Down Syndrome Society of Wichita Sign in


WELCOME! COME WALK WITH US...

at the DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY OF WICHITA
7TH ANNUAL BUDDY WALK®
 
Saturday, October 9, 2010 - 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
at Heartspring - 8700 E. 29th Street North in Wichita


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The Down Syndrome Society of Wichita proudly welcomes you to the Buddy Walk website! We appreciate your support in helping us improve the lives of individuals with Down syndrome.

Last year’s Buddy Walk was a huge success! We had over 1,600 walkers and raised over $55,000! Please feel free to take a look around this website before you proceed to register and help us reach this year's goal. A BIG THANKS to all of our sponsors listed at bottom of this page!  You're the GREATEST!


   WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU REGISTER:

  • For each person you are registering, you will be asked to select a t-shirt size.  BE SURE to click on the drop down box to pick the correct size!
  • If you cannot attend the walk, but you would like to make a donation, please choose the “Donate” option at the top of this page.

 


R
EQUEST FOR PHOTOS!!

Each year we place photos of all participants with Down syndrome  along the one-mile walking path at Heartspring. So, once again we are asking that you send in those cute and adorable photos of your kiddo!!

The deadline for entries this year is September 1, 2010.

If you are interested, please choose one of the following options:

  • Mail ONE 8x10 photo of your child along with his/her name and age to: Jana Andreo at 6505 E. 39th Ct., Wichita, KS 67226.
  • Email a photo to Jana at jandreo@sbcglobal.net.

PLEASE NOTE! All photos will be taken off of the signs immediately following the walk and will be available for you to pick up. We ask that you please do not take the actual SIGN/STAKES the day of the walk as we reuse these each year. Thank you in advance for your support!

 

Want To Watch An AWESOME Video
Of The 2009 Buddy Walk??
 
Click HERE.

 

(Make Sure Your Volume Is Turned Up!)


  FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESIONS:

 

Where does the money raised at the Buddy Walk go?

The proceeds from the Buddy Walk are used to support the many programs sponsored by the Down Syndrome Society of Wichita.  The majority of the funds stays with DSSW and is used for new parent resource packets, educational and resource materials on Down syndrome for doctors' offices, hosting valuable conferences, an annual picnic for our members, DSSW brochures, and numerous other activities of DSSW.  In addition, a portion goes to the National Down Syndrome Society to support Public Policy.

 

Do I need to know someone with Down syndrome to participate in the Buddy Walk?

Definitely not...the Down Syndrome Society of Wichita gladly welcomes anyone who is willing to support our program!  The goal of the Buddy Walk is to promote understanding and acceptance of people with Down syndrome.  Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support, come and join us at the Buddy Walk!

 

How do I register for the Buddy Walk?

Prior to the walk, you can register online by selecting “Register” at the top of this page or by submitting a registration form by mail.  To print a form, please select the appropriate registration form in the right-hand section of this page.  If you prefer to have a form mailed to you, please contact Michelle Sanchez at 316-617-9102 or treasurer@dsswichita.org. Registration is also available on the day of the walk beginning at 9:45 a.m.  However, early registration is recommended!

 

What is a Buddy Walk team and how do I form one?
It is simple!  You can create a team to support an individual with Down syndrome by selecting "Register" above and then "Create New Team". You will be able to name your team and then recruit family, friends, co-workers, and others to be on your team.  Your team members can register to walk with your team at the Buddy Walk and/or donate to the team by selecting your team name on the web site. It is a fun way to garner support for your family and a great cause!
 
What if I can’t attend the walk? Can I make a donation?

Yes, all donations are greatly appreciated.  You can make a donation by selecting “Donate” at the top of this page or by contacting Michelle Sanchez

at 316-617-9102.

 

What is the registration fee and any costs associated with the Buddy Walk?

Great news! There is no registration fee to participate in the Buddy Walk.

You can also enjoy FREE food, games, music, face painting, moonwalks, an obstacle course, cheerleaders and a fire truck!  The exciting basket raffle is back this year with fantastic prizes! Tickets can be purchased at the walk for $1/each or 6 tickets for $5.  The drawing for the basket raffle will be at 12:30 p.m. And, we are happy to announce an activity new to the Buddy Walk this year...a TEEN ROOM!

 

What about t-shirts? How can I get one?

If you register by September 9th, each walker will receive a free Buddy Walk

t-shirt.  On the day of the walk, there will be a limited amount of t-shirts available for a small donation.  Be sure to register by September 9th to be guaranteed your awesome Buddy Walk t-shirt!

 

Where is Heartspring located?

Heartspring is conveniently located in northeast Wichita on 29th Street between Rock Road and Webb Road.  Heartspring is on the north side of 29th Street.  For additional directions, please visit MapQuest.com.

 

Not everyone in my family is able to walk a mile. Are they still able to participate in the Buddy Walk?

Absolutely!  Buddy Walks are open to participants of all ages and abilities.

If you can’t walk, you can be a member of the cheering section and cheer on the walkers.

 

What if I have additional question?

Please contact Michelle Sanchez at treasurer@dsswichita.org or 316-617-9102.

Counting Down...

 days hours mintues,
 seconds until the BIG DAY!

Event Goal For 2010

Goal
$75,000

Raised
$10,348

64 Teams

952 Walkers

 


   Mark your calendars...  

T-Shirt Pick Up AND

Pledge Form Drop Off:

 

 Monday, OCT. 4th 4pm-7pm Tuesday, OCT. 5th 10am-1pm

   (In the lobby of Heartspring)

 

Note: All Buddy Walk shirts not picked up by noon on the day of the Buddy Walk, will be available for purchase at that time.

 

If you need to make other arrangements, please contact Michelle at 316.617.9102 or treasurer@dsswichita.org.  

 


REGISTRATION FORM

Print this form for family and friends who would like to    register and/or donate, but 

do not have internet access:

 

Registration Form - English

 Registration Form - Spanish

 

PLEDGE FORM

Print this form to log and collect your sponsorship donations from family and friends for your BW team:

 

Pledge Form - English

 Pledge Form - Spanish


Buddy Walk Schedule of Events:

9:45  On-site registration     

  10:30  Buddy Walk kick-off     

11:00  Lunch is served and      

         the festivities begin      

12:30  Basket raffle lucky       

         winners announced      

 

(Festivities will end at 1:00)   


THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR
B
UDDY WALK S
PONSORS . . .

        

The Buddy Walk® was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. The Buddy Walk has grown from 17 walks in 1995 to nearly 300 walks planned for 2010 worldwide.
In 2009, more than $9.5 million was raised nationwide to benefit local programs and services, as well as the national advocacy and public awareness initiatives of NDSS that benefit all individuals with Down syndrome.