Supermodel Beverly Johnson joins Quincy Jones
and John C. McGinley as International
Spokesperson for the Global Down Syndrome
Foundation
Johnson will walk the runway on Wednesday, November 16 at the J.W. Marriott in Washington, D.C. to
Advocate for More Research Support
November 15, 2011 01:31 PM Eastern Time
DENVER--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--The Global Down Syndrome Foundation announced that
supermodel Beverly Johnson will join music icon Quincy Jones and award-winning actor John C. McGinley as
an international spokesperson for the organization. Johnson was the first African American to have ever graced the
cover of Vogue (American magazine) in 1974.
Johnson will participate in the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s inaugural Wash, D.C. fundraiser, the “Be
Beautiful Be Yourself Gala” on Nov. 16th at the J.W. Marriott. She will be joining Gladys Knight, Kyra
Phillips, Senator Tom Harkin, Congressman Pete Sessions, Self-Advocate Ambassador Alex Sessions and a
host of notables at this must-attend event.
Johnson recently participated in the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s fundraiser in Denver, Colo. and was
impressed with the results, “After the Denver event I knew I wanted to be more involved. It was the most inspiring
charity event I have ever attended, and the awareness it brings to what people with Down syndrome can do is
amazing. I said sign me up!”
Johnson is a strong advocate for people with Down syndrome, including her niece Natalie Fuller. As a new
spokesperson for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, Johnson plans to draw attention to the need for
significantly more research and medical care funding. She will also shine a light on the lifespan disparity between
blacks with Down syndrome and whites with Down syndrome.
“We are deeply moved by Beverly’s determination to create a better world for her niece and the millions more who
have Down syndrome worldwide. Her celebrity, poise and articulate manner will certainly help us to raise research
dollars that will allow us to close the lifespan gap between blacks and whites,” said Michelle Sie Whitten, the
executive director of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is a public non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to significantly improving the
lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education, and advocacy. Formally established
in 2009, the Foundation’s primary focus is to support the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the first
academic home in the U.S. committed to research and medical care for people with the condition. For more
information, please visit http://globaldownsyndrome.org.
Background
One in every 691 babies is born with Down syndrome in the U.S. each year. There are an estimated 400,000
people in the U.S. and millions worldwide with the condition. Despite its frequency, Down syndrome has been the
least funded genetic condition by the National Institutes of Health over the last ten years.
Contacts
Global Down Syndrome Foundation
Anca Elena Call, 303-468-6664
acall@ajsfoundation.com
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... more »
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Release Summary
Supermodel Beverly Johnson joins Quincy Jones and John C. McGinley as International Spokesperson for the
Global Down Syndrome Foundation.
Global Down Syndrome Foundation
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