Denver Will Host Annual Down Syndrome Fashion Show
The 19th annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show returns to Denver this November to support medical research.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Global Down Syndrome Foundation will hold its 19th annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel on November 7, 2026. The event annually draws more than 1,400 guests to support medical research and patient care.
Why it matters
This fundraiser directly supports research and care for individuals with Down syndrome by funding scientists and clinical services at the Linda Crnic Institute and the Anna and John J. Sie Center. Proceeds also bolster ongoing legislative advocacy for the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act.
The foundation has supported over 400 scientists and 2,700 patients across 40 states and 10 countries. Over the past eight years, the organization has directed $528 million into research investments.
The players
Global Down Syndrome Foundation
This is a non-profit organization dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research and medical care.
Geena Davis
She is an Academy Award-winning actress and a prominent advocate for gender equality and media representation.
Maria Menounos
She is an American entertainment journalist, television personality, and actress.
Kennedy Garcia
She is an advocate, model, and actress who works to increase visibility and acceptance for individuals with Down syndrome.
The details
The gala features a unique evening program including dinner, auctions, and a runway show starring models with Down syndrome alongside various celebrities. The 2026 program includes a celebrity lineup featuring Geena Davis, while Maria Menounos and Kennedy Garcia are set to receive the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award.
Timeline
The fashion show takes place on November 7, 2026.
The official lineup for the show was announced on September 29, 2026.
The DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act faces a year-end 2026 deadline.
Market Landscape
This fundraiser operates as a critical private funding stream that parallels the research goals of the NIH INCLUDE Project. It shifts the landscape of medical philanthropy by bridging the gap between celebrity-driven awareness and sustained clinical investment.
Attendees and supporters can purchase tickets directly through the organization to participate in the event. These contributions provide the necessary capital to sustain care services at the Anna and John J. Sie Center for the local community.
The takeaway
Events of this scale demonstrate the vital role of private fundraising in supporting long-term medical research pipelines. Individuals looking to support similar initiatives should prioritize organizations that provide transparent reporting on their clinical and scientific investment metrics.
What happens next
The DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act is currently facing a legislative deadline for passage by the end of 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the charitable efforts impacting the region in our Philanthropy section.
More information
To purchase tickets or learn more, visit the event ticket purchase portal.
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