Singer Jordin Sparks Performs and Rep. Frankel and Rep. Hudson Honored at Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s May 9th AcceptAbility Gala in DC
April 17 2024 - 12:05PM
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) is honoring
Congresswoman Lois Frankel (D-FL) and Congressman Richard Hudson
(R-NC), who will receive the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy
Awards for their work in support for those with Down
syndrome, during its annual AcceptAbility Gala. The gala is an
inspiring fundraiser event taking place at the Marriott Marquis in
Washington, DC on May 9th that features DC-area dancers who happen
to have Down syndrome and other disabilities and a performance by
Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum singer/songwriter and actress,
Jordin Sparks.
“We are excited to highlight the extraordinary talents and gifts
of people with Down syndrome at our AcceptAbility Gala. It’s
also a chance to honor those Members of Congress who have worked
hard to ensure our community benefits from federally funded
research that is improving their lives,” says Michelle Sie Whitten,
President & CEO, Global Down Syndrome Foundation. “This year,
we are thrilled to honor Rep. Hudson and Rep. Frankel for their
unwavering support for people with Down syndrome and their
families, and to thank Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers and
Rosa DeLauro, both of whom will be in attendance, for their
life-changing leadership.”
GLOBAL’s annual AcceptAbility Gala brings together policymakers
from both sides of the aisle, key scientists from NIH, and the Down
syndrome community. With GLOBAL’s leadership bringing together
multiple stakeholders, the NIH Down syndrome research and medical
care budget has increased by $338 million over the last six years.
The AcceptAbility Gala is an opportunity to celebrate major new
federal research funding increases after years of being one of the
least funded genetic conditions and to educate Congress and the
community about the transformative DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project
Act of 2024 that will elongate life and improve health outcomes for
people with Down syndrome.
During the gala, GLOBAL will honor 2024 GLOBAL Ambassador Isla
Eager and her family from Arlington, Virginia and present the Rosa
DeLauro & Tom Cole GLOBAL Advancement Awards to two
self-advocates with Down syndrome. The awards come with a $1,000
each scholarship for post-secondary education. The 2024 Gala Chairs
are Julie Riccio, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Public Policy,
PwC, and Amy Best Weiss, Executive VP, Global Government Affairs,
American Express. Congressional Hosts include Sen. Bob Casey, Sen.
John Hickenlooper, Sen. Jerry Moran, Cong. Robert Aderholt, Cong.
Katherine Clark, Cong. Tom Cole, Cong. Rosa DeLauro, Cong. Cathy
McMorris Rodgers, Cong. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Cong. Pete Sessions,
and Cong. Pete Stauber. This year’s event has 89 Members of
Congress supporting it as well as the Honorary Congressional
Committee. The AcceptAbility Gala is co-emceed by husband and wife
team—Fox News’ John Roberts and ABC’s Kyra Phillips.
Other leaders who are participating include Frank Stephens,
GLOBAL board member, GLOBAL Ambassador, self-advocate and actor,
from Fairfax, VA; David Egan, Quincy Jones Awardee, gala event
committee, self-advocate and author, from Vienna, VA; Robert
Wallop, soloist dancer and self-advocate, from Annapolis, MD; Jan
Adams, Founder & CEO JMA Solutions; Cory Alexander, Strategic
Advisor, UnitedHealth Group; John Ashbrook, Founding Partner,
Cavalry LLC; Kevin Brennan, Principal, Bluebird Strategies; Natalie
Farr Harrison, SVP Government Relations, Avoq; Erin Book Mullen,
Principal, Williams & Jensen, PLLC, Ed Mullen, Partner,
Narrative Strategies; Matthew Perin, Head of Government Relations
and Regulatory Affairs, Kroger; Cliff Riccio, Senior Vice President
& Chief, Government Relations, NCTA; and Salo Zelermyer, Vice
President for Federal Affairs and Counsel, Valero; and Dr. Joaquín
Espinosa, Executive Director, Linda Crnic Institute for Down
Syndrome.
The AcceptAbility Gala supports the Global Down Syndrome
Foundation, funding life-changing research and lifesaving medical
care for children and adults with Down syndrome. Down syndrome is
the most frequent chromosomal condition, affecting an estimated
400,000 Americans, but it has been one of the least-funded genetic
condition by NIH. GLOBAL is focused on raising funds to support
research, educating the public about the discrepancy in research
funding, and showcasing the abilities of those with Down syndrome.
It is the largest US non-profit working to save lives and
dramatically improve health outcomes for people with Down
syndrome.
The AcceptAbility Gala starts at 6:00 p.m. with a reception and
red carpet followed by dinner, a live auction, and performances by
local individuals with Down syndrome and Jordin Sparks.
Tickets start at $500 and can be purchased online at
www.globaldownsyndrome.org. To cover the event or receive photos or
b-roll, contact Shawn Flaherty at 703-554-3609. For more
information, visit www.globaldownsyndrome.org.
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- 2024 AcceptAbility Gala Honorees
Shawn Flaherty
Global Down Syndrome Foundation
703-554-3609
shawn_flaherty@creativestratpr.com