The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society announces the sixth annual Night of Champions will be hosted Thursday, May 14 at 6 p.m. at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa – Hotel Grand Ballroom. This community celebration distinguishes local organizations that hire and retain differently-abled people, including those with Down syndrome, and recognizes the contributions made by these employees.

According to the National Down Syndrome Congress, 80 percent of the 15,000 people of working age (18-60) with Down syndrome are unemployed. Low expectations and a lack of understanding about the skills and work ethic many people with Down syndrome possess have contributed to this statistic. LDSS hopes to reverse this trend by encouraging Savannah area employers to give differently-abled workers a chance.

“Dignity and self-respect are borne out of feeling that what we have to offer makes a difference,” said LDSS Night of Champions Chairperson, Allyson Harvin. “When forward thinking businesses give those with Down Syndrome, and other differently-abled adults, a chance to be productive members of society, society itself benefits.”

This year’s Night of Champions will be emceed again by celebrity chef and author, Jamie Deen. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online at nightofchampions.org

For more information, please contact Allyson Harvin at [email protected].