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Famous Celebrities 'Share the Passion' For Local Down Syndrome Awareness Calendar

LOCAL CALENDAR SHOWCASES: Adam Yauch, Jimmie Vaughan, Brian Orakpo, Sandy McIlree & many more celebrities featured with local Austin children in 2010 Down Syndrome Association (DSACT) Awareness Calendar

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas' (DSACT) "Share the Passion" calendar project brings together 13 celebrities sharing their passions with local children, teens and adults with Down syndrome. The photographs from this year's calendar will be unveiled in an exhibition at Rough Hollow Yacht Club on Saturday, September 19, 2009, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The "Share the Passion" project aims to break down the common myths about Down syndrome and illustrates that these individuals have the ability and desire to engage in life-enriching activities, a passion they share with others. The calendars can be purchased at the event and all proceeds will benefit DSACT.

Celebrities featured in "Share the Passion" Calendar include:

• Sandy McIlree, Co-Host of the JB and Sandy Show on Mix 94.7
• Stephen Mills, Ballet Austin Artistic Director
• Jimmie Vaughan, Musician/Singer
• Jim Spencer, KXAN Chief Meteorologist
• Adam Yauch, Rapper, Musician, Songwriter and founding member of Beastie Boys
• Evan Smith, Host of Texas Monthly Talks
• Cindy Present, Action Sport Training & Coaching; Partner - Texas Ski Ranch
• Brendan Hansen, Four-time Olympic Medalist
• Kendra Scott, Jewelry Designer
• Jay Pearce, Owner/President RR
• JB Hagar, Mix 94.7 Morning Co-Host/Partner Driveway Austin
• Brian Orakpo, Former UT Defensive End, Current Washington Redskin DE
• Jack McDonald, Chairman and CEO, Perficient, Inc.
  

WHAT: DSACT "Share The Passion" Photography Exhibition & Red Carpet Gala

WHEN: Saturday, September 19th, 2009

TIME: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

WHERE: Rough Hollow Yacht Club, 105 Yacht Club Cv., Lakeway, TX 78734

** FREE ADMISSION**

The money raised at the calendar unveiling will be used to expand existing programs and initiate new programs for DSACT members. "This is a unique opportunity to showcase the talents and abilities of individuals with Down syndrome. We hope to raise awareness through this event and further our goal of full inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome in the community and our schools," stated Stefanie Martinez, DSACT Board Member and Fundraising Chair.

Since 1991, the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas (DSACT) has proactively advocated for individuals with Down syndrome in the Central Texas area and their families by disseminating timely and informative materials, sponsoring educational conferences and training seminars, maintaining a comprehensive Web site on Down syndrome and supporting a wide network of parents, educators, physicians, congregations, and community members. DSACT's mission is to empower individuals, educate families, enhance Central Texas communities, and celebrate the extraordinary lives and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome. The Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas (DSACT) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides support and resources to individuals with Down syndrome, their families, professionals and the community. Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder characterized by the presence of an extra #21 chromosome; it is one of the most often-observed chromosome anomalies. Down syndrome occurs in approximately 1 in 733 live births and affects all ages, races, ethnicities, and economic groups equally.