2024
Kris and David were back in Reno to host the Third Annual Lucky Few Fall Festival! They starred in "Where Hope Grows," a movie about a friendship that was formed between two men, one of whom has Down syndrome (David). Sometimes life imitates art, as is the case with Kristoffer and David. The two of them bonded during the filming of the movie and have become lifelong friends.
​
They returned for three days of events, speaking engagements and media interviews, to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
​
Kristoffer Polaha
Born and raised in Reno, Kristoffer is an actor, director and author, known for his many tv and movie roles. His recent projects include "Buried in Barstow", "Jurassic World Dominion", and "Wonder Woman 1984". He is also considered the "Leading Man of Hallmark" with over a dozen Hallmark movies and TV shows under his belt. Polaha's film "The Shift"makes its theatrical release on December 1st. Kristoffer is proud to work with a number of charities including World Vision and The Jensen Project.
David DeSanctis
David is an actor and advocate best known for the movies "Where Hope Grows" and "Color my World With Love". DeSanctis is an inspirational speaker for non-profits and special needs groups around the country, sharing his personal journey of living with Down Syndrome. He is presently working part time for National Down Syndrome Society as their Public Relations Outreach Associate. DeSanctis has been involved in the Best Buddies Program since 2009, and served on the Kentucky Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities from 2016-2021.
"I love what the Down Syndrome Network of Northern Nevada is doing for our community, what they are doing with and for families who have a member with Down syndrome and I am proud to be an ambassador for an outstanding nonprofit that's from my hometown of Reno, Nevada."
-Kristoffer Polaha
