The 2013 SMILE ON DOWN SYNDROME 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. NEW THIS YEAR… we are also adding a 5K to the event for anyone who would like to walk or jog the further distance!

The goal of the 2013 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 also 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 2013 SMILE ON DOWN SYNDROME BUDDY WALK will be held Saturday, October 5, 2013 at the Vanderburgh County 4-H Center, 201 East Boonville-New Harmony Road, Evansville, IN 47725.

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 3,000 people are expected to participate in the 2013 SMILE ON DOWN SYNDROME BUDDY WALK this year.  We will also have media coverage which expands our local audience, bringing awareness to the entire community and the Tri-State .

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

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