News release from The Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Indiana:
14th Annual DSANI Buddy Walk® Promotes Inclusion for People with Down Syndrome in Celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
WHAT: The 14th Annual DSANI Buddy Walk® is one of over 250 Buddy Walk events planned in cities across the country this fall in celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October. The Buddy Walk® is a family-friendly 1.5 mile awareness and fundraising walk that celebrates the many abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome in our community with entertainment, special guests, food, children’s activities, prizes and more. Proceeds from the Buddy Walk® will support local programs, outreach to families in our community, local and national advocacy and public awareness initiatives, and national research. There is no cost to walk and enjoy activities.
WHEN: Saturday, October 6, 2012. Activities begin at 10:00am with an 11:00am walk start.
WHERE: The northeast Indiana Buddy Walk will be held at Shoaff Park in Fort Wayne (6401 St. Joe Road)
WHO: Everyone is welcome! Participants include, but are not limited to, people with Down syndrome, their families, friends, teachers, coworkers and other supporters. Anyone, with or without a direct connection to a member of the Down syndrome community, is welcome to attend. 2012 Buddy Walk® Grand Marshals, Samantha Gavette and Austin Hammond, City Councilman, Tom Didier, WMEE’s Andy Beckman will begin the Buddy Walk with live entertainment, a picnic, children’s activities, prizes after the walk. Approximately 1500 attendees are expected to attend this year’s Buddy Walk.
BACKGROUND: Each year, the National Buddy Walk Program touches thousands of lives. When it began in 1995, there were Walks in 17 cities. This year, over 250 Buddy Walk events are scheduled from mid-September through November, with more than 285,000 people expected to participate. Last year alone, Buddy Walk events raised more than $11.2 million to benefit national education, research and advocacy initiatives, as well as local programs and services. All funds raised through the Buddy Walk support both local and national programs. The National Down Syndrome Society is a nonprofit organization representing the approximately 400,000 Americans who have this genetic condition. NDSS is committed to being the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.
About DSANI
The Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Indiana (DSANI) is a 501c3 organization with the mission to enhance the lives of people affected by Down syndrome, advocate on their behalf, provide information and support to families and professionals, and promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome in northeast Indiana. DSANI represents individuals with Down syndrome and their families in 11 counties in northeast Indiana and provides educational and social programs, outreach efforts, a week-long day camp for children and teens with Down syndrome, and a comprehensive library of Down syndrome related materials. For more information, call 260-471-9964 or email dsani4u@aol.com. You can also learn more at www.dsani.org.
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