Buddy Walk 2007!

We would love to have all our friends and family join us this Sunday, September 30, at Furman University!

Buddy Walk in Greenville Celebrates Down Syndrome Awareness Month

WHAT: The 2007 Down Syndrome Family Alliance of Greenville Buddy Walk at Furman University is one of 190 Buddy Walks planned in cities across the country this fall. The Buddy Walk was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to promote acceptance and inclusion of all people with Down syndrome.

Carol Goldsmith will be the Master of Ceremonies for the walk. She shares the news desk with her co-anchor Michael Cogdill each weeknight at 6 and 11 p.m. on Channel 4 WYFF. We are very excited that Carol has agreed to emcee our event!

WHEN: Sunday, September 30th. Registration begins at 1 p.m., and the one-mile walk kicks off at 2 p.m.

WHERE: Furman University at the Herman W. Lay Physical Activities Center (PAC).

WHO: About 400 people are expected to attend. Participants include people with Down syndrome from the Upstate area and around the state, their families, friends, teachers, coworkers and other supporters.

If you would like to register for the walk, please download the “ Buddy Walk Registration Brochure” and “ Buddy Walk Pledge Form” and follow the instructions. To guarantee receipt of a t-shirt, please return your registration form by September 1st. Remember, you are welcome to register to walk up until and including the day of the event, but if you do so following the September 1st you may/may not receive a t-shirt.

BACKGROUND: Each year, the Buddy Walk touches thousands of lives. When it began in 1995, there were walks in 17 cities. This year, at least 190 Buddy Walks are scheduled from mid-September through November, with more than 200,000 people expected to participate.

Last year alone, Buddy Walks raised more than $1.7 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. For more information about the National Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk organization, please click here.

DSFA-Greenville 2007 Buddy Walk Highlights

Participants will enjoy many exciting features unique to this year’s Buddy Walk. Some of the features planned for walk day include:

• Free Hot Dogs, Ice Cream and Beverages available to all walk participants
• Free T-Shirts available to all walkers registered before September 1st
• Live Musical Entertainment
• Wall of Advocacy celebrating the achievements of individuals with Down syndrome
• Live Butterfly Release Ceremony to be held following the walk
• Duncan Chapel Fire Department Fire Engine and Fire Fighters will be on hand, visiting with walkers
• Mr. Earl Frady and the Shriner’s Clowns to entertain walkers
• BI-LO Supermarket’s Walter’s Pals will attend the walk
• Buddy Walk and Down syndrome Merchandise Table open to walk participants

Please make plans today to join in the fun on Sunday, September 30th!

Please feel free to go to our Down Syndrome Family Alliance of Greenville website for more details!
www.dsfagreenville.org