Buddy Walk

Yesterday, we attended (and my husband and T participated in) the Buddy Walk in our area.  (I cheered from the sidelines...having a bum foot and all.)

The starting point for the walk

Ready to walk

The printed program showed the event schedule.

It also showed the walk route.

We ate a hot dog lunch...with chips, soda, bottled water, cookies, and ice cream provided, too.

Waiting for Mama to finish eating

There was a band.  There were games and activities for the children.  There were dance school performances and Tae Kwon Do class demonstrations.

And...there were other activities not listed in the program...such as the 50/50 raffle. Raffle tickets were $1 each.  One winning ticket was drawn.  Of all the money collected, one half went to the Down Syndrome Family Alliance of Greenville and the other half went to the lucky ticket holder...who happened to be my husband!  :D  He walked away with $175.  Wow.  :)

At the end of the walk, every buddy received a medal and certificate!  :)

Proud of his medal...

And worn out

It was terrific to see so many of the families with whom we've developed friendships over the years.

What an enjoyable afternoon!  It was obvious that many people had put much time and great effort into the planning and preparation.

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.

source:  National Down Syndrome Society