(SAVANNAH, Ga.) The 18th Annual Buddy Walk will take place in Forsyth Park in Savannah, Ga., Saturday, Oct 7, 2023. Lowcountry Down Syndrome will be partnering with the Savannah Philharmonic and sharing Forsyth Park for the day. Opening ceremonies will begin at 10:00 a.m., and then Buddy Walk starts at 10:30 a.m. The Family Fun event will be from 11:00am-2:00pm and will kick off with the car raffle drawing and announcement of the raffle winner.
Participants will walk a mile around Forsyth Park. This event is a time of celebration and community, raising support and awareness for those with Down syndrome. Following the Buddy Walk, the Savannah Philharmonic will be hosting its annual Phil the Park concert that evening.
Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society is partnering with Grainger Honda and Grainger Nissan of Savannah to sell tickets at $100 each for a chance to win a new SUV from Grainger Honda & Grainger Nissan. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold and the winner will choose between a 2023 Nissan Rogue and a 2023 Honda CRV. Both cars are valued at $33,000. All fees including tax, tag, and title will be paid by Grainger Honda & Grainger Nissan. You can buy your raffle tickets here: https://e.givesmart.com/events/ubQ/i/_Auction/mfyC/
The money raised at the Buddy Walk goes towards Camp Buddy, two summer camps in Effingham and Chatham to help students retain their skills over the summer break. It also goes towards LDSS’s monthly Family Support meetings, new parent packets and educational opportunities for local families and advocates.
Registration for Buddy Walk 2023 is $15. Those who register will also receive a Buddy Walk T-shirt. When registering, you can either join a team or create your own. https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/bSk78Q?vid=zrk5n
Business owners can have their business name shown on the Buddy Walk T-shirt by donating $500, or their logo for $1000. There are four tiers of sponsorships to choose from, starting at $500. Informational booths are also available at the event for sponsorships and groups.
Volunteers are needed to help with the event in all aspects. Please inquire with John and Candy Bogardus for more information about becoming a sponsor or volunteering at ldssgabuddywalk@gmail.com or 912-663-8573.
The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). The vision statement of this organization is to create “a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities.”
The NDSS created the Buddy Walk as part of National Down Syndrome Awareness Month in 1995. The first Buddy Walk in Savannah took place in 2006, shortly after the LDSS was founded. Nearly 1600 people were brought to Forsyth Park in Savannah on this first outing. Growing during subsequent years, over 5000 people would attend annually until Covid-19 precautions led to virtual walks in lieu of gathering at Forsyth Park in 2020 and 2021.
ABOUT THE LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY:
The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is a support group to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families through local leadership in support, outreach, education, and advocacy. LDSS holds a monthly support meeting on the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 at 1525 Dean Forest Road in Savannah, GA. There is an informational speaker and light refreshments. The event is also live-streamed. LDSS is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society. For more information about LDSS, visit http://www.ldssga.org/
CONTACT
John and Candy Bogardus
Buddy Walk Co-Chairs
Cell: 912-663-8573
Fax: 912-728-5247
ldssgabuddywalk@gmail.com
MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations, Inc
912-844-9990
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com