Comments...please

Our board will be meeting next week to evaluate what worked and didn't work at our first Buddy Walk®.  We would appreciate any feedback that would help us make next year's event even more successful!  You may comment to this post or send your comments to our email:  dsfstx@yahoo.com

Thank You for Your Support

With an estimated 400 people in attendance, our organization is more than proud of the support we gained from our first Buddy Walk®.  We had beautiful weather and it was an amazing day.  We are still working on gathering the proceeds from the event, but it was definitely a success.  Thank You to all who attended and supported our organization! 


(Coming soon:  pictures from the event!)

What to bring to Buddy Walk®

Unfortunately, we found out today that there was some confusion and Texas Thunder 99.9 will not be broadcasting at our Buddy Walk®.  However, as mentioned in previous posts, we will have other entertainment, foods, and information available. 

So...what do you need to bring? 

• $5 per child for Unlimited Inflatable Fun
• Lawn Chairs

Be ready to have lots of fun at our 1st ever Buddy Walk®!

About Buddy Walk®

from the NDSS Buddy Walk® website
The Buddy Walk^® was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Today, the Buddy Walk program is supported nationally by NDSS and organized at the local level by parent support groups, schools and other organizations and individuals.

Over the past sixteen years, the Buddy Walk program has grown from 17 walks to nearly 300 were expected in 2011 across the country and around the world. In 2010, 285,000 people participated in a Buddy Walk! They raised more than $11.2 million to benefit local programs and services as well as the national advocacy initiatives that benefit all individuals with Down syndrome.

The Buddy Walk is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training. It is an inspirational and educational event that celebrates the many abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome. Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support, come and join a Buddy Walk in your local community!

Special Guests at DSFSTX Buddy Walk®

We will have special appearances from the following guests at the DSFSTX Buddy Walk®:

• Hallettsville Brahma mascot
• Sacred Heart Indian mascot
• Splashway's "Ray"

Food Booths at DSFSTX Buddy Walk®

Don't worry about eating before you come to the Buddy Walk®.  Paddy's Texas Kitchen (Schulenburg,TX) will be offering the following inside the Hallettsville Youth Center:

• BBQ Sandwich $4
• Sausage on a Stick $3
• Hot Dogs $2
• Chips $1
• Water $1

We will also have Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup for $2 and Hot Chocolate for $1.

Information Booths at DSFSTX Buddy Walk®

We will have information booths at our Buddy Walk® to help learn more about our organization and other organizations that support individuals with Down syndrome and other special needs.  The following organizations will be present:

• Region IV Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)
• STARS (Victoria, TX)
• The Riding Therapy Center (Victoria, TX)
• HATCH (Weimar, TX)

Activities to Enjoy at DSFSTX Buddy Walk®

We hope to have a fun-filled afternoon at our first ever Buddy Walk®.  We will have inflatables (see below), Ziggy the clown, who will perform magic tricks and make balloon animals, face painting by Hallettsville JCDA, and live broadcast and music provided by 99.9 Texas Thunder.

 

 

Milestone in the Making

Please join us on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 12 pm for our 1^st Down Syndrome Foundation of South Texas Buddy Walk®.  This event will take place at the Hallettsville City Park in Hallettsville, TX.  Team Registration is $30 for 10 members.  If interested in joining or forming a team, or for more information about this event, email dsfstx@yahoo.com .

Since the beginning...

Our accomplishments so far:
· Fundraiser where we sold grilled chicken wraps at a local market days event
· Information Meeting about ABA Therapy
· Dimes for Downs fundraiser where local schools participated by contributing loose change
· 1st Annual A"maze"ing Kids Fall Festival at a local corn maze
· Special Needs Trust Seminar

In the beginning...

The Down Syndrome Foundation of South Texas began with several families wanting to unite to bring services to individuals with Down syndrome in the rural communities. The goals of the organization follow a TLC motto.

TEACH others about Down syndrome by building public awareness and acceptance of the abilities of individuals with Down syndrome.

LEARN more about Down syndrome by providing seminars and workshops from professionals that work with Down syndrome individuals.

CELEBRATE the individuals with Down syndrome that have touched our lives.