Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society teams with Jamie Deen
(SAVANNAH, GA) Jamie Deen will be the master of ceremonies for the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk Festival for Down Syndrome Awareness. To be held on Saturday, October 23rd in Forsyth Park, this year will be the fifth annual Buddy Walk, a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate. Registration begins at 8:00 AM and costs $12 per person or $40 per family of four (price includes t-shirt, food, and festival activities).
The walk kicks off at 10:30 AM, and the festival is from 11 AM to 2 PM. A variety of entertainment will be available at the festival, such as live music, bouncy rides, train rides, carnival games, bake sales, and much more. Online registration for the Buddy Walk Festival is taking place at www.LDSSGA.org, or register by calling John or Candy Bogardus at (912) 728-8505.
"I was raised with a real sense of community from my parents," says Deen, who will be leading the Buddy Walk for the second time. "And I just have a special place in my heart for children."
October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. More than 300 Buddy Walks will occur throughout the United States to raise awareness and money for the support of families that have been touched by Down syndrome. Last year, more than 3,000 people attended the Buddy Walk Festival at Forsyth Park and raised $65,000. This year, the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society hopes to reach $70,000.
Adults and children with Down syndrome, family members, friends, healthcare professionals, corporate teams, and members of the community are encouraged to attend and participate in the walk and festival. Bring a wagon, a stroller, and your dog-all are welcome.
Established in 2006, the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is a non-profit family support group designed to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families. The LDSS is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society, a national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.
These societies envision and promote 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. Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends and the community allow people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.
For more information on the National Down Syndrome Society, visit their website at www.NDSS.org.
The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society now provides outreach to families in eight local counties. Families are encouraged to bring their children with them to meetings, which are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. These gatherings usually include a guest speaker as well as social time for families to meet and share with one another. For more information call John or Candy Bogardus at (912) 728-8505 or visit their website at http://www.ldssga.org.