Walk Day 2020: DSAW Was Virtually Inseparable On September 27th

2020 has been a challenging year for all of us. When we were tasked with planning and executing our Down Syndrome Awareness Walks- the largest fundraising events of our year- during a pandemic, we had no idea what they would look like. What we ended up creating was truly powerful and reminded us that the DSAW family across the state is virtually inseparable not just this year, but all the time.

We threw a statewide awareness party for all of DSAW’s chapters and the Madison Area Down Syndrome Society. We united online for months ahead of Walk Day to raise awareness and encourage everyone’s fundraising efforts for our loved ones with Down syndrome and related disabilities. We loved hosting online giveaways, weekly Facebook Live videos, and connecting with our friends across the state.

That connectedness carried over into Walk Day. While DSAW- Southeastern gathered at Franklin Field, families and Walk teams in La Crosse were hiking in their Walk shirts. MADSS members were driving around town in a car parade. People gathered to walk in Green Bay, Sheboygan, Wausau, Chippewa Valley, and the Fox Cities, all in the name of Down syndrome awareness.

Thank you to all of the families and individuals across Wisconsin who participated in this new, mostly virtual, event. It was a year unlike any other!

If you missed it, you can still donate to support your community! Click the donate buttons below to give to your local Chapter. We can't wait to provide even more DSAW programs and services!

Walk Day Around Wisconsin!

DSAW- Southeastern WI

DSAW- Southeastern celebrated Walk Day with a car parade at Franklin Field. In the afternoon cars gathered in the parking lot and people waited for the program, decorated their cars for the parade, or caught up with friends they hadn’t seen in months.

DSAW’s Executive Director, Dawn, gave a speech thanking the Southeastern WI Walk’s wonderful sponsors: Cardinal Capital Management, Los Potrillos Auto Sales, Professional Construction Inc., our new friends at Roc Ventures and the Milwaukee Milkmen. Dr. Tim Tikalsky, DDS of the Dentists on Bluemound, UPS Freight, Nicolet National Bank, TJ’s Roundabout, TMJ4, My Choice Wisconsin, American Family Insurance, and Connections. She also announced the top 5 teams that raised the most leading up to Walk Day and they collected their prizes.

Then DSAW’s Marketing & Development Manager, Rachel, pumped everyone up for the main event- the car parade! Cars decorated with blue and yellow balloons, ribbons, and stars; with flags and photos taped to the doors, and with dogs hanging out of the windows filed out of the parking lot and into the streets, honking horns and blasting tunes.

DSAW- Central WI

DSAW- Central Board memebers posted a video that highlighted all of their 21 Showcase submissions! Each submission got a shout out and was celebrated! They then announced the Top 3 Fundraising Teams and thanked their event sponsors.

DSAW- Central WI then encouraged all of the Walk Teams and participants to go enjoy the day with family while walking and raising awareness for their loved ones!

Watch the DSAW- Central WI Walk Day Video

DSAW- Green Bay

DSAW- Green Bay was all about the walking on Walk Day. They announced their Top 5 Fundraising Teams and then took their celebration outside. Families walked in their Walk t-shirts and DSAW swag all around the Green Bay area.

DSAW- Fox Cities

DSAW- Fox Cities posted a Facebook Live on Walk Day. In the video they thanked their Walk sponsors and announced their Top 10 Teams: 1. Cruisin' w/ Cameron 2. Dan K & the Partay 3. Leg up for Liam 4. Chloe's Crew 5. StrongWill 6.Ollie's Entourage 7. Cruisin with Carter 8. Team Super Wyatt 9. Trey's Troopers 10. Dana's Daisies

After the video, they reminded all participants to get out and walk with loved ones during the afternoon.

Watch DSAW- Fox Cities Facebook Live

DSAW- La Crosse

DSAW- La Crosse celebrated their Walk Day with a video that showed off the 21 Showcase submissions from their chapter! Viewers then got to hear from Board member, Jean, who welcomed everyone from outside of J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. on French Island! Jean and other board members gave each sponsor a nice shout out from outside their businesses! They then announced the Biggest Team and the Largest Donation winners, and encouraged DSAW- La Crosse to go enjoy a walk or hike outside while wearing t-shirts.

Watch the DSAW- La Crosse Walk Day Send off

DSAW- Chippewa Valley

Board member, Scott, kicked off the afternoon by posting his “short and sweet” video that announced DSAW- Chippewa Valley’s Top 3 Fundraising Teams: Kalaya's Krew, Josephine's Peeps, Team Corbin. Congrats to the winners!! DSAW- Chippewa Valley thanked their amazing donors, sponsors, and families for sticking with them during this difficult year.

Watch the DSAW- Chippewa Valley Walk Day Winner’s Announcement

DSAW Connects: Fall Programming Launch

On September 1, DSAW launched the fall section of DSAW Connects which will run until December 18th! DSAW Connects offers both paid and free program options for all ages.

DSAW Connects: Statewide Fall Programming

For paid programs, courses are geared for ages 12 and up, although there is no minimum age. The fall section of classes offers new courses as well as classes that were available in summer. All participants must re-enroll in classes even if they participated in the summer.

Classes cover a range of topics and activities. There are programs like “Back to Work” and “Young Leaders” that are very content-based and geared towards older self advocates. There are fun group exercise programs like “Move and Groove” and “Body Blast.” As well as courses that cover social skills, media, and friendship! There is a class that will fit your needs and help you child or self advocate reach their goals this season.

If you think your loved one would benefit from our classes, sign them up! If you are unsure if your loved one is ready, contact Lilly to see if DSAW Connects is right for you.