Awardee Spotlights

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are unable to host our 30th Anniversary Extrava-Gala in-person as we had planned. At the event, we intended to recognize several important partners that have shaped DSAW into the organization we are today and that have made the world a better place for our friends with Down syndrome and related disabilities. We still want to honor our awardees and share their stories with you virtually. Make sure to watch the videos to meet these incredible people! Thank you all for everything that you do. Congratulations!

Pillar of the Community - Bader Philanthropies

We are proud to recognize Bader Philanthropies as a Pillar of the Community! They have been such a huge part of the growth of our organization, and we can never thank them enough. They have provided the faith, funding, and friendship that launched the Chapter model in Wisconsin, DSAW-Family Services, our Alzheimer's and Aging Services, our housing initiative, and so much more! Take a look at this short video that highlights our friends at Bader Philanthropies.

Corporate Citizenship Award - Cardinal Capital Management & Professional Construction Inc.

We want to recognize two of the fantastic companies that we have the privilege of calling family. Cardinal Capital Management and Professional Construction Inc. have not only shown us the transformative power of corporate giving, but they also dedicate their time and their talents to ensuring our friends with Down syndrome can achieve their greatest life possible. We are honored to present them both with DSAW's Corporate Citizenship Award. THANK YOU for the impact that you make every day.

Trailblazer Award - Maxwell Tegen

We're excited to announce the winner of DSAW's Trailblazer Award!! Max Tegen is a young man who knows no limits, who embodies the future generation of young adults with Down syndrome. He is an Eagle Scout, interns for a senator, attends Edgewood College, and rocks his extra chromosome! Hear more about the trails Max is blazing in this video! Congratulations Max!!!
This award is sponsored by Wipfli.

Distinguished Service Award - Debbie Merkel & Michelle Zoromski

We are thrilled to introduce you to two amazing DSAW leaders, the recipients of DSAW's Distinguished Service Award! Debbie Merkel and Michelle Zoromski of DSAW-Fox Cities were nominated from a statewide pool of candidates for their exceptional and distinguished service in support of DSAW's mission. We can't thank you enough for all you do for DSAW. Watch the video to learn more about Debbie and Michelle!
This award is sponsored by Ansay & Associates.

Lifetime Achievement Award - Dr. David Smith

It is our honor to share with you all one final award! We celebrate Dr. David Smith with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Smith has done so much to help families who have a loved one with Down syndrome throughout his life. In addition to his role in starting the Down Syndrome Clinic at Children's Wisconsin, he played a crucial role in the founding of the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin, and he continues to be involved today as he helps DSAW to educate and train families and medical professionals. He is also father to Charlie, a 35 year old man who happens to have Down syndrome and Dr. Smith's biggest inspiration. Thank you Dr. Smith for taking care of people with Down syndrome and their families!!