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Buddy Walk promotes Down Syndrome awareness
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Phantoms Hockey had a shooting game set up for children to play in before and after the Buddy Walk on Aug. 13 at the Shops at Boardman.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Participants in the Buddy Walk on Aug. 13 at the Shops at Boardman walked to promote family members and friends with down syndrome.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Youngstown State University cheerleaders and Pete the Penguin stood on the sidelines cheering on those who walked in the Buddy Walk on Aug. 13 at the Shops at Boardman.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Quintino's Quest was one of the many teams who signed up to participated in the annual Buddy Walk on Aug. 13 at the Shops at Boardman.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Children lined up after the Buddy Walk on Aug. 13 at the Shops at Boardman to play in the inflatable obstacle course.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Chuck E. Cheese and Pete the Penguin attended the Buddy Walk at the Boardman Shop on Aug. 13 to support those participating in the walk.
By ALEXIS BARTOLOMUCCI
The Down Syndrome Association of the Valley hosted its ninth annual Buddy Walk of the Valley on Aug. 13 at the Shops at Boardman.
The DSAV is a 501c3 non-profit organization that was founded in 2007. The organization was created to provide support and resources for families with a member who has Down Syndrome. The Buddy Walk is an annual fundraising event that several people attend every year to show their support and promote inclusion of those with Down Syndrome.
More than 1,500 people registered for the walk this year to show their support for those with Down Syndrome. The money that is raised comes from the registration fee, the raffle baskets, snacks provided at the walk and several other donations. All of the basket raffle items were donated from local businesses or communities.
“Ninety-three percent of the money raised goes to DSAV to help us provide support, resources, education, advocacy and opportunity for individuals with Down Syndrome, their families and our communities throughout eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. Seven percent of the money raised goes to the National Down Syndrome Society for national advocacy and support,” said Lindsey Morris, the programming and events coordinator for DSAV.
The funds that are given back to the DSAV are used for grants, scholarships, workshops, different walks and awareness events and several other programs to help families who has a member with Down Syndrome.
The Buddy Walk is open to everyone who would like to participate in raising awareness. There was a pre-registration option and an online donation option for those who wanted to support the walk, but wouldn’t be able to attend in person.
The Buddy Walk is the largest fundraiser for DSAV. The proceeds raised from the Buddy Walk of the Valley provide about 80 percent of the resources for the DSAV to complete its mission throughout the year.