Soiree of Stars Gala
Please join us at the National Down Syndrome Congress Soiree of Stars Gala on October 22, 2020.
Register Here
Nominate an Everyday Hero
The event will shine a light on individuals, organizations, and businesses that have made an impact in the Down syndrome community. Proceeds from Soiree of Stars will fund programs that address the Down syndrome community’s needs in the areas of inclusion, education, and employment. With your support, we hope to improve the world for individuals with Down syndrome.
Dr. Meria Carstarphen is well-known as an advocate for special education. Under her tenure as Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Carstarphen tackled special education programs in schools and focused on leveling the disproportionate suspension of students with intellectual disabilities by ensuring children with disabilities were provided the support they needed to succeed.
Down Country is an organization that is part of National Down Syndrome Congress’s local and national support programs. The nonprofit operates as a resource for education and awareness for the exceptionally gifted community. Down Country does not only serve those affected by Down syndrome but the entire community that learns “outside of the box”.
Kroger has been a longtime supporter of NDSC and the Down syndrome community. Kroger supports individuals with Down syndrome to live independently by offering them employment in the Kroger family of supermarkets across the country.
The Academy for Inclusive Learning and Social Growth at Kennesaw State University offers a fully inclusive post-secondary college education and experience to students with different intellectual or developmental abilities. The Academy focuses on independence through an inclusive campus program – encouraging social growth and development through real-life college experiences.
Self-advocate Everyday Heroes are individuals with Down syndrome who speak up, make their own decisions, seek the help of others to support them in their journey, and through self-determination accomplish positive impacts on their lives and their community. Through COVID-19, these self-advocate everyday heroes have worked in essential positions of employment supporting us all during the pandemic.
Event Chair – Larry Gildersleve, Aon
Host Committee
Liz Blake, Fmr. SVP of Habitat for Humanity
Gray Campbell, Power Systems Group
Cannon Carr, CornerCap Investment Counsel
Tony Conway, Legendary Events
Zack Deming, Russell Reynolds
Ben Deutsch, The Coca-Cola Company (Ret.)
David Duke, Living Stories
William Floyd, Pendleton Group
Scott Frank, AT&T Intellectual Properties
Garet Hayes, 12DegreesPR
Martha Haythorn, Self Advocate
Trace Haythorn, ACPE
Serena Levy, The Coca-Cola Company
Wonya Lucas, Public Broadcasting Atlanta
Emory Morsberger, Morsberger Revitalization
Adam Mosley, Uzima Filters
Jenna Quigley, Self Advocate
Jim Reed, The YKK Group
Jeff and Natalie Rosensweig, Emory
Ross Rossin, Independent Artist
Major Snow, The Benoit Group
Ambassador Andrew J. Young and Carolyn Young, Andrew J. Young Foundation