Decatur, Georgia to Host The 2014 RISE Awards

Decatur, GA, October 13, 2014 --(PR.com)-- The 2014 RISE Awards ceremony will take place on Friday, Nov. 7, 2014, at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Dr, Decatur, GA 30034. The Red Carpet affair is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. EST.

"The 2014 RISE Awards is a marquis event. It conveys how pivotal the contributions of self-advocates of Down syndrome are," stated Fran Briggs, Director of Operations at eMediaCampaigns!

Presented by Y Pierre Productions, the Black Tie RISE (Rising in Spirit of Expectations) nominees and award winners were determined by a public poll using social media. The ceremony will feature celebrity presenters, musical performances, and other talent such as Viva-Brazil, Leaf, Sujeet Desai, and The God Sent Project.

The purpose of the gala is to recognize the merit, and celebrate the accomplishments of advocates with Down syndrome (Ds). Other leaders and dignitaries will also be recognized for their contributions and distinguished achievement.

"Too often we hear about limitations and things that persons with Down syndrome are incapable of, but some are musicians, actors, painters, dancers, advocates, teacher assistants, college students, entrepreneurs and graduates," explained Yvonne Pierre, organizer and producer with Pierre Productions. "But these are the stories that are not often seen or heard. RISE is a platform that tells these stories and further spreads positive awareness."

Pierre, who has an 12-year-old son with Down syndrome went on to say, "Less than 40 years ago, it was a common practice to institutionalize individuals with Ds and other disabilities. Their human rights to an education, resources, and therapies needed were restricted. Today, over 90% of abortions are due to the detection of Down syndrome. And, more than 50% of children put into the adoption system are children with disabilities."

Recipients of The 2014 RISE Awards are from Hawaii to New York. They include Dhahran Hart, Gloria Huerta, Jr., Grace Carter, Haile King Rubie, Meagan Stacey and Olivia Brosseau.

The distinguished honorees are Bernadette Resha, Sean Sieleni, and Sujeet Desai.

Presenters for the ceremony include representatives from Emory University's Down Syndrome Research Department, The Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta, and Parent to Parent of Georgia.

Tickets are available now for individuals and groups planning to attend the awards gala. To reserve, visit http://www.theriseawards.com.

About The RISE Awards

The 2014 RISE Awards is a production of Y Pierre Productions. a red carpet event that will honor and celebrate the accomplishments and stories of advocates with Down syndrome (Ds). RISE (Rising in Spirit of Expectations) is an event filled with live entertainment and special presentations to give recognition to three honorees, and six self-advocates award recipients with Down syndrome. The RISE Awards supports and recognizes the contributions of individuals with Ds and their affiliates, world wide. The 2014 ceremony will be held at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Dr, Decatur, GA 30034 on Friday, November 7, 2014. Parking is free.