GALLERY: Stars shine at black tie Down syndrome fundraiser

The night, which was all about celebrating all persons with Down syndrome, was extraordinary thanks to performances by Francois van Coke, Schalk Bezuidenhout, Ariel & Juana Jazz Ensemble and Dj Half 'n Half.

Bonzet Potgieter, Elicus Marais, and Madeleine Marais.

Persons with Down syndrome were celebrated in an exclusive black-tie dance and dinner night in the centre of Pretoria on Saturday evening.

This fundraising event, named Down Syndrome Under an African Sky, was hosted by the Down Syndrome Association of Pretoria together with African Beer Emporium.

The night, which was all about celebrating all persons with Down syndrome, was extraordinary thanks to performances by Francois van Coke, Schalk Bezuidenhout, Ariel & Juana Jazz Ensemble and Dj Half ‘n Half.

“We work hard at breaking the stigma and mindsets, creating awareness about the potential of persons with Down syndrome and their abilities, working tirelessly to open doors in schools and in businesses,” the association said.

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“We provide support to families from diagnosis through adulthood, support to babies and children with Down syndrome in the form of therapies and literacy programmes and support to young adults and adults in the form of our school to work programme and sports as well as socials for the children, families and adults with Down syndrome.”

Events such as this help to raise funds necessary to sustain vital services to the many families who depend on the association.