The 5th annual TwentyWonder was held on June 28th. The evening was be a bursting expo of art, science, music and comedy, plus an all-star roller derby bout featuring the LA Derby Dolls. Proceeds benefited DSALA’s efforts to support those born with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) living in greater Los Angeles. See you next year for TwentyWonder #6! What is it all about? TwentyWonder is...
“One huge des
sert bowl of sweet pop-cultural confections flavor packed with an amazing group of 150 volunteers – performers, makers, builders, thinkers and skaters – donating their time and talent to lovingly blend the creative and surreal ingredients of Greater Los Angeles into an evening of wonder and awareness."
- Jim Hodgson, DSALA Director
"A wild block party on the street of dreams — science freaks, comedy geeks, roller derby chicks, circus folk and big name musical combinations you won't see anywhere else… ever. We're adding cool stuff and surprise guests just about every day now. Even the night of, you're likely to be amazed at who shows up unannounced."
— Don Foster, Executive Producer of Mike and Molly
Last year’s sold-out TwentyWonder event raised proceeds to help support DSALA’s various programs offered to nearly 4,200 individuals with Down syndrome living in greater Los Angeles. These programs include:
— Sport activities in Koreatown, El Segundo, San Fernando Valley
— Family Support Network in South Los Angeles
— Yoga classes for teens and babies at the DSALA Community Center
— Music and art programs dotted around the city for individuals between the ages of 3 – 42
— Saturday seminars with topics from potty training to independent living and outreach programs to hospitals. TwentyWonder was named “An Event Pick” and called “Awesome!” by the Los Angeles Times. "Part charity, part science, part comedy…a mindbender," proclaimed LAIST.COM. "A once in a lifetime, completely eclectic, fun-filled amalgam of creators, builders and performers," said The Wrap and "One of the essential events of the summer," raved The LoveStain.com. Performers for this year's event will be announced in the coming weeks and months. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for frequent updates! ABOUT TWENTYWONDER:
TWENTYWONDER is the cause-driven cousin of SuperBalls 1-8. The recipe of TWENTYWONDER is easy: take a soulful collection of 100 plus creators, supporters, builders, entertainers, friends and volunteers who've been gathering for years in the name of SuperBall, create a new name derived from the medical term Trisomy 21(Down syndrome), expand the fan base to new and far-reaching sectors of society, then bring it all together for a One-Night World's Fair event to raise support and awareness for those born with Down syndrome living in the Greater Los Angeles area,” said Jim Hodgson, Director of Administration and Development, DSALA. The inaugural fundraising event TWENTYWONDER began in 2010. TWENTYWONDER MISSION:
TwentyWonder is committed to making a difference in the lives of those with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) in Los Angeles by working at street level and with an open mind. We believe that our ability to influence others starts with ACCEPTANCE of others as we wish to be accepted, through patience and understanding. In a unique way,we strive to EDUCATE a wide reach of individuals on understanding what living with Down syndrome encompasses. We SUPPORT the campaign to end the derogatory use of the r-word and trust that AWARENESS grows when individuals are excited to hear the message. BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT DOWN SYNDROME:
Down syndrome is the most common genetic condition affecting all ethnicities and economic groups. Down syndrome is found approximately once in every 691 births. Individuals with Down syndrome have an extra copy of the 21st chromosome (Trisomy 21), which causes physical differences and disabilities. Most people with Down syndrome live a rich and productive life thanks to organizations like the DSALA, which has been providing services for more than 35 years to the Greater Los Angeles Area. ABOUT DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF LOS ANGELES (DSALA):
The Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles (DSALA) was started over thirty-five years ago by fifteen forward-thinking parents of children born with Down syndrome. In an era when society's predominant response to individuals with Down syndrome was to place them in institutions, these pioneers stood up for what is right, took control, and opened up the dialog that all grateful new parents in the Down syndrome/Trisomy 21 community are advancing today. DSALA offers information, guidance and programming designed to assist parents and families who have a family member with Down syndrome. Part of DSALA’s mission is to educate and enlighten a wider community to fully understand that everyone deserves respect, inclusion and that “we are more alike than different.”
ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES DERBY DOLLS:
The L.A. Derby Dolls are Southern California's premiere all-female, banked track roller derby league. Founded in October 2003 by Rebecca Ninburg (a.k.a.Demolicious) and Wendy Templeton (a.k.a. Thora Zeen), the L.A. Derby Dolls are a league of more than 150 skaters and volunteers, divided into five teams who skate on a banked track. Embodying the do-it-yourself ethos of modern roller derby, as resurrected in Austin, Texas in 2000, the L.A. Derby Dolls are an entirely volunteer-run organization, relying on the support of their fans and community. The L.A. Derby Dolls take all the thrills of the old game and update it with a fresh and feisty new face. And the hits and spills are 100% real. No script can write this kind of action.
