
Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocate Eric Dane said it all when he told the crowd of 1,400 “as we get older we like to seek out warm places. And there isn’t a place more welcoming and warm than this room.”
Such was the vibe at this year’s Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show–the largest fundraiser for Down syndrome in the world. When celebrities and models say that this runway is more fun and exciting than any other show they’ve ever been in, that’s saying something.
Dane and fellow Qunicy Jones Exceptional Advocate David Egan gave heartfelt speeches to accept their award, and event chair Amanda Booth was bubbling over with exuberance at once again being a part of this wonderful event–including a video showcasing her very lively and lovable son Micah. Force-of-nature Michelle Sie Whitten (president, CEO and co-founder of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation) shared with the crowd some good news about legislative and medical advances.
But the off-the-charts vibrance of the BBBY fashion show is unparalled. Celebrities and models could barely contain their excitement and the ear-to-ear smiles lit up the room. There were poses and waves and dance moves that delivered the uninhibited energy that only this event can generate.
BBBY raises funds to support the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. Their goal is to significantly improve the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education and advocacy. They work to educate governments, educational organizations and society in order to affect legislative and social changes so that every person with Down syndrome has an equitable chance at a satisfying life.
- Stephanie Ritter, left, Marie Berrodin and Brian Ritter
- Kate Kemboi, left, John Walsh, Stella Lunyaramoi
- John Posthumus with Oliva and Nate
- Travis Fulk and his daughter Marabelle
- Jesse Rusch, left, Alex Rusch, Carol and Dominic Capuano
- Steve and Pam Mason, left, with Kathi and Lou Rotella Jr.
- Event Chair Amanda Booth chats with the media
- Model Brooklyn Decker chats with 9News
- Brooklyn Decker
- Nick, Gertie and Heidi Munholland
- Broncos cheerleaders McKenna, left, and Mikayla
- Fritz Mayer, left, Rick Klau and Sam Walker
- Kiana Akina chats with Peter Kudla
- From the Denver Zoo: Noelle DeLage and Bert Vescolani
- Jodell and Mike Silvestri, left, with Emily and Matt Propst
- Paula Araya, left, Hannah Lyford, Ella Britton, Breanna Dooling, Kyndal Schade, Lauren Dunn
- Jen, Niah and Drade
- Phil DiStefano, left, Michele Ritter, Yvonne DiStefano, Michael Ritter
- Claire, Frank and Sarah Ingham
- Brett Cherni, left, Tyler Feezer, Ryley McConn
- Bradley Joseph, left, Kathy Finley, Luke Stahmer
- Paul and Christiane Williamson, left, Megan and Mariner Kemper, Elizabeth and Evan Anderman, Courtney Pierce, Arpie Chucovich
- Tricia and Scott Arthur, left, with Katy and Mike Kotlarczyk
- Miss Colorado and Miss Kansas Becky Swanson and Jim Maple
- Karen and Rick Jacobs
- Alexandra Shankle and Molly Underly
- Actor Josh Peck
- Former Rockies player and analyst Ryan Spilborghs and his daughter Kierra
- The newest generation of cast members from Grey’s Anatomy: Niko Terho, left, Alexis Floyd, Midori Francis, Anthony Hill, E.R. Fightmaster
- Anthony Hill with fans Kristina Sisneros and Yadira Carrillo
- Christian and Eva Pavlakis
- Jenny Hubbard, left, Dana Kopper, Abbie Foss
- Mrs. Colorado Sylvia Waller, left, and Mrs. Centennial Natalie Oliver-Atherton
- Lynn and Chug Hubert, left, with Cathy and Fritz Law
- Sen John Hickenlooper and William Matthews
- Greg Feith, left, Tanner Feith, Kim Christianson, Tom Green
- Shawn and Courtney Kelley, left, with Erin and Jonathan Susser
- Michele Right, left, Debbi and Lee Alpert, Richard Right
- Sharon Magness Blake and Ernie Blake
- The Ritter group
- Richard Right says hello to Michael Pollak
- Kelly Butler, left, James Sie, Jeff Call
- Zack Gottsagen, Shelley Gottssagen and Trish Carland
- Timmy Frazier, center, with family and friends
- Board member Tomago Collins
- Anthony Hill, Eric Dane, Caterina Scorsone, Alexis Floyd, Midori Francis
- John Hickenlooper chats with Eric Dane
- Longtime supporter John C McGinely
- Emcees Kim Christianson and Tom Green
- The ABC Investment Group
- Event Chair Amanda Booth greets the crowd
- Michelle Sie Whitten welcomes everyone
- Awardee David Egan and Michelle Sie Whitten
- Awardee David Egan and his brother on stage with Michelle Sie Whitten
- David Egan accepts his award
- David Egan accepts his Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocate Award
- David Egan and his award
- Auctioneer Brent Snyder
- Brooklyn Decker and Amanda Booth on stage
- Brooklyn Decker and Amanda Booth auction off their dresses
- Edie Marks helps out with the auction
- Amanda Booth
- Brooklyn Decker and Amanda Booth applaud bids
- Connor Lang places a bid
- Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocate Awardee Eric Dane, left, is greeted by John C McGinley
- Actress Sheree Wilson and David Egan
- Sheree Wilson and David Egan
- David Egan vamps it up for the crowd with Sheree Wilson
- Sasha Jakuba and actor Niko Terho
- Niko Terho and Sasha Jakuba
- Colorado Rapids forward Gyasi Zardes with Ronnie Brown and Makenna Plantz
- Colorado Rapids forward Gyasi Zardes with Ronnie Brown and Makenna Plantz
- Colorado Rapids forward Gyasi Zardes with Ronnie Brown and Makenna Plantz
- Actress Christina Ricci with Clarissa Capuano and Olivia Martin
- Actress Christina Ricci with Clarissa Capuano and Olivia Martin
- Will Edson greets the crowd with no holds barred, accompanied by Ryan Spilborghs
- Will Edson and Ryan Spilborghs
- Will Edson and Ryan Spilborghs
- Will Edson and Ryan Spilborghs
- Zack Gottsagen with Broncos cheerleaders Mikayla and McKenna
- Zack Gottsagen with Broncos cheerleaders Mikayla and McKenna
- Zack Gottsagen brings it
- Amanda Booth with Alex Lee and Sophia West
- Amanda Booth with Alex Lee and Sophia West
- John C McGinley and Reagan Walhert
- John C McGinley and Reagan Walhert
- Midori Francis of Grey’s Anatomy accompanies Alexandra Shankle
- Alexandra Shankle and Midori Francis on stage
- Actress Alexis Floyd with Charlie Moylan and Andi Rodriguez
- Actress Alexis Floyd with Charlie Moylan and Andi Rodriguez
- Actress Alexis Floyd with Charlie Moylan and Andi Rodriguez
- Actress Alexis Floyd with Charlie Moylan and Andi Rodriguez
- Actress Alexis Floyd with Charlie Moylan and Andi Rodriguez
- Actor Anthony Hill with Sarah Wilson
- Sarah Wilson and Anthony Hill
- Anthony Hill and Sarah Wilson
- Brooklyn Decker and Taylor Eisendrath
- Brooklyn Decker and Taylor Eisendrath
- Grey’s Anatomy’s E.R. Fightmaster with Maayan Omran
- E.R. Fightmaster with Maayan Omran
- E.R. Fightmaster with Maayan Omran
- Actress Catarina Scorsone with Lou Rotella and Walt Snodgrass
- Actress Catarina Scorsone with Lou Rotella and Walt Snodgrass
- Walt Snodgrass, Catarina Scorsone and Lou Rotella
- Walt Snodgrass, Lou Rotella, Catarina Scorsone
- Actor Josh Peck with Timmy Frazier and Sinai Alexander
- Actor Josh Peck with Timmy Frazier and Sinai Alexander
- Actor Josh Peck with Timmy Frazier and Sinai Alexander