Global Down Syndrome Foundation Receives Transformative Gift from Long-Time Benefactor Sandy Wolf and The Melvin & Elaine Wolf Foundation to Support Inspirational Dancers with Down Syndrome
June 18 2024 - 11:52AM
Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) announced today that it
has received a transformative gift from their long-time benefactor
and generous philanthropist, Sandy Wolf, and The Melvin &
Elaine Wolf Foundation.
The gift is a fitting legacy for the Be Beautiful Be Yourself
Dance Program (Program) which is a collaboration between GLOBAL and
Colorado Ballet. The Program was established in 2010 with one class
of six students with Down syndrome. Today the Program has three
classes serving students with Down syndrome ages 5-17.
“We are beyond grateful to Sandy Wolf and her two daughters
Kelly Ann Hodges and Ashly Wolf who supported us when this dance
program was barely an idea,” says Michelle Sie Whitten, GLOBAL
President & CEO. “The authentic and sincere love that Sandy has
for our students and this program is extremely moving and
appreciated. This gift is truly transformative and ensures we can
continue to provide this important program to the awesome students
with Down syndrome we serve.”
“It’s been an honor and joy to support such an amazing program
over the years! I’ve had the pleasure of watching these dancers
grow up right before my eyes. Continuing to support GLOBAL and this
program is something I am happy to be able to do,” says Sandy Wolf.
"This program has been so important to my daughter, Shelby and
our family,” says Sophia, Shelby’s mom. “When Shelby first started
the GLOBAL dance program she wouldn’t wear the costume, get on
stage, and she would run. But the Colorado Ballet teachers were not
phased, and they just kept supporting her until she had the
confidence to do all the moves and dances. I cried when I saw her
in the official production of the Nutcracker.”
“Colorado Ballet is proud to offer the Be Beautiful Be Yourself
Dance Program as part of our Mission. As a non-profit organization
we depend on funding to sustain our ability to provide this
critical program to our community,” says Gil Boggs, Artistic
Director. “Colorado Ballet extends our heartfelt gratitude to
Global Down Syndrome Foundation and to Sandy Wolf along with her
daughters Kelly Ann Hodges and Ashly Wolf for their many years of
generosity in support of this important program.”
The Dance Program is taught by instructors and professional
dancers from the Colorado Ballet. Students learn the fundamentals
of ballet and build upon their knowledge year after year. The Dance
Program offers two 16-week semesters, each with three classes of
8-10 students grouped by age and skill level. Each semester
culminates in a recital for family and friends at Denver’s Colorado
Ballet. The Dance Program is nationally renowned for selecting two
students each year to perform in Colorado Ballet’s official
production of “The Nutcracker.”
The Melvin & Elaine Wolf Foundation was founded in Colorado
by Melvin and Elaine Wolf in 1979. The organization provides funds
to non-profit organizations whose programs address children's
health and education access as well as programs that improve adult
health and reduce suffering through education and technology.
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About the Global Down Syndrome FoundationThe Global
Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) is the largest non-profit in
the U.S. working to save lives and dramatically improve health
outcomes for people with Down syndrome. GLOBAL has donated more
than $32 million to establish the first Down syndrome research
institute supporting over 400 scientists and 2,500 patients with
Down syndrome from 33 states and 10 countries. Working closely with
Congress and the National Institutes of Health, GLOBAL is the lead
advocacy organization in the U.S. for Down syndrome research and
medical care. GLOBAL has a membership of over 110 Down syndrome
organizations worldwide and is part of a network of Affiliates –
the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the Sie Center for Down
Syndrome, and the University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition
Center – all on the Anschutz Medical Campus. GLOBAL’s widely
circulated medical publications include GLOBAL Medical Care
Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome, Prenatal &
Newborn Down Syndrome Information, and the award-winning Down
Syndrome World™ magazine. GLOBAL also organizes the
annual AcceptAbility Gala in Washington DC, and the
annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, the largest Down
syndrome fundraiser in the world.
- Sandy Wolf & Be Beautiful Be Yourself Dance Program
students
Cole Wilkes
Global Down Syndrome Foundation
(720) 548-5667
cwilkes@globaldownsyndrome.org
Allison Munk
Global Down Syndrome Foundation
(720) 548-5632
amunk@globaldownsyndrome.org