This walk originated as a grass roots effort of the National Down Syndrome Society to give affiliates a nationwide venue to raise awareness as well as raise money and was originally called Buddy Walk. In 2009, our board of directors decided to make this a totally local event and changed the name. This event is our largest fundraiser and public awareness event. It is supported by sponsors and by individuals and teams who raise money by getting pledges. The largest group in attendance to date was 1,500 and the numbers grow every year. The event is always emceed by a local celebrity and picnics, clowns, face painting, performers and the walk are the highlights of the day.
Mark your calendars
Step For Down Syndrome – Saturday, October 13, 2012
More details to come!
2011 Step Up for Down Syndrome Thank You!
To see more 2011 Step Up for Down Syndrome Pictures, please visit our Facebook Page:
Down Syndrome Association of Central California
When someone said, “it takes a town to raise a child”- they weren’t kidding! We are so blessed to live in a community that reached out and showed so much support and appreciation for our loved ones with Down syndrome on Saturday, October 15 at the 2nd Annual Step Up for Down Syndrome event.
It took one year, blood, sweat and tears from our committee, encouragement from our board members, huge amounts of support from our amazing sponsors, donors & vendors, hard work from our volunteers a few face painters and over 1,100 participants to make this another amazing and successful event. If I dare say, this was the best Step Up in all of DSACC history! And it is because of you!
A giant “Thank You” to the hard working committee members: Denise Allshouse, Debi Arthur, Leigh Degiuli, Jane Feist, Chanel & Jason Mendez, and Stephanie Mussleman.
Thank You to our very talented, hard working and wonderful DSACC staff: Danielle Carlson & Larry Gray. And DSACC board members: Jane Feist, Marie Harder, Lourdes Arias, Denise Allshouse, Danny Christensen, Paris Boone, Efrain Tovar, Manuel Cortes, Steven Ueltzen, Jeremy Bishel and Tony Philips.
Thank you Lindsey Pena of KSEE 24 for doing a wonderful job emceeing the event!
Thank you also to our sponsors and vendors: Dr. Sukhjit S. Purewal, D.D.S., Diamond Learning Center, Snapshot Media, United Valley Insurance Services, Blackwell & Glines Marketing, Media Solutions, Inc, A Design for You, Timeless Entertainment, Fatte Alberts Pizza, Big Orange Shaved Ice, Club 321, Arc Fresno, C. Hill Photography, Will Sherwood from New York Met Life, WayFinders, Break the Barriers, Body Maintenance Fitness Plus, Pop performing artists Conrad & Chasen Greenwood, and Diamonds in the Rough band. Thank you to our volunteers from the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity from Fresno State, as well as the students from Duncan. You were a tremendous help this year! That day would not have run as smoothly without you all!
Without the continued support of our community, DSACC would not be able to provide the services, programs and events to enhance the quality of lives of those touched by Down syndrome in the Central Valley.
Thank you. See you at next year’s Step Up!
Jennifer Whiting
2011 Step Up for Down Syndrome Chair
