The 9th Annual Centre Region Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk will be held on Saturday, Oct. 14 at Mount Nittany Middle School on with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m. and the Walk starting at 10:a.m.
The walk will be followed by lunch and more fun until 1 p.m., including an appearance by Superheroes of Penn State, a photo booth, music, games, arts and crafts, silent auction, raffle, and more. About 400 people are expected to attend the event, which is one of more than 250 Buddy Walks that take place across the country in October, Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
Register as an in-person or virtual walker, or make a donation, here.
“Every year our family looks forward to the annual Centre Region Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk as a time to support and celebrate individuals who have Down syndrome as well as promote their acceptance and inclusion,” said Steve Moyer, president of the Centre Region Down Syndrome Society, in a release. “It’s a cross between a fair, a carnival, and a family reunion—join us to have a blast as you further extend our family.”
The Centre Region Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk is expected to raise at least $25,000 to fund activities that enhance the lives of people who have Down syndrome in central Pennsylvania, including the State College Challenger Baseball Team, the annual Just Dance event, the For Good Performance Troupe, and D.A.D.S. (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome) Support Group.
The National Buddy Walk Program welcomes participants of all ages and abilities. The goals of the program are to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and to positively influence local and national policy and practice. Last year alone, Buddy Walk events raised nearly $13 million to benefit national advocacy initiatives, as well as local programs and services. All funds raised through the National Buddy Walk Program support local and national programs.
To learn more about CRDSS, visit www.centrecountydownsyndrome.org.
