MAY 17: LeAnn Rimes Supports Global’s AcceptAbility Gala with Special Performance; DeOndra Dixon, Frank Stephens & Local Dancers with Down Syndrome Featured

Reps. Tom Cole (R-OK) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) to be Honored with Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award

--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Global Down Syndrome Foundation:

WHAT

An intimate performance by LeAnn Rimes, a dance troupe from Anne Arundel County, Maryland that features five members with Down syndrome, and DeOndra Dixon (Jamie Foxx’s sister) are highlights of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s (Global) AcceptAbility Gala in Washington, DC. During the event, Global’s 2018 Ambassador, author, actor and self-advocate Frank Stephens of Fairfax, will help present the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Awards to Reps. Tom Cole (R-OK) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT).

WHO

• LeAnn Rimes, Grammy and Billboard Award Winning Singer
• Global Ambassadors DeOndra Dixon (Jamie Foxx’s sister) and 2018 Global Ambassador Frank Stephens (from Fairfax, VA)
• Dancers with Down syndrome, part of Maryland-based RhythmXpress Inc. Dance Team
• 2018 Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award Honorees:
  • Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK)
  • Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT)
• Kyra Phillips, ABC News Correspondent and Gala Emcee
• Past Global Honorees – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX), and Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)
• Other congressional participants including Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY), Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO), Rep. Roy Blunt (R-MO), and Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX)
• Michelle Sie Whitten, President & CEO, Global Down Syndrome Foundation
• Dr. Joaquin Espinosa, Executive Director of the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome
• Top sponsors including PhrRMA, American Express, Amgen and Genentech

WHEN

Thursday, May 17, 2018; 6-7 pm Reception; 6:30-7pm Red Carpet with Rimes and others (set up at 6pm); 7–9pm Performances & Program

WHERE

Ritz Carlton, 1150 22^nd Street. NW, Washington, D.C. 20037

WHY

The event will raise money for life-changing research and life-saving medical care for children and adults with Down syndrome. Down syndrome is the most frequent chromosomal condition, affecting an estimated 400,000 Americans, but is one of the least-funded genetic conditions by the National Institutes of Health. Global is focused on raising funds to support research, educating the public about the importance of research funding, and showcasing the abilities of those with Down syndrome.

HOW

To cover the event, contact Shawn Flaherty at 703-554-3609.