BELLEFONTE — The Centre County Board of Commissioners proclaimed October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month in a meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 8.
During the meeting, representatives from the Centre Region Down Syndrome Society spoke to share about the group’s mission and also shared more about the upcoming 18th annual Buddy Walk. The event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Mount Nittany Middle School.
“Over 400 people come and celebrate and come together and we invite the community to join us for the Buddy Walk as we raise awareness for our families and our members,” Jennifer Jewell, CRDSS treasurer, shared.
The event will feature games, face painting, bocce ball, crafts, a photobooth, benefit raffle and more. The For Good Troupe, a local dance group that performs popular musical theater songs, will perform. Additionally, performances by cheer squads will be put on.
“I always very much enjoy the Buddy Walk,” shared Commissioner Chair Mark Higgins. “It’s one of the charity highlights of the year.”
The Centre Region Down Syndrome Society began in 2006 as a support group for five families in the area. Since, it has grown to include over 100 families in the Centre region.
The CRDSS aims “to provide individuals with Down syndrome and their families with the tools, resources and support necessary to participate in, contribute to and achieve personal fulfillment,” the organizations mission statement shared.
All money raised for CRDSS is put toward enrichment activities, Eric Ulsh, who has family with Down syndrome leading him to get involved with CRDSS, explained during the meeting. Money also goes toward providing education and support within the community, he noted, sharing how it provides opportunities for members to take classes or lessons.
“Centre (Region) Down Syndrome Society does so much good for families in our community who have children who have Down syndrome, as you said, providing all kinds of educational opportunities and services as well as support. We are just glad to have you as part of our community,” Vice Chair Amber Concepcion said.
“Thank you for supporting all the folks in our community that you do. I know your event is very popular and it certainly speaks to the dedication of this group that you’re making people aware of the opportunities that are out there and the education,” Commissioner Steve Dershem said.
The BOC proclamation aimed to highlight the resources in the area and demonstrate to the community the abilities of those with Down syndrome.
“Thank you again for inviting us to attend this meeting to formally recognize Down Syndrome Awareness Month,” Joe Nelson, an individual with CRDSS, shared. “We deeply appreciate your support from the bottom of our hearts.”
