Community News
43rd Annual Festival of Fall Honorary Chair & Influencers
by: AbilityFirst
Posted: September 18, 2017
PASADENA...This year's AbilityFirst Honorary Chair, actress Lauren Potter, has proven herself to be a young woman of strength and character. When professionals told her she "couldn't" or, "wouldn't" she worked harder. Barriers and limitations put before her became a personal challenge to let people know she is worthy of high ideals and capable of great expectations!
Lauren Potter
She made her acting debut in the movie Mr. Blue Sky, playing a young 'Andra Little.' The producers of Glee were quite impressed and offered her a part on the hit FOX television series. Her role as spunky cheerleader 'Becky Jackson' continues to open doors for Lauren, and she hopes these doors will open wider still!
She is thrilled to be using her public "voice" that Glee has given her to speak out for other people with disabilities who may not have the same opportunities. Lauren most recently accepted an award on behalf of Glee from the National Down Syndrome Society at their annual gala in New York City where she talked about the enormous impact her casting in the ground-breaking show has had not only on herself, but for all people with disabilities.
Lauren is both benefiting from and is committed to a simple ideal: that she shares in the rights and privileges of all citizens and has much to offer. By simple extension, she believes these rights extend to all people.
Jamie Brewer
Actress Jamie Brewer grew up loving all forms of the arts. She took college theater classes when she was in middle school and was involved in her high school drama club.
Through the affiliation of the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles, and Gail Williamson, Jamie was fortunate enough to get an audition, then cast for American Horror Story: Murder House playing 'Adelaide.' She also appeared in the final season of Southland. Jamie returned to Season 3 of American Horror Story: Coven playing Nan as well as Season 4: Freakshow opposite actor Neil Patrick Harris. She plans to work in this exciting industry for a very long time, while continuing to be an advocate and role model for people with disabilities.
Mily Cunningham
Mily Cunningham, a junior in high school and local to Orange County, was crowned Miss Teen USA Ambassador California in April of 2017. Her involvement in education for and about the individuals with disabilities has become the most important part of her reign and has influenced her future career. Mily plans on becoming a businesswoman and hopes to create a dance company specifically for children with disabilities.
AbilityFirst is grateful for the commitment and support of young leaders like Lauren Potter, Jamie Brewer and Mily Cunningham and we look forward to introducing them to all of our guests at the 2017 Festival of Fall! Photos:AbilityFirst
For more information please visit the Festival of Fall
If you are interested in learning how to get involved as a corporate sponsor, purchasing a table, or VIP and individual tickets, please click the link below!
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday October 15th!