Fashion, Local Band Event Tonight Benefits Down Syndrome Association

After seven years of planning, it's finally here.

Tonight, Nov. 17, Art + Science Salon will host its first Art + Soul benefit event at Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee Ave., to raise money for the National Association for Down Syndrome. The event includes a guest speaker, fashion show and performances by local bands. According to Art + Science public relations representative Ann Higby, the fundraiser has been several years in the making.

"Paul Wilson is the co-owner of Art + Science and the proud father of his son Emmett, who was born with Down syndrome," Higby said. "And basically Paul has been planning this event since Emmett was born."

Higby said the Wilson family discovered NADS when they found out their son was born with Down syndrome, and that the organization helped guide them through a lot of their initial anxieties and fears.

"That's really why this is so important for Paul and his wife, Kathy, and their son Emmett to really now give back to the association who has given them so much over the years," Higby said.

Doors will open at Double Door at 7 p.m.  The benefit's programming will begin at 8 p.m. with an introduction from a NADS self-advocate, who will share her story of growing up with Down syndrome and her passion for fashion with the audience, according to Higby. A runway show will follow at 8:30, but with this event being orchestrated by a salon, it won't be the outfits that are stealing the show.

"The clothes are going to play a supporting role to the great hairdressing story," Higby said.

The fashion show will be followed by performances by local bands Purple Apple—a teen indie-rock outfit with Wilson's 15-year-old niece, Olivia Eigel, on lead vocals—and Scott Lucas & the Married Men. Both bands have played to benefit NADS in the past.

See the event's Ticketfly page for tickets or more information.

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