Down Syndrome of Southern Kentucky is hosting its inaugural Raise the Roof charity dinner on June 27 with keynote speaker Tim Tebow, a 2007 Heisman Trophy winner, former Denver Broncos quarterback and a New York Times best-selling author.

Stephanie Morton, executive director of DSSKY, said the fundraiser is part of a capital campaign to raise funds for a new Buddy House.

She said the organization has outgrown the current facility at 522 State St. and is one of only three in the entire state.

Land has been purchased on Great Escape Way, she said, and the organization’s goal is to raise $1.5 million in the next three to five years for the new building.

“When the facility first opened its doors in 2013, we were open about 20 hours a week and served around 100 families in the BRADD district,” she said. “Now we have grown to operating six to seven days a week and serve 185 families in a 14-county radius.”

The mission of DSSKY is to enhance the quality of life for those with Down syndrome and their families by providing support, information, education, resources, networking and activities.

Morton said she is looking forward to the charity dinner and is excited to have Tebow as the speaker.

“People who know Tim Tebow know he has a very big heart for those with special needs, in particular for those with Down syndrome,” Morton said.

She said the DSSKY president reached out to the president of Tebow’s foundation and said he was interested “so we took that opportunity.”

“The big focus is not just the fact that he is a phenomenal speaker, but also his background, his attitude and his positivity on life,” she said. “But mostly, it’s his involvement with those with special needs and Down syndrome.”

The dinner will be at the Sloan Convention Center, with a reception beginning at 5:30 p.m.

In addition to Tebow’s speech, the event will include a meet and greet for a limited number of VIP guests, a full dinner, live auction and silent auction.

Some of the featured auction items will include a Tebow autographed helmet, boxing trunks signed by Muhammad Ali, a bat signed by Hank Aaron and a Toby Keith autographed guitar.

Patrons will also have the chance to purchase one-of-a-kind art created by Buddy House members.

“This event is a big deal for us because we really need a new facility,” Morton said.

Tickets are limited and may be purchased at charity.pledgeit.org/dsskyraisetheroof. For a private or corporate table, 10 tickets must be purchased.