8th Annual F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Buddy Walk® Presented By Gagnon Foundation
Join us for the 8th Annual FRIENDS Buddy Walk® at Carrollwood Village Park! Check-in and fun family activities begin at 10:00am. Team Awards & Guest speakers at 11:00am. Opening Ceremony at 11:30am, and walk at 12:21pm. Scroll down for more details.
$69,807Raised of $80,000
Join us for the 8th F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Annual Buddy Walk® on Saturday, October 19th, 2024!
Since its inception in 1995, the Buddy Walk® has stood as the foremost advocacy event for Down syndrome in the United States, gaining global recognition as the leading public awareness initiative for the Down syndrome community. Drawing participants from across the nation each year, the Buddy Walk® serves as a beacon of unity, inspiration, and celebration.
This annual event not only fosters a sense of community among individuals with Down syndrome and special needs but also serves as a vital fundraiser in support of FRIENDS Down Syndrome Special Needs West FL's mission. We serve as a vital resource for information and support concerning Down syndrome and various special needs, offering programs designed to foster the inclusion, equality, and diversity of individuals within our community. Additionally, FRIENDS provides invaluable support and guidance to families, caregivers, educators, employers, and professionals dedicated to serving individuals with Down syndrome and special needs.
Event Schedule
8:00AM: VOLUNTEER & EXHIBITOR CHECK-IN
10:00AM: CHECK-IN & T-SHIRT PICK UP
10:00AM: Al Lopez Drum Circle Performance
10:30AM: PERFORMANCES BY ONE ELITE, ONE DREAM & MILOSZ GASIOR
11:00AM: AWARDS AND GUEST SPEAKERS
12:21PM: OPENING CEREMONY & WALK STARTS
1:00PM: DANCE PARTY ON STAGE
1:45PM: OPPORTUNITY DRAWING FOR PRIZES
2:00PM: EVENT CONCLUDES
This is a rain or shine event, no refunds will be issued for walk registrations.
DEADLINE to be GUARANTEED a BW T-shirt is SEPTEMBER 14th!!!
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED!! DAY OF WALK IN-PERSON REGISTRATION PRICE ADULTS $25 CHILDREN 13 YEARS-17 YEARS OLD $20. FREE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DS/SPECIAL NEEDS AND CHILDREN 12 YEARS AND YOUNGER.
TEAM INCENTIVES
RAISE $500 BY AUGUST 31ST AND GET A BUDDY WALK YARD SIGN WITH YOUR TEAM NAME!
TOP 5 FUNDRAISING TEAMS
THE TOP 5 FUNDRAISING TEAMS WILL RECEIVE:
- TENT (LOCATED IN FRONT OF AMPHITHEATER)
- 10 TICKETS TO USE IN OUR OPPORTUNITY DRAWINGS
- COOLER WITH DRINKS/SNACKS
- SWAG BAG
- FAT HEAD OF YOUR LOVED ONE WITH DOWN SYNDROME/SPECIAL NEEDS
- YARD SIGN WITH TEAM NAME
The deadline to be counted among the top 5 fundraising teams is SEPTEMBER 28TH! We need to ensure there's enough time for Fat Head production and shipping.
AWARDS
TOP THREE TEAM AWARDS
LARGEST TEAM AWARD
Donations
Our Sponsors
