What is the Buddy Walk?
The Down Syndrome Association NWI has served the region since 1987 providing programs, resources and activities to individuals of all ages with Down syndrome. When rebuilding in 2019, we moved to a more inclusive model for individuals and families promoting the friendships that are created and fostered within & around our community. We opened two Friendship Centers in 2021 where we welcome friends of all ages and abilities plus promote finding role models and peers inside these safe spaces.
The DSANWI is a grassroots federal nonprofit that depends on the fundraising efforts of our families and this community. We do not receive any state or federal funding or belong to any type of national organization. We do not have any paid staff.
We are headed into the fundraising season for our annual Buddy Walk & Family Fun Day held at the Lake County Fairgrounds on October 30, 2022. As the primary fundraiser that fuels our programs all year, we count on our community to support this effort.
Buddy Walk Teams
Registration for the 2022 Buddy Walk has begun. You will be able to create a team, share the link on social media and via email to invite others to register for your team or donate to support it. Plus, you will be able to order tshirts, invite businesses to create a team or sponsor our biggest fundraising effort of the year!
Request to Create a Buddy Walk Team
Create your Buddy Walk team and raise money through registrations, donations and sponsorships. The top 2021 fundraising team honoree will be the Grand Marshall of the 2022 Buddy Walk. The Grand Marshall will be featured in 2022 Buddy Walk materials and lead the 1 Mile Walk at the Fairgrounds!
Register for Buddy Walk
Become a Sponsor
Thank you for your interest in sponsoring the 2022 Buddy Walk benefitting the Down Syndrome Association NWI. Your sponsorship can be added to the fundraising efforts of an individual team or to the organization’s DSANWI Friends Team.
Know that your contribution of any size supports the programs provided to individuals and families throughout the region and south Chicagoland and is sincerely appreciated.
We are headed into the fundraising season for our annual Buddy Walk & Family Fun Day held at the Lake County Fairgrounds on October 30, 2022. As the primary fundraiser that fuels our programs all year, we count on our community to support this effort.
Friendship Sponsor $10,000
One available: Prime location on event tshirt, welcome banner, print materials plus retail corridor or community resource table & route signage–your company team leads the Buddy Walk with the 2022 Grand Marshall
Buddy Sponsor $5000
Two available: Split second location on event tshirt, welcome banner, print materials plus retail or community resource table & route signage
Playmate Sponsor $2500
Four available: included on welcome banner, print materials, retail or community resource table and route signage
Pal Sponsors $1000
Included on print materials, retail or community resource table & route signage
Bears Game Tailgate Sponsor $10,000
Sponsor our Buddy Walk After Party featuring the Chicago Bears at Dallas Cowboys at 12:00PM on a with food & drinks provided for ticketed participants
Please include your hi-res logo in a .jpg or .png format to this form or email to [email protected] with the subject line: Sponsor Logo.
We hope you will join us the day of the event to witness the joy and friendship your gift helps make possible–or create a Buddy Walk team of your own to share in the fun!
Become A Buddy Walk Volunteer
Coming Soon
Here is the tshirt design for the 2022 Buddy Walk. These are free with registration for individuals with Down Syndrome.
Additional tshirts may be purchased using this form. Please place your orders now through Monday, October 17th and plan to pick up shirts on Friday October 28th from 6-9 PM or upon entry into the Buddy Walk starting at 8AM on Sunday, October 30th. We will order a small number of extra shirts for purchase on the day of the Walk, but recommend purchasing this week to guarantee sizes. If you have questions, feel free to email at [email protected]
