18.1.25 down syndrome association of central ohio gala release

1. ‘Dancing with Our Stars’ gala puts spotlight on Down syndrome
Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Dr. Stephanie Santoro honored as adults with Down syndrome show off
their new dance moves
COLUMBUS, Ohio – For three months, 36 adults with Down syndrome have been learning and practicing
choreographed dance routines at Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Clintonville. They’ll reveal their efforts in
front of a sold-out ballroom on Saturday, February 3 at the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio’s
seventh annual fundraising gala.
Money raised at the event will go toward the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio (DSACO), the
leading source of information, support and referral assistance to individuals with Down syndrome, their
families, and community professionals throughout 23 Central & Southern Ohio counties. Its mission is to
support families, promote community involvement and encourage a lifetime of opportunities for people
with Down syndrome.
At this year’s gala, DSACO will also honor Dr. Stephanie Santoro, Clinical Geneticist at Nationwide
Children’s Hospital. Both personally and professionally, Dr. Santoro has led efforts to create systematic,
intentional changes with Central Ohio’s health care systems to create a positive experience for parents.
“Dr. Santoro works hard to ensure that families are supported and informed throughout their journey once
they receive a Down syndrome diagnosis,” says Kari Jones, DSACO’s President and CEO. “Her energy
and drive to provide the highest quality of care are remarkable. We look forward to celebrating Dr. Santoro,
as well as the talents and abilities of people with Down syndrome, at this year’s event.”
The 2018 Dancing with Our Stars Gala is presented by ADS with additional sponsorship support from
Kroger, Creative Options, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The OSU Wexner Medical Center, Onda,
LaBuhn, Rankin & Boggs Co., Cricket Wireless, Egan-Ryan Funeral Home, HMB, QwickRate, Creative
Foundations, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Germain Automotive, and Arthur Murray Dance Studios.
The event will be held from 6PM to 11PM at the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel. Tickets can be
purchased at www.dsaco.net/gala.
About DSACO
DSACO is a 501 (c) 3 charitable organization and contributions are fully tax-deductible. There is no
membership fee and membership is open to anyone with an interest in Down syndrome. Most programs are
available to individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and community professionals at no charge or
for a nominal fee.
It is only through the generosity of many individuals, corporations, and grants that DSACO is able to
provide quality programs and services for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the broader
Central Ohio community.
For more information, visit http://www.dsaco.net.
CONTACT:
Kari Jones
Phone: (614) 263-6020 Fax: (614) 263-6094 kjones@dsaco.net