Buddy Walk® 2014 Team Registration Now Open!

Once again, we will gather to celebrate in Celebration Plaza of White River State Park in beautiful downtown Indianapolis, with the walk beginning at noon along the scenic canal loop. This family-friendly event is open to all children and adults with Down syndrome, their families, friends and thousands of local supporters. Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 11, 2014 and be prepared to have a great experience!

 

We, at Down Syndrome Indiana, are so grateful for the hard work and dedication of our families and friends, not just in October, but year round! To celebrate your success and reward a few that go above and beyond, we have a few Buddy Walk® incentives to ring in the new year! Best of luck!

·         Each team that registers online via First Giving by Monday, September 22^nd will receive a customized team sign to carry proudly as they walk along the canal;

 

·         For every $50 a team raises, the captain is eligible to receive one (1) event t-shirt and food voucher (while supplies last) that he/she may distribute to team members the day of the walk;

 

·         Any team that raises $5,000 by August 1^st will be featured on a billboard in central Indiana this fall, highlighting their loved one and promoting the 17^th Annual Buddy Walk® in Indianapolis;

 

·         The team that raises the most money (online and offline) by Friday, October 3, 2014 is considered the “winning team” and will have their pictures featured on promotional items for the Buddy Walk® in 2015*; * The “winning team” from the previous year’s walk is ineligible to be named the first place team for consecutive years. Eligibility as a “winning team” will be re-instate the following year (2015). If the ineligible team is able to match their fundraising amount from the previous year by Monday, September 29^th 2014, they will be awarded a special “VIP” area to decorate as they choose and to use as a special place to gather and celebrate at the walk in 2014. 

 

·         The top three (3) individual fundraisers will receive awards and be recognized at the Buddy Walk®;

 

·         Additional awards and prizes will be presented the day of the Buddy Walk® for teams that show the most spirit, travel the farthest, and exemplifies the true spirit of the Buddy Walk®!

 

There are currently 8 teams registered for the 17^th Annual Buddy Walk – that is 5% of our goal for 200 teams! Keep up the great work, and be sure to encourage your friends, family and neighbors to join us on October 11^th!

14:21 = Melanie es un AMOR!!

Brakayla and Buddies Beautiful Bow Brigade

Come Walk with Cameron

Ella’s Fella

Holden’s Force

Rachel’s Rangers

Team Super Logan

The 21 DreamS Team

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR TEAM FOR THE 17^TH ANNUAL BUDDY WALK®

 

Down Syndrome Indiana Participates in Disability Awareness Month 2014

March 2014 is Disability Awareness Month and Down Syndrome Indiana, along with individuals, businesses and organizations across the state will be recognizing the abilities of people with disabilities. The Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities has created a new campaign to help educate Hoosiers about disability-related issues and remind everyone of the importance of access, engagement and relationships in making all our communities better places to live.

 

While Disability Awareness Month continues to focus on inclusion for people with disabilities, the 2014 campaign theme, “Dream to Dare,” reminds us that if we want to have the communities of our dreams, we must work together to create communities that are sustainable, accessible, economically viable and encourage civic and social engagement for all. This year’s campaign materials use poetic text to help frame our attitudes toward what we all want to achieve – a community that is healthy, safe and friendly for all.

 

“We are very excited about theme of this year’s campaign because encouraging all citizens to develop relationships and work toward common goals is of great importance as we strive to create sustainable and accessible communities for citizens of all ages and ethnicities, with and without disabilities,” said Suellen Jackson-Boner, Council executive director. “The Council is extremely pleased to learn that Down Syndrome Indiana is joining in this effort.”

 

As in previous years, Disability Awareness Month 2014 will be celebrated with community-based activities carried out by thousands of advocates and people with disabilities throughout the state. Activities include mayoral proclamations, art contests and awareness campaigns in schools, government agencies and businesses.

 

For more information about Disability Awareness Month activities and how you can participate, call Lisa Wells at 317-925-7617.  If you would like to order free Disability Awareness materials from the Council , visit www.indianadisabilityawareness.org or contact Kim Dennison at Borshoff, (317) 631-6400 (voice); (317) 631-6499 (fax); or kim.dennison@borshoff.biz (e-mail).