’t cried so much in a long time,” Foxx, 43, said on stage with his sister. “These kids are so beautiful. This event allows them to shine.” DeOndra has done just that appearing in Foxx’s “Blame It” music video, dancing at the 52

nd Annual Grammy Awards

in front of 24 million viewers and now taking a leading role as the 2011 Ambassador for the GDS Foundation. “She is

a huge part of Jamie’s life,” says long time family friend Hanna Abounadar. “He will be running around crazy with all these things to do, and DeOndra will walk up, grab him and hug him, and he’ll stand there for 10 minutes hug-ging her. It brings tears to your eyes.” For Foxx, it is a sib-ling bond that brings both rewards and challenges. “One thing people may not understand is that the person with special needs, the love that they give you is unfiltered,” he says. “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 su-perstar now.” “He works on me everyday about my eating habits,” breaks in DeOndra, giving her brother a sideways glance. He nods his head. “That’s the challenge, because we want to ex-tend her life. It’s tough because she is grown”, and she says, “‘I’m eatin’ it!’ It’s not always glory, it’s 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 Foxx’s mother, Annette, and his stepfather George Dixon, at age 16. “We weren’t trippin’ on the fact she had Down syndrome,” recalls Foxx of De-Ondra’s chromosomal abnormality (see box). “We were trippin’ on the fact she was cute. She was this little choco-late ball.” Growing up in Dallas and Foxx’s 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, that’s how it is. We just got along.”


By the time DeOndra graduated from high school in 2002, Foxx had made it big in L.A. “I said, ‘She’s go-ing to live with me,’” remem-bers Foxx, who already had his sister Deirda, 34, a hair-stylist on his movies, living with him. Then the step fa-ther 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 Foun-dation School, where she was employed in the school cafeteria and collected a regular paycheck. The brother and sister enjoy outings together that include birth-day bashes at the Conga Room and regu-lar movie nights. DeOndra also shares Foxx’s 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 syndrome…it just happens.” Foxx admires her confi-dence on videos and maybe even a movie role. “I hope she lives the most regular, carefree and fun life,” says Foxx. As for DeOndra, “I’m happy to have a big brother to count on,” she says simply, “who I love every day.”


A DRUG FOR DOWN SYN-DROME 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 Costa’s life and work took an abrupt turn. Still recovering from a traumatic delivery that required an emergency Caesarean section, Costa’s wife, Daisy, lay in bed, groggy from seda-tion. 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 com-mon 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 sophisti-cated 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

Read More at: http://abilitymagazine.com/mcginley_interview.html

Chet Cooper

December 2011

Ability Magazine: Interview with John C. McGinley Cooper: Let’s 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. I’m not going to abandon you, but you could benefit from a fresh face and a new angle.”

Meanwhile, Michelle had been calling from Denver for a while. One day, we had lunch and she told me about her organization. It sounded great, and she was one of the most dynamic women I’d ever met. The one thing that she said that really wowed me was, “We have a lobbyist in Washington. We’re going to move this ball forward the way the big boys and big girls do.” I told her, “I need to serve on your board. I need to have a voice in what you’re doing.” She said, “You would be on our board?” I said, “Very much so.”

A lot of groups try to effect change through fund-raising alone. But there’s a dirty little secret with Down syndrome fund-raising. It’s unspoken, but what funders are basically saying is, “If you had the prenatal test, you could have had an abortion [and avoided having a child with Down syndrome], but you didn’t. So what do you want from us?” It’s re-flected in the numbers at NIH. Their budget is $28 billion and only $14 million devoted to research on Down syndrome? That’s not a mistake. When somebody prioritized what to focus on, they said, “Let’s give 14 mil of this 28 bil to Down syndrome research.” That’s shockingly small.

Cooper: But the approach GDSF doctors have taken is to flip that. They can show how Down syndrome research benefits so many other conditions, which means that they can ap-proach the National Institutes of Health on more than a dozen other funding fronts. McGinley: The organization is smart that way. And Michelle is a badass; I mean that in a good way. She’s a Harvard Business School person who runs her nonprofit foundation like somebody who went to Harvard Business School. A lot of these Down syndrome organizations are ultra-right-wing Chris-tian, because they don’t believe in abortions. I’ve gone to different events where it was all about Christ looking after His children. It struck me: What about Yahweh? What about other faiths? GDSF doesn’t promote any religious cause. I love that. I’m going to be with them for a long time. Cooper: Hopefully not after 2017. McGinley: Why? Cooper: Their goal is to eradicate Down’s negative health effects by then. McGinley: That makes me even happier. That’s genius.


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 fund-raiser in Denver on Saturday night. "So sometimes we have to get our battles on."

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.

Bryan Alexander

October 18, 2011

Jamie Foxx Challenges Sister to Dance Contest

JAMIE FOXX SERENADES SISTER WITH HEARTFELT SONG

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.

Krista Wick

October 24, 2011

Jamie Foxx and 2011 Ambassador DeOndra Dixon


Beverly Johnson walked the catwalk again at the JW Marriott in Wash-ington, 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.“It’s 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 Beau-tiful, Be Yourself.” It featured almost a dozen young models from the Washington metro-politan area who have Down syndrome. Some of Washington’s most powerful and influen-tial leaders attended the gala, including Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and Rep. Pete Ses-sions (R-Texas). Both were presented with the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award for their strong support and advocacy. Sessions’s 17-year old son Alex is the 2011 ambassador for the event.

The gala also featured ambassadors and administration officials. Celebrities and profes-sional 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”.

Pat Lawson Muse November 20, 2011

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.

CNN’s 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 (R-

Wash.), Rep. Scott Dejarlais (R–Tenn.), Rep. Scott Tipton (R-Colo.) and others.

Both Harkin and Sessions have been advocated of raising awareness of Down syndrome.

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation Gala

Kate Oczypok November 19, 2011

Beverly Johnson Returns to the Catwalk for a Cause

Senator Tom Harkin, Gladys Knight & Congressman Pete Sessions


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 syn-drome 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 Ambassa-dor Award, for self-advocates. I believe Alex will motivate others to get involved in the cause, just like he was my inspira-tion 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. Addi-tionally, 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 Ex-perience (ABLE) Act. The ABLE Act would ease many financial strains that families face by allowing them to create tax-free savings accounts to cover expenses such as education, housing, and transportation for their loved ones with intel-lectual disabilities.

DC Gala to Help Fund

Down Syndrome Research

Tony Perkins

November 16 2011

WASHINGTON - The Global Down Syndrome Founda-tion 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.

Read More: http://capitolfile-magazine.com/personalities/articles/congressman-pete-sessions-and-his-family-have-found-the-strength-to-succeed

Watch: http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/mornings/dc-gala-to-help-fund-down-syndrome-research-111611

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 Institute’s 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.


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.

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 ABILITY’s David Radcliff to discuss the aims of her foun-dation, 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: We’re unique in our ability to fill a void of infor-mation about Down syndrome. Historically, there have been good parent-outreach organizations, but there hasn’t been a nonprofit that specifically treats research and medical care as core competencies. People with Down syndrome now live into their 60s, so there’s a significant need to revisit the research and medical care. Radcliff: You got involved in this cause because it directly impacts someone in your family. Whitten: That’s almost always the case, isn’t 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 intel-lectual 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, I’ve 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

An Interview with Michelle Sie Whitten

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

Jamie Foxx Calls His Sister a "Superstar" DeOndra Dixon named 2011 Ambassador for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.


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 Johnson’s 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, you’re also the inter-national spokesperson for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. How did you get in-volved with that? BEVERLY: I wanted to be involved because my sister has a child with Down Syndrome and my first cousin has Down syn-drome. I went to one of their events in Denver—a fashion show—and my niece and I took to the runway together. She just lit up. The confidence she’s had since this event is just amazing. I knew I wanted to be more involved with this organization. Also, there’s 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, that’s another reason why I’m 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 Beverly Johnson & Natalie Fuller


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

Co-Chairs Jamie Foxx & Anna Sie

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

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

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

Emcee Kim Christiansen

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

Ambassador DeOndra Dixon & Foundation Executive Director Michelle Sie Whitten

Co-Chairs Ernie Blake & Sharon Magness Blake

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

Honorary Committee Members Susan & Randy Karsh

2011 Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award Recipient John C. McGinley

Hildgard Messenbaugh, Kerri Greenberg, Co-Chair Laura Barton, & Lynn Dolven

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

Executive Director Michelle Sie Whitten & Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper

Co-Chairs Jamie Foxx & Peter Kudla

Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show Denver

Supermodel Beverly Johnson & guest model & niece Natalie Fuller

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

Superbowl Champ and Honorary Committee member Ed McCaffrey


Honorary Committee members Eileen & Dave Morton, Christy & Craig Andrisen

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

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

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

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

Honorary Committee Members Jim & Kay Burke

Guest Models Carly Boyer, Alan Beals, Casey Gunning, Steve Ballard & Emma Bolger

Guest model Steve Ballard & Nuggets Dancer

Honorary Committee Members Brett & Casey Perry

Guest model Alexandra Shankle & Denver Bronco Cheerleader

Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award Recipient Sujeet Desai

Sujeet Desai & Real House-wife of O.C. Peggy Tanous

Tom & Michelle Whitten

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

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



DENVER, CO


Co - Chairs

Honorary Chairs

Honorary Committee

Sponsors

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

Congressman Pete Sessions The Honorable Cathy McMorris-

Rodgers & 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

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.

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


Honorary Chairs

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Be Beautiful Be Yourself Gala DC

Co - Chairs

Honorary Committee

Sponsors Couture Anna and John J. Sie In Vogue Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Designer The Whitten Family DISH Network The Integral Group

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.

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

Quincy Jones Jamie Foxx DeOndra Dixon John C. McGinley Jeff Probst

Beverly Johnson Hon. Patrick Kennedy Chancy Billups Ed McCaffrey

Brian Griese John Lynch David Duval Tim Shriver and Linda Potter

Norm Brownstein Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Jeffrey Forbes Cauthen Forbes and Williams Mark Irion Grayling

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

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. Raúl Grijalva Senator Kay Hagan Mayor Michael B. Hancock

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

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 Renée 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


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

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 celebri-ties such as Gladys Knight and Beverly Johnson lending their support to the fundraiser.

CNN’s Kyra Phillips was the evening’s emcee, and presented the Quincy Jones Excep-tional 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 Foundation’s Am-bassador of the year. In attendance was Jamie Foxx’s 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 Foundation’s models down the runway were Gladys Knight, Beverly Johnson, Fox News’ John Roberts, WUSA’s Lesli Foster, Redskins’ Rocky McIntosh and Anthony Armstrong, along with many others.

The highlight of the evening was Gladys Knight’s soul stirring performance. Singing clas-sics 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 those also affected, did the same.

Read More: http://kontrolmag.com/blog/?p=4257

NBC Interview with Spokesperson Beverly Johnson

Let’s talk about why you are here tonight? You are here

for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s 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. It’s very under funded. It’s 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.

Pat Lawson Muse November 16, 2011

Christy Andrisen, Paige Elway & Jacquie Palisi

John Sie, Trygve Myhren & Anna Sie

Craig Andrisen & Peter Kudla

Chad Chisholm December 2011

Music Icon Gladys Knight and Global Down Syndrome Foundation Ambassador Alex Sessions


"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

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.

November 2, 2011

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. He’s 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 that’s 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: Let’s talk about the Linda Crnic Institute.

Jones: The people there are doing great work. They’re 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, I’ve 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, “I’m the star!” You’d think all these kids on the runway would be shy, but they’re 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 I’m with the kids, they want to feel my hair. I had two brain operations for an aneurysm, and they get curious.

DeOndra Dixon, Quincy Jones, Anna and John J. Sie, and Jamie Foxx

Ability Magazine: Interview with Music Icon Quincy Jones

International Spokesperson Quincy Jones



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

Model Brad Hennefer & Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers

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

Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, Honorary Committee members Linda Potter & Tim Shriver

CNN’s 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

Gladys Knight & Ambassador Alex Sessions

Co-Chair Beth Viola, Liz Burdock & Tim Thompson

Delaware Congressman John Carney & models Michael Pheifer & Ava Bachman

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

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

Jane Adams, Tennessee Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn & Kathryn Lehman

Oregon Congressman Greg Walden & models Kai Conley & Gracie Black

Kim Andrew, George Dixon & Phillis Cooke



Colorado Congressman Scott Tipton & model Erin Farragher

California Congresswoman Maxine Waters & Supermodel Beverly Johnson Iowa Senator Tom Harkin & CNN’S

Kyra Phillips

Co-Chairs Laura Barton & Willy Matthews with Gladys Knight Model Natalie Fuller &

International Spokesperson Beverly Johnson

Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award Recipient Texas Congress-man Sessions, Ambassador Alex Sessions & Bill Sessions

Co-Chairs Anna & John J. Sie Model Kendra Hager & Redskins Linebacker Rodger McIntosh

Model & Walish Gooshe Designer Greg Taylor

Janet Cundiff, Ambassador Alex Sessions & Bill Sessions

Ambassador Alex Sessions, Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, CNN’s Kyra Phillips & DeOndra Dixon

Connecticut Congressman Joe Courtney & Co-Chair Deana Perlmutter

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

Alexis Perlmutter, Abby Perlmutter, and Co-Chairs Deana Perlmutter, Allen Kranstadt & Faith Perlmutter Diamond

Louisiana Congressman Bill Cassidy & Gladys Knight

Oregon Congressman Greg Walden, Melissa Maxfield & Sam Lancaster


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 nation’s 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 McCaffrey’s biggest passions – teaching football and helping children – in one unique setting. “Well, I’ve 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 aren’t 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

The Colorado Ballet is teaching kids with Down syndrome to dance. The day we visited the kids were dancing, and skip-ping, 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 Children’s Hospital in Aurora.

Pat Rooney July 2011

Michelle P. Fulcher May 4, 2011

Kids with Down Syndrome Learn to Dance


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 organiza-tion 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 re-searchers who also have big hearts for our patients with Down syndrome. Our vision is to provide the highest quality mul-tidisciplinary medical approach to each child who comes through the door." Dr. Hickey, who has a son with the dual diag-nosis 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 pediat-rics 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 dif-ference between seeing a doctor who has seen a couple dozen versus hundreds or thousands of patients with Down syn-drome," 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.

March/April 2012

Cheering Children On

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 Children’s

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

Aaron Ontiveroz March 21, 2011


Dr. Fran Hickey and his son, James

Medicine, family shape Fran Hickey’s 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.

"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 associ-ated 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

It’s 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 ac-

tor 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.

Desai, the winner of this year’s 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,

piano, trumpet and drums; he’s performed in more than 40 states in the U.S. and 13 countries around

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.”


2011 Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award Recipient Sujeet Desai


Global Down Syndrome kickoff a GloryUs party

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 Sophia’s 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 by 400,000 Americans. Years ago others born with the condition typically lived to only their 20s, but now live to their 60s. So to foster more research, the Sie’s daughter and Sophia’s 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. The fashion show features high-end designers and the Oct.

15 edition kicked off at Andrisen Morton. The mega-men’s 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 store’s door by Epi-curean in its portable pizza oven. Who can resist Peter Kudla, the jovial ham and developer who was thrusting couture men’s 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.

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 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 Wash-ington, the evening was sharing hope on the table for people who need it. Over 600 friends of the Foundation attended, including national and local celebrities, congressional leaders ambassa-dors 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.

Glory Weisberg August 25, 2011

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

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

Presenting Sponsor Brunello Cucinelli Staff

Edie Marks, John J. Sie, Anna Sie, Kasey Beightol, Emma Bolger & Alison Hradek


DENVER (CBS4) – A star-studded event in downtown Denver on Saturday helped raise money for Down syndrome research.

Before the event got under way CBS4′s 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.

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 doesn’t quit before 2017 we’re 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.

Stars shine at Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show

Evrod Cassimy October 15, 2011


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 Excep-tional 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 syn-drome 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

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.

Matt Flener October 15, 2011

Evrod Cassimy October 15, 2011

http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_19133738#





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 her-self 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 year’s fashion show. Another superstar on the runway was DeOndra Dixon, 27, who has Down syndrome and hap-pens to be Jamie Foxx’s 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.”

Stars Come Out at Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show Sheila Smith November 8, 2011

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."

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.

Beverly Weaver October 2011

Matt Flener September 10,2011


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 Children’s Hospital Colorado. DENVER—Marking the first year anniversary of the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome, reporter Carlos Rausseo inter-

viewed the parent of a patient with Down syndrome. Rausseo also spoke with Clinical Director Fran Hickey, MD and Senior Physical Therapist Pat Winders.

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 syn-drome attended a two-day symposium, learning about best practices in inclu-sion 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. "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."

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 Tim-berland doesn't hold up. Longtime Denver menswear retailer Andrisen Morton pre-sented looks from Cucinelli's fall and spring 2012 lines Satur-day during a fashion show that was part of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation Fashion Show.

Cucinelli's fall/winter line makes cool luxurious

Guest Speaker Patti McVay & Executive Director Michelle Sie Whitten

Suzanne Brown October 18, 2011

Global Down Syndrome Foundation Presents Award of Excellence in Education

Danielle Dascalos April 4, 2011

Carlos Rausseo January 5, 2012


Stars continue to shine on the Global Down Syndrome’s million-dollar baby, the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show. Quincy Jones and Jamie Foxx made their second appearance at the gala that had its start in a Broomfield airplane 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 can’t do this” or “You shouldn’t do that.” Sophia’s mother, Michelle Sie Whitten, shares her parents’ pas-sion and is executive director of the nonprofit organization that John and Anna Sie started, Global Down Syndrome Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to “Significantly improv(e) the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, edu-cation and advocacy.” The money it raises — like the $1 million net from Saturday night’s Be Beautiful Be Yourself Jet Set Fash-ion 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 Ex-ceptional Advocacy Award was established in Jones’ honor. This year’s recipients were John C. McGinley, who plays Dr. Perry Cox on TV’s “Scrubs”, and musician Sujeet Desai. Joining Jones, Foxx and McGinley on the red carpet at the Hyatt Regency Conven-tion Center were Peggy Tanous, one of “The Real Housewives of Orange County”, and Beverly Johnson, the first

African-American model to appear on the cover of Vogue maga-zine. 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 Kel-logg 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 Wil-liam Matthews, Sharon Magness Blake and Ernie Blake, Mike and Am-ber Fries, Cookie Gold, Jules Hai-movitz, Bonnie and Peter Kudla, Bob and Betsy Leighton, Jack and 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 Part-nership 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 dis-tance 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 (he’s the former chief marketing officer for Sports Authority); Mi-chael 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 Founda-tion; Vienna Presley, professional women’s 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.

BE BEAUTIFUL, BE YOURSELF FASHION SHOW

DRAWS A STELLAR LINEUP

2011 Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award Winner John C.

McGinley

Joanne Davidson October 18, 2011


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

2011 Ambassador DeOndra Dixon and Jamie Foxx

Christine Chang October 1, 2011


Outlet Title Audience

TV

NBC 9NEWS 2011 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show 175,000

ABC 7 NEWS 2011 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show 1,398,999

Comcast 2011 Global Down Syndrome Foundation Updates 800,000

FOX Washington DC Beverly Johnson on the Catwalk for a Cause 55,111

NBC Washington Beverly Johnson on the Catwalk for a Cause 80,000

Telemundo Sie Center for Down Syndrome One Year Anniversary 237,280

Print

Ability Magazine Interview with John C. McGinley 165,000

Ability Magazine Global Down Syndrome - Things are Looking Up Quincy Jones 1,000,000

Ability Magazine Interview with Michelle Sie Whitten 165,000

Denver Business Journal Down Syndrome Fundraiser Pulls in More Than $1 Million 15,380

Capitol File A Winning Session 50,000

Colorado Expressions 2011 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show "Shot in the Dark" 65,000

CU Medicine Today Medicine, Family Shape Fran Hickey's Journey 11,000

In Touch Supermodel Beverly Johnson's Mission to Redefine Beauty 4,500,000

MD NEWS Sie Center for Down Syndrome Marks First Year Anniversary 11,000

New York Times A Drug for Down Syndrome 4,784,000

People My Sister the Superstar - Jamie Foxx & His Sister DeOndra 38,000,000

The Denver Post Ed McCaffreys Dare to Play Football Camp 7,630,262

The Hill The Global Down's Syndrome Foundation Gala 166,000

Urban Spectrum Stars Come Out at Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show 25,000

Villager Newspaper Global Down Syndrome Foundation 6,500

Online

Getty Images 2011 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show 1,000,000

Capitol File Global Down Syndrome Foundation 2011 Gala and Fashion Show 65,000

Essence 5 Questions with Beverly Johnson on Her Reality Show & Being a 7,600,000

In Touch Supermodel Beverly Johnson's Mission to Redefine Beauty 3,000,000

Kontrol Magazine Gladys Knight and Beverly Johnson Perform Awareness About Down Syndrome 100,000

NBC Washington Beverly Johnson on the Catwalk for a Cause 23,000

New York Times A Drug for Down Syndrome 306,965,000

People My Sister the Super Star - Jamie Foxx & His Sister DeOndra 8,000,000

StarPulse 2012 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show 1,000,000

The Examiner Gladys Knight performs at Global Down Syndrome Foundation's 284,542

Washingtonian The Global Down Syndrome Foundation 2011 Gala & Fashion 350,000

Wonderwall A week in Review 2,000,000

Radio KOA 850 2011 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show 176,000

Colorado Public Radio Kids With Down Syndrome Learn to Dance 360,000

ENTERCOMM Communication Global Down Syndrome Foundation 1,400,000

KOSI 101 2011 Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show 721,800

Total Audience 392,374,874


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 syn-drome by supporting basic research, clinical research and clinical care. Established in 2009, GDSF’s primary focus is to support the Linda Crnic Insti-tute 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.

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 Syn-

drome 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.

Bruce Goldberg December 9, 2011

Let’s 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, per-formers – 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 1970’s and 1980’s 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!

Michelle Sie Whitten January 2012

Where People are First: Be Beautiful Be Yourself Dance Class

DOWN SYNDROME FUNDRAISER PULLS IN MORE THAN $1 MILLION

2011 press brochure

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