Buddy Walk History

While I'm on the subject of the Buddy Walk, I'd like to share some of its history with you.

The Buddy Walk program was established in 1995 and has become the premier advocacy event for Down syndrome in the United States.  It is also the world's most widely recognized public awareness program for the Down syndrome community.

These milestones show how the program has grown!

In 1995:

• Seventeen Buddy Walk events took place across the country.
• Chris Burke led the flagship New York City Buddy Walk.

In 1999:

• The Times Square video was introduced.

In 2001:

• A new Buddy Walk logo was introduced, the blue and yellow graphic of a family holding hands.
• More than 100 Buddy Walk events took place.

In 2003:

• More than 190 Buddy Walk events took place in 49 states and five countries with over 180,000 participants raising more than $2.5 million.

In 2004:

• More than 210 Buddy Walk events took place with over 200,000 participants raising more than $4.5 million.

In 2005:

• More than 250 Buddy Walk events took place with over 200,000 participants raising more than $5.5 million.

In 2008:

• The Buddy Walk public service announcement was played nationwide at all Regal Cinemas before every movie for two weeks to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month and the Buddy Walk program.
• More than 250 Buddy Walk events took place with over 250,000 participants raising more than $10.5 million.

In 2009:

• The first Buddy Walk held on a military base in a combat zone took place at Camp Phoenix in Kabul, Afghanistan.

In 2011:

• The first Buddy Walk in Japan was held at Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa.

In 2012:

• More than 250 Buddy Walk events took place with over 295,000 participants raising more than $11.75 million.
• The Buddy Walk has been ranked in the top 30 fundraising events nationwide for:  money raised, number of participants, and best series event since 2008.

source:  National Down Syndrome Society

These twin girls (holding the banner) are so funny and fun-loving...and were raised by their single mother who is totally deaf.  The word that comes to mind is fortitude.  It is wonderful to see how the members of this family help and support one another.

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

Buddy Walk

Last Sunday was a gorgeous day for the Buddy Walk in our area.  We donned our Buddy Walk t-shirts and walked the one mile (plus or minus) around the university campus.

Let the Walk begin!

Afterward, we enjoyed eating ice cream...

socializing with friends...

A new friend -- the Geico gecko

and listening to music....

Did I mention there was cotton candy??

T was so proud of his medal!  :)