Annual S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome Buddy Walk

Additional Information

The 2012 SMILE on Down Syndrome Buddy Walk is back this year for the 11th time on October 6th at Vanderburgh 4H Fairgrounds. You can celebrate National Down Syndrome Awareness Month and help raise much needed funds, while having a great time!

The Buddy Walk will include a 1-mile walk through the grounds of the Vanderburgh County 4-H Center. Following the walk, there will be food, entertainment, fun activities for the children, an opportunity for team photos, and information tables for the adults.

The goal of the 2012 SMILE ON DOWN SYNDROME BUDDY WALK is to celebrate National Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Nationally, the BUDDY WALK raises more than $8.5 million, and on a local level we will raise money to support critical programs and services. Locally, our goal is to raise $70,000 to help support the goals of the parent-to-parent network group, SMILE on Down Syndrome. A portion will be given to the National Down Syndrome Society for research and education. Funds are raised through corporate sponsorship and walkers’ pledges.

Walk registration begins at 9:00 AM, with the Walk activities starting at 10:00 AM. There will be food and entertainment after the walk. The day’s events will end at 12:00 PM.

Tens of thousands of people have participated in this event since our first walk, including children, young adults with Down syndrome, family members, friends, politicians, healthcare professionals, business leaders, corporate teams and other community members. Around 2,200 people are expected to participate in the 2012 SMILE ON DOWN SYNDROME BUDDY WALK this year.

All funds are tax deductible as allowed by law through SMILE on Down Syndrome, a 501-c3 not for profit organization.