Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month! From farm tours to fundraising to fun outdoor activities, August was a full and successful month with virtual and in-person events! A great time to be outside before it gets too cold, several crowd-pleasing locations were reserved for DSAW family and friends. Read on to find out more about the events that were enjoyed throughout Wisconsin this August!
State
Fall program registration opened in August! Our DSAW Connects virtual programming provides fun and educational curriculum for the entire state, and our in-person programs and services are available in Southeastern WI and South Central WI! Information about our Fall Programs is listed in our website: https://www.dsaw.org/programsfall2022
2022 Pip & Homer Golf Classic
This year, the 26th Annual Pip & Homer Golf Classic outing was held at the award-winning, Club Lac La Belle in Oconomowoc. With a newly redesigned course and clubhouse, owner Tyler Morse was excited to be able to host the event this year. Having a daughter with Down syndrome himself, he’s very passionate about DSAW's mission. The day was spent on the beautiful course, filled with fun games, chances to win big prizes, delicious food, and a beautiful program. Tom Pipines, retired Fox sports anchor, and Steve “The Homer” True, sportscaster for ESPN, helped to put on this wonderful, successful event!
Sheboygan Mini Golf & Walk Fundraiser
DSAW Sheboygan kicked off the the first Awareness Walk of the season August 6th. The Sheboygan Mini Golf & Walk fundraiser was held at Harbor Pointe Miniature Golf with kid-friendly balloon artists and grab and go snacks. Through all the support and generosity of those in the community, we were able to raise $18,422 that will be used to support families in need, send new and expectant parent packs at no cost to parents who received a Down syndrome diagnosis, and continue to be able to provide DSAW Sheboygan’s services.
Fox Cities Summer Park Meet Up: Erb Park Playground, Appleton WI
The Erb Park Playground in Appleton offers family fun for local kids and adults! With slacklines and climbing features, interactive music, cornhole, ping pong tables, tennis courts, and more the park provided provided a day of fun for DSAW families to gather and enjoy a variety of activities and relaxation.
Green Bay
Aug Fundraiser: Happy Joe's Pizza has been a wonderful supporter of DSAW-Green Bay over the years! On Thursday, August 25th, Happy Joe’s held a fundraiser to support DSAW Green Bay. Customers could donate to DSAW by dining in or ordering on-line for carry out or delivery. When placing an order on August 25, customers just needed to mention DSAW-Green Bay and Happy Joe’s would donate 20% of the sale to the Green Bay Chapter.
The Billboard Winner for the Green Bay Walk was announced in August. Congrats to last year's top fundraising team Dexter & Chromies! The billboard was featured on highway 172E by the Oneida St. exit and ran until Sept. 24th.
Sheboygan
HUGE SHOUT OUT to the Sheboygan North Golden Raiders Football. The Golden Raiders presented a check for $500 to DSAW-Sheboygan. The 50/50 raffle proceeds from the Aug 19th game were donated to DSAW-Sheboygan. We would like to thank the parents, students, and our community for helping the Football program raise funds for the Sheboygan chapter.
South Central
Monday Meet Up
Rotary Botanical Gardens
EXPLORE!, a new recurring event happening every other Monday, is about discovering the world around us! Families visit a variety of locations in multiple counties across South Central WI to expand their knowledge of our surrounding communities. The first Monday of August, participants visited the Rotary Botanical gardens where they learned signs and sang some songs. The event, in Janesville, was free to individuals with down syndrome and related disabilities.
Green County at DeVoe Farm in Monroe
Our second EXPLORE! event was in Green County at the DeVoe Farm in Monroe. Participants got to experience farm life firsthand at this 2,000-acre working dairy family farm feeding calves, gathering eggs, and meeting the livestock. The tour included peacocks, guineas, ducks, pigs, goats, a donkey, and snacks and goodie bags for kids!
La Crosse
Family Picnic at Trane All Abilities Park
A family fun picnic at Trane All Abilities Park was held August 20th from 11am-4pm. The All Abilities Trane Park is an all-inclusive park with various playground structures for individuals of all ages and abilities. The park boasts play equipment exhaustively researched and carefully selected for its ability to accommodate everyone – including those with limited mobility and special needs.
