Denver Fashion Fundraiser Will Support Research Projects
The 19th annual event will convene donors to support medical research and advocacy for Down syndrome care.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Global Down Syndrome Foundation will host the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show on November 7, 2026, at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel. The event serves as the largest fundraiser for Down syndrome research and clinical care globally.
Why it matters
The fundraiser supports specialized medical care and scientific research, currently focused on advocacy for the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act. Success at this scale ensures continued funding for the infrastructure required to treat thousands of patients across 40 states.
The foundation has directed $528 million into research over the last eight years, supporting 400 scientists and 2,700 patients across 10 countries. Annually, the event hosts 1,400 guests for this 19th edition.
The players
Global Down Syndrome Foundation
A philanthropic organization that funds scientific research and medical care for individuals with Down syndrome.
Geena Davis
An academy award-winning actor and advocate scheduled to appear in the fashion show lineup.
Maria Menounos
A television personality and recipient of the 2026 Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award.
Kennedy Garcia
An advocate and fashion show participant who will receive the 2026 Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award.
The details
The foundation operates as a philanthropic engine that directs capital toward research at the Linda Crnic Institute and clinical care at the Anna and John J. Sie Center. The fashion show generates revenue through auctions and event attendance, which then funds medical providers and research staff. The organization is currently lobbying for the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act, which builds upon the NIH INCLUDE Project launched in 2018.
Timeline
September 29, 2026: The fashion show lineup was officially announced.
November 7, 2026: The Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show occurs in Denver.
End of 2026: The legislative deadline for the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act.
Market Landscape
This fundraiser operates in parallel with the NIH INCLUDE Project, which established the precedent for targeted medical research in 2018. The foundation's advocacy for the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act marks a shift toward securing legislative funding to match private investment.
Operators in the healthcare and non-profit sectors should monitor the legislative progress of the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act before the end of the year. This event serves as a high-visibility benchmark for how specific medical niches drive large-scale capital deployment.
The takeaway
Large-scale philanthropic events function as critical lobbying and fundraising vehicles for specialized research sectors. Business leaders should track the legislative success of the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act as an indicator of future public-private research alignment.
What happens next
The DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act requires legislative passage by the end of 2026.
Further reading
For broader trends in regional non-profit activity, see Philanthropy.
More information
To purchase tickets or learn more about the 19th annual gala, visit the event ticket purchase portal.
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