Be Beautiful Be Yourself Raises $2.5 Million With Spirit, Style and Star Power

When you attend the annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, one thing won’t hit you until after the event. You didn’t really notice any of the clothes. Instead, you remember the energy and unbridled spirit of the models and their celebrity escorts. For the 11th year, this star-studded fundraiser for Global Down Syndrome Foundation inspired wow moments, as well as a ton of understanding.

On Saturday, Nov. 2 more than 1,400 supporters attended the sold-out event at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel—which became a virtual “Hollywood East” considering the entertainers and well-known names that appeared on the red carpet. Those included: Jamie Foxx and his sister DeOndra Dixon, Henry Winkler, Eric Dane, John McGinley, Quincy Jones, Terrell Davis, Laura Linney, Ronnie and Shamari DeVoe, Mikaela Hoover and Kellyn Acosta. We spotted “Happy Days” mom Marion Ross in the audience as well.

DeOndra Dixon (left), Jamie Foxx and Michelle Sie Whitten, president & CEO and co-founder of Global Down Syndrome Foundation

The evening began with a reception and silent auction before guests adjourned to the ballroom for dinner. The crowd was welcomed by emcees Kim Christiansen and Tom Green, of 9News, with remarks and an introduction to the informational video. A live auction featured add-on surprises as celebrities took to the stage to offer additional packages, from lunch with Henry Winkler; a meal with Laura Linney; Terrell Davis’ Broncos suite experience at the upcoming Raiders game; to a group soccer lesson for kids by Kellyn Acosta.

Music icon Quincy Jones, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye

Quincy Jones was on hand to help with this year’s two Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Awards, presented to Megan Bomgaars and Amanda Booth. Global Down Syndrome Foundation co-founders also spoke to the crowd: Global President & CEO Michelle Sie Whitten and her parents, Anna and John J. Sie, who also founded the Sie Center for Down Syndrome at Children’s Hospital Colorado. The evening ended with a vibrant fashion show that captured the positive energy of models, celebrities and the organization itself.

The Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show is the annual marquee fundraiser for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation with proceeds benefiting medical care and research at the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome on the Anschutz Medical Campus and the Sie Center for Down Syndrome at Children’s Hospital Colorado. The spectacular fashion show pairs celebrity talent with models with Down syndrome as they rock the runway. It’s a night of advocacy, empowerment and optimism not to be missed. To date the event has raised more than $20 million.

Actor John C. McGinley hugs his son Max after the fashion show.

Global Down Syndrome Foundation is at the forefront of research, medical care, education, and advocacy dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome, and supports the research of hundreds of scientists and clinicians around the world through their advocates, partners and affiliates. To learn more, please visit www.globaldownsyndrome.org and www.bebeautifulbeyourself.org.