Next Designer Genes Buddy Walk - September 29, 2012
Join us at the next Buddy Walk on September 29, 2012.
Bismarck State Capitol Grounds
10 am Registration | 11 am Walk
Join with others from your community in supporting Down syndrome awareness by taking part in Bismarck’s 9th-annual Designer Genes Buddy Walk on Saturday, September 29th at the State Capitol in Bismarck. Registration and entertainment will begin at 10:00 a.m., with the approximately 1-mile walk kicking off at 11 a.m. Pre-registration is not necessary and no registration fees are collected from walkers. The walk promotes Down syndrome awareness and is supported by well-appreciated community sponsors. Walkers who wish to donate $10 or more will receive a walk t-shirt.
WHAT:The Buddy Walk was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in 1995 to promote acceptance and inclusion of all people with Down syndrome. This year the 2010 Designer Genes Buddy Walk was one of at least 275 Buddy Walk events scheduled from mid-September through November, with more than 250,000 people expected to participate.
WHEN:Saturday, September 29th. Registration and entertainment begins at 10:00 am, with the walk beginning at 11 am.
WHERE:State Capitol Grounds, Bismarck – Registration will be set up at the Capitol Steps and the walk will be conducted around the Capitol loop.(600 E Boulevard Avenue)
WHO:About 1,500 people are expected to attend. Participants include people with Down syndrome from around the state, their families, friends, teachers, coworkers and other supporters.The general public is encouraged to attend and show their support for people of all abilities. BACKGROUND:Designer Genes is does not focus on fundraising during the Buddy Walk, however, last year alone, Buddy Walks raised more than $10.5 million to benefit national education, research and advocacy initiatives, as well as local programs and services. All funds raised through the Designer Genes Buddy Walk support both local and national programs.
Designer Genes doesn't ask individual walkers to gather contributions for Down syndrome awareness. We rely on generous community sponsors and individuals who simply choose to donate. If you'd like to contribute to Designer Genes' efforts please take a moment and do so. Your contribution will be greatly appreciated and go to support activities in North Dakota.
The main purpose of the Designer Genes Buddy Walk is to raise awareness of the potential of individuals with Down syndrome to live, learn, work and contribute to their community. Our main effort is not fundraising, which is why our walk is a little different than some of the other walks.
The walk is approximately 1-mile, and makes three loops around the Capitol Mall symbolizing the "tri-" in Trisomy - the chromosomal abnormality that causes Down syndrome. The general public is encouraged to attend and show their support for people of all abilities. No registration fees are collected from walkers. The walk is to promote Down syndrome awareness and is supported by well-appreciated community sponsors
The Buddy Walk has three primary goals:
To promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome;
To raise funds for education, research and advocacy programs; and
To enhance the position of the Down syndrome community, enabling us to influence local and national policy and practice.
