www.ldssga.org
Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society Announces October 6 Grand Marshal for the Buddy Walk: Paula Deen
(SAVANNAH,GA) Join Savannah’s own bestselling author, restaurateur and Emmy Award-winning Food Network television star Paula Deen as she laces up her sneakers as Grand Marshal of the 2012 Buddy Walk on Saturday, October 6, 2012. Deen will be leading walk participants in the one mile fundraising event around historic Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia.
Thousands of people are expected to attend the event, which raises
awareness and funds for local programs, including Camp Buddy, that benefit
people with Down syndrome and their families. Last year’s LDSS Buddy Walk
welcomed over 4,000 participants.
Paula Deen’s son Jamie Deen, also a bestselling cookbook author and tv
personality, sits on the LDSS board, and has served as Buddy Walk Grand
Marshal the past two years.
“As Jamie will not be in Savannah for the Buddy Walk this year,
it is my great honor to take his place as Grand Marshal,” said Paula
Deen. She added, “I am excited to be part of this uplifting celebration and
lend my support in promoting awareness and acceptance of folks with Down
syndrome. I’m looking forward to a strong turn out of my Savannah and
Lowcountry neighbors and friends at the Buddy Walk!”
The Buddy Walk Program welcomes participants of all ages and abilities.
Bring your carriage, strollers, wheelchairs, little red wagons and pets.
Don’t leave anyone behind as we stroll around Forsyth Park. The goals are
to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and to
positively influence local and national policy and practice. Last year
alone, Buddy Walk events nationally raised more that $11.2 million to
benefit education, research, and advocacy initiatives, as well as the Night
of Champions, Camp Buddy and many other services right here in the
Lowcountry and Coastal Empire.
The walk begins at 10:00 am. The Family Fun Festival begins immediately
following the walk. The Festival will feature all kinds of activities such
as face painting, pumpkin painting,the BOO Boutique, bouncy houses, games,
music and refreshments and last until 2 PM. The LDSS Buddy Walk is one of
more than 300 Buddy Walks taking place across the country this October to
celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
Registration forms for the walk are available online at www.ldssga.org or
sign-up starting at 8:30 AM day of the event. Registration is $12.00 per
person or $40.00 for a family of four. Registration includes this years
limited edition T-Shirt, Lunch and admission to the festival. To learn
more, visit www.ldssga.org or contact John or Candy Bogardus at (912)
728-8505.
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. Meetings are held every 4th Tuesday of the month, typically with
a guest speaker and social time for families to meet and interact with one
another. We encourage people to bring their children. We are an affiliate
of the National Down Syndrome Society. www.ldssga.org