Jamie Foxx creates DeOndra Dixon fund in honor of late sister

The actor announced the fund during the Global Down Syndrome Foundation's 2020 virtual Beautiful Be Yourself fashion show.

DeMicia Inman

Nov 16, 2020

At a fundraiser for an organization that she was an ambassador for, Jamie Foxx revealed the creation of the DeOndra Dixon fund in honor of his sister who recently passed away.

According to People, the award-winning actor shared the news during the Global Down Syndrome Foundation‘s 2020 virtual Beautiful Be Yourself fashion show. Dixon was a Global Ambassador for the organization. The foundation shared a tribute to the 36-year-old who inspired their highest recognition, the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award.

“For Global, we have lost our talented, intelligent, feisty, beautiful, kind, loving, caring, pure, and giving heart, DeOndra Dixon. Our Down syndrome community has lost a beacon of hope, a true leader, and role model whose aim was to always help others. She was a bright light in this world of ours,” the tribute read.

During the digital event singer-songwriter Philipp Phillips performed Gone, Gone, Gone in her honor.

As theGrio reported, after Dixon’s death, her big brother shared a heartfelt Instagram post to celebrate her life.

“Deondra you have left A hole in my heart… but I will fill it with all of the memories that you gave me … I love you with every ounce of me… our family is shattered but we will put the pieces back together with your love… and y’all please keep my family in your prayers,” Foxx wrote according to the report.

According to People, the event raised $1.9M dollars, a record-breaking amount for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. Foxx made the announcement of the DeOndra Dixon fund in partnership with Global’s founder, Michelle Sie Whitten. In an Instagram post, details about the fund were shared, including a $100K donation from Anna and John Sie.

“DeOndra’s family have set up the DeOndra Dixon Down Syndrome Research Fund to focus on the often-neglected population of African Americans with Down syndrome,” the post shared. “DeOndra’s legacy will power us on.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Global Down Syndrome (@globaldownsyndrome)

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation was established in 2009. According to its website, the public non-profit 501(c)(3) is dedicated to improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education, and advocacy. The annual Be You Be Beautiful fashion show is the single-largest annual fundraiser benefiting people with Down syndrome.

Have you subscribed to theGrio’s podcast “Dear Culture”? Download our newest episodes now!

TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. Download theGrio today!