September was WALK MONTH! All of our chapters were very busy prepping and hosting their Annual Down syndrome Awareness Walks all over the state of Wisconsin! In Southeastern WI, Fox Cities, and Madison in-person programming continues and virtual programming went on as usual across the state. Read on for more details!
DSAW hosted 6 Awareness Walks in the month of September! These Walks raise necessary funds to help keep DSAW chapters running in every region of Wisconsin. All of our chapters thank their sponsors and volunteers as well as anyone who helped fundraise, joined a team, or showed up on Walk Day! DSAW strives to be the best-supported state in the country for people with Down syndrome and their families and we could not achieve that without the help of all of you!!
DSAW- Southeastern WI 25th Anniversary Down Syndrome Awareness Walk
DSAW- Southeastern hosted its 25th Anniversary Down Syndrome Awareness Walk and family festival at the Milwaukee County Zoo on September 26th! We had an awesome turnout and exceeded our fundraising goal of $170,000!! SNAP Poms and Bella Via Dance Troupe gave energizing performances throughout the day. There were carnival games, a rock climbing wall, raffles, and more! Tom Pipines emceed our pre-walk program and 21 Showcase. The highlight of the day was when participants with Down syndrome walked down a red carpet and were celebrated by our huge crowd of attendees. We had a record number of 21 Showcase participants- 70+! We were blown away by the support and generosity of our community! BIG thank yous to everyone who fundraised from home, virtual participants, all of our amazing corporate sponsors, and the 190 volunteers who showed up to make this day happen!
Miss our Walk? You can still donate to DSAW- Southeastern WI here!
Madison Area Down Syndrome Society 20th Anniversary Awareness Walk
MADSS kicked off Walk Season with their Awareness Walk on September 19th. They started their event with a car parade that ended at Olin Park. The Walk and family festival included music, games, raffles, and more! There was a beautiful program that announced MADSS’s accomplishments, thanked sponsors, and celebrated the top fundraising teams. Because of amazing sponsorships and community support, MADSS crushed their fundraising goal and will be able to keep making dreams come true for individuals with Down syndrome and their families in the Madison area.
Missed this Walk? You can still donate to MADSS here!
DSAW- Central Wisconsin 4th Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk
DSAW- Central WI held their 4th Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk at Marathon Park on September 25th! They had an excellent turnout and wonderful weather. The event had a huge raffle with almost 40 baskets full of goods from local businesses. The Board would like to shout-out University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point for massive student participation in this event. The UWSP Dance Team preformed and cheered on walkers as well. Participants with Down Syndrome were celebrated during the 21 Showcase and the Top 3 Fundraising Teams were awarded cash prizes. It was an incredible event!
Missed our Walk? Donate here!
DSAW- Chippewa Valley 15th Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk
DSAW- Chippewa Valley held their 15th Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk on September 26th at Irvine Park. This chapter had a hugely successful fundraising year thanks to wonderful corporate sponsorships. The family festival included live music, a catered lunch, and raffles for all. The Top Fundraising Teams were recognized during the pre-walk rally. The chapter is excited to use their extra fundraising dollars to benefit families in their community!
Missed this Walk? You can donate here!
DSAW- Green Bay 13th Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk
DSAW- Green Bay had their 13th Annual Awareness Walk in a new location this year- Capital Credit Union Stadium! The Walk was very well-attended and the chapter exceeded its fundraising goal! The family festival included raffles, games, and a 21 Showcase to celebrate participants with Down syndrome. Everyone had a wonderful day raising awareness and acceptance!
You can still donate here if you missed the Walk!
DSAW- La Crosse 19th Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk
DSAW- La Crosse celebrated Down syndrome awareness and unity at their 19th Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk! They created a visual display of their walk theme (unity) by having everyone in attendance wear their 2021 Walk t-shirts. The Walk was held at Myrick Park and had a great turnout. Winners were recognized during a pre-walk rally and then all participants walked along the route.
Missed this Walk? Donate here!
DSAW- Fox Cities Update
DSAW- Fox Cities promoted their upcoming Awareness Walk on the local news! Dan, a member of DSAW- Fox Cities and a self advocate, spoke with Sam, a DSAW Staff Member, and his sister, DSAW- Fox Cities Client Services Manager Jen, about important fundraising deadlines and what to look forward to at the Walk! We are so proud of them for representing DSAW and getting the word out!
Self-advocate Spotlight: Miranda!
With support from JQ, Miranda was able to achieve her dream of becoming a certified yoga instructor!
DSAW Program Updates
DSAW Skills Training Academy
Skills Training Academy includes scheduled class instruction paired with hands-on application of skills. This class includes time for physical workout, along with some fun and creative activities for our participants. Some of these activities include: fall door decorations, technology trivia, hula hoop exercise, tic-tac-toe basketball, bingo, karaoke, technology memory & practice in creating events using an app.
Tween Club Is Back!
Tween Club is back in Southeastern WI and Fox Cities!!
This is a FREE program for children with Down syndrome and other disabilities who are under 18! Both locations host it once a month!
Virtual Family Night: BINGO Party
DSAW loves hosting virtual fun for families once a month! This month’s family night was Virtual BINGO! Families had a great time getting competitive and having fun online. We are looking forward to the next one already!
DSAW Small Groups
DSAW Small Groups are a huge success! Participants under and over 18 love the opportunity to develop friendships, meet new people, and explore their communities. This group went out to a delicious dinner together!
Social Skills Group
Participants create their own SMART goals in DSAW Social Skills Group! This group and groups like it are perfect for individuals who are interested in goal setting, improving their communication skills, and working on social interactions!
