SMILE Buddy Walk Happens October 1st

SMILE is a perfect name for the organization designed to provide support to people with Down Syndrome.  It's perfect because it's hard not to smile when these folks are around.  This year will be my 3rd year at the Buddy Walk in Evansville, and every year I have more and more fun!  I can't wait to walk again this year, and see the other activities and sing alongs that come along with it at the Vaderburgh County 4-H Fairgrounds on October 1st.  Here is more info on the evet courtesy of the SMILE on Down Syndrome website:

The 2011 SMILE ON DOWN SYNDROME 10TH ANNIVERSARY 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 2011 SMILE ON DOWN SYNDROME 10TH ANNIVERSARY 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 for our local walk.

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.

The 2011 SMILE ON DOWN SYNDROME 10TH ANNIVERSARY BUDDY WALK will be held Saturday, October 1, 2011 at the Vanderburgh County 4-H Center, 201 East Boonville-New Harmony Road, Evansville, IN 47725.

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

Get more info and sign up for the walk here.

And check out pictures from last year's walk from this gallery.