Global Down Syndrome Fashion Show In Denver Largest Fundraiser For Condition

DENVER (CBS4)- It's a star-studded fashion event for a great cause. Stars and their fashionistas prepared for Saturday evening's Global Down Syndrome "Be Beautiful, Be Yourself Fashion Show" at the Colorado Convention Center.

The even has raised nearly $10 million since it launched seven years ago and encourages children to feel beautiful about themselves while living with the challenges that come with Down syndrome.

Children walk down the stage just like supermodels. They're escorted by big name celebrities like Beverly Johnson, Beau Bridges, Minka Kelly, Terrence Howard, Jamie Foxx and Jamie Brewer, successful actress best known for for her roles on the Emmy-winner series, "American Horror Story."

Local sports celebrities also get involved like Kenneth Faried, Brandon McManus and Miss Colorado Kelley Johnson.

Brewer appeared on Saturday's CBS4 Morning News to discuss the event, along with Michelle Sie Whitten, President and CEO of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.

"Very excited, Also being a recipient of the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award by the Global Down Syndrome Foundation," said Brewer.

"I think the Quincy Award is really exciting because it goes to people who are making a difference as self advocates, and not only being in American Horror, but Jamie was the first person with Down syndrome to ever walk the runway at New York Fashion Week. That's huge," said Whitten. "Tonight there are a lot of models who are aspiring to be on TV or to be models who have Down syndrome. They are as excited to see Jamie as anyone in the room. They are her kind of hero."

Whitten said the inspiration behind the foundation is her daughter, Sophia, who was born with Down syndrome 12 years ago.

"We're doing it for medical care and science. There's not a lot going on but we've created the first academic home, we've seen over 1,000 patients, it's just beautiful to help a lot of others with Down syndrome and just show them what is possible," said Whitten.

"The biggest thing is the heart. If you find the heart in what you do, if it's stage work, set work, modeling, you find the heart of it, that's where the truth actually stems from," said Jamie. "Our true personality shines from within."

The event also offers about 500 silent auction items and a live auction which includes a Super Bowl package. The fashion show begins at 6:30 p.m. Saturday with cocktails beginning at 5 p.m.