THE EVENT

The Down Syndrome Association Of Los Angeles (DSALA) proudly presents TwentyWonder — “A Carnival Of The Mind”, the critically acclaimed annual fundraising event hosted by the Los Angeles Derby Dolls at The Doll Factory in Los Angeles.

TwentyWonder is the brainchild of DSALA Director of Administration and Development Jim Hodgson, whose young son, Henry, was born with Trisomy 21, the scientific name for Down syndrome, and from which the name “TwentyWonder” is derived. Also, it intentionally alludes to the wonders of the Twenty-First century we live in. All proceeds benefit individuals born with Trisomy 21 living in greater Los Angeles.

The first TwentyWonder, held March 6, 2010 in Culver City, California was named “An Event Pick” and called “Awesome!” by the Los Angeles Times. “Part charity, part science, part comedy…a mindbender,” proclaimed LAIST.COM. “A once in a lifetime, completely eclectic, fun-filled amalgam of creators, builders and performers,” said The Wrap and “An amazing event…MAGIC!” raved Forth Magazine.

On July 9th, 2011, the second annual TwentyWonder attracted sold-out crowds and raised well over six figures for the cause, exceeding DSALA’s wildest expectations. On the heels of this smashing success, TwentyWonder and the Los Angeles Derby Dolls have announced that TwentyWonder will return to the Doll Factory in July 2012, promising even more of what The Love Stain calls, “high thrills…one of the essential events of the summer!”.

Whatever you do, don’t miss the next TwentyWonder. Please join our mailing list for news and updates as details and a firm date become available.

HISTORY

TwentyWonder is the successor to the legendary SuperBall, an annual summer party Jim and his brother Joel, the creator and host of “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” started in the 1990′s as an informal backyard get-together at Jim’s home in the San Fernando Valley.

From this humble beginning, Superball flourished into an invitation-only, word-of-mouth event attracting the brothers’ show business friends, performers, writers, artists and celebrities. To this day, Superball is well known and fondly remembered among industry movers and shakers. The last of the eight SuperBalls was in 2007.

The revived version, christened TwentyWonder, was held March 6, 2010 at the Veteran’s Center in Culver City, and again the following year on July 9th, 2011 at the Doll Factory near Downtown Los Angeles.

“The recipe of TwentyWonder is easy”, says Jim Hodgson.”Take a soulful collection of sixty creators, supporters, builders, entertainers, friends and volunteers who’ve been gathering for years in the name of SuperBall, create a new name derived from the medical term Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), expand the fan base to new and far-reaching sectors of society, then bring it all together for a “One Night World’s Fair” to raise support and awareness for those born with Down syndrome living in the Greater Los Angeles area.”

Sam Simon, Co-Creator of The Simpsons added, “Superball was always so much fun, I felt guilty. Now that it’s been reborn as TwentyWonder, a benefit for DSALA, it’s even more fun and you don’t have to feel guilty!”

For more about TwentyWonder’s Superball legacy, read this LA Times article.

DSALA

TwentyWonder’s parent organization, Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles (DSALA), was started over thirty-five years ago by fifteen forward-thinking parents of children born with Down syndrome.

In an era when society’s predominant response to individuals with Down syndrome was to place them in institutions, these pioneers stood up for what is right, took control, and opened up the dialog that all grateful new parents in the Down syndrome/Trisomy 21 community are advancing today.

In this spirit, DSALA continues to offer information, guidance and programs designed to assist parents and families who have a family member with Down syndrome. Part of DSALA’s mission is to educate and enlighten a wider community to fully understand that everyone deserves respect, inclusion and that “we are more alike than different.”

For more information, please visit DSALA.org. Click here to donate via PayPal.

LA DERBY DOLLS

Following the success of TwentyWonder 2011, DSALA has announced it is “excited and very pleased” that The Los Angeles Derby Dolls, Southern California’s premiere all-female, banked track roller derby league, will host the third annual TwentyWonder, tentatively scheduled for July 2012 at the Doll Factory.

Founded in October 2003 by Rebecca Ninburg (aka Demolicious) and Wendy Templeton (aka Thora Zeen), the Los Angeles Derby Dolls are a league of more than 150 skaters and volunteers, divided into five teams who battle it out on a banked (angled) skating track for maximum speed, thrills and audience enjoyment.

Embodying the do-it-yourself ethos of modern roller derby, as resurrected in Austin, Texas in 2000, the LA Derby Dolls are an entirely volunteer-run organization, relying on the support of their fans and community.

The Derby Dolls take all the thrills of the old game and update it with a fresh and feisty new face. And the hits and spills are 100% real. No script can write this kind of action.

“The Derby Dolls are firmly committed to empowering our members as well as giving back to our community at large”, says league Co-Founder Rebecca Ninburg. “We hope to help raise not only money but awareness of Trisomy 21 and help create a society where individuals living with Down syndrome will be given the dignity they deserve as they seek to learn, grow and lead independent lives.”

For more information, and a schedule of upcoming bouts, please visit the official Los Angeles Derby Dolls website.