Thank you to everyone who submitted their blue and yellow photos for our Down Syndrome Awareness Month Photo Contest!
Congratulations to our winners!
Caroline
Lucy
Maisy
Check out all of the awesome submissions we had!
DSAW-Statewide Awareness Walk / Halloween Celebration
October 26th 2024 | The Carmelite in Wauwautosa
For the first time in 28 years, DSAW had to cancel its Statewide Awareness Walk due to the lightning. No one was more disappointed than us! We still had to celebrate our awesome teams and families so we were able to move our celebration to our Annual Halloween Party on October 26th, 2024!
Our new Carmelite space came alive with Halloween spirit as we celebrated our combined Halloween Party and Walk event! The energy was electric, the costumes were amazing, and the memories made were unforgettable. Besides celebrating Halloween with our families, we were able to do our favorite walk events - our 21 Showcase and our Top Team Awards!
DSAW-Greater La Crosse Awareness Walk 2024
October 12th, 2024 | Myrick Park in La Crosse
On Saturday, October 12th, the DSAW-Greater La Crosse Chapter had an amazing day at their 22nd Annual Fall Festival and Awareness Walk! So many families—many new to DSAW—came out, along with neighbors, community members, and, most importantly, our friends and loved ones with Down syndrome and other unique abilities. Highlights of the day included very popular 3-2-1 Tacos for lunch, visits from our friend Brutus the TheraPiggy, face painting, balloon creations, horse-drawn carriage rides around the park, and delicious fresh cotton candy and snow cones!
Thank you to all of the fantastic families, volunteers, and sponsors of our Greater La Crosse DSAW Chapter!
DSAW- Fox Cities 15th Annual Awareness Walk 2024
October 5th, 2024 | Town Center Park in Grand Chute
On Saturday, October 5th, the Fox Cities chapter hosted the 15th Annual Awareness Walk at Town Center Park in Grand Chute, and it was a wonderful success! We were thrilled to welcome over 1,000 walkers, along with over 100 dedicated volunteers, numerous vendors, and community resource advocates. More than 100 raffle prizes were awarded, and together, we raised an incredible $114,000+ for DSAW-FC, which will help us continue expanding our programs, services, and events.
The weather was perfect, with sunshine and a light breeze (though a little less wind would have been nice!). Families and children had a blast meeting Star Wars characters, visiting the petting zoo, jumping on trampolines, climbing the rock wall, navigating the bounce obstacle course, riding the train, getting their faces painted, snapping fun photos in the photo booth, and enjoying time with friends and family.
This year’s event was a tremendous success at our new walk venue. Attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch of grilled hot dogs, thanks to the Appleton Elks, along with bananas and water generously donated by Festival Foods, and chips and fruit snacks. TerraVerde’s food truck provided coffee, and Easy Street Cookies offered tasty treats for purchase.
Thank you to everyone who made this day possible—we couldn't have done it without you!
Another huge thank you to Dream Lit Studios for taking amazing photos!
DSAW-South Central 23rd Annual Awareness Walk
October 6th, 2024 | DeForest’s Fireman’s Park
The DSAW-South Central had a beautiful and windy 23rd Annual Awareness Walk in South Central Wisconsin at DeForest's Fireman's Park on Sunday, October 6. We had over 425 participants, 54 volunteers, and 22 Community Partners. With the generosity of so many people, we reached our goal of $50,000. We had a day filled with bouncy houses, a rock climbing wall, DJ, great food, a petting farm, Disney princesses, and so much more! The highlight was our 21 Showcase program, celebrating and recognizing over 25 individuals with Down syndrome. We added an exercise component called Laps Without Limits: Community in Motion, where participants could go to different stations and participate in different activities, such as dance, yoga, basketball, soccer, and music. We had a GREAT day hanging out with friends, making new friends, and celebrating!
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported us in reaching our goal and creating a memorable event!
DSAW-Chippewa Valley 18th Annual Awareness Walk 2024
September 29th, 2024 | Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls
The DSAW- Chippewa Valley Chapter held its 18th Annual Awareness Walk on September 29th! The weather was absolutely beautiful, and over 500 people attended! This year, families enjoyed a bounce house, face painters, an amazing 21 Showcase, and some fun raffles!
Thank you to everyone who supported and celebrated in Chippewa Valley! We would also like to thank all of the generous sponsors, raffle donors, and volunteers who made this event so special!
DSAW-Green Bay 16th Annual Awareness Walk 2024
September 28th, 2024 | Capital Credit Union Park in Ashwaubenon
The Green Bay Chapter held their 16th Annual Awareness Walk on September 28th. Their theme this year was "Can't Stop Us! 3-2-1... Go!" and they sure go! With 945 people registered and 53 walk teams, the Green Bay Chapter had an amazing 2024 Walk! With all of the amazing community members, families, and friends who support their walk, they were able to reach and surpass their $100,000 goal!
Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors!
DIAMOND - $5000
The Village Companies
GOLD - $2500
American Foods Group
Vos Electric
Humana/HumanaShares
SILVER - $1000
Alpha Automotive
Amerilux
Caroline's Crew
Dallaire Realty
Della Jewelry Co.
Engage Orthodontics
First Impressions
Furnitureland
Lux Life Chiropractic
Nelson Tactical
Skinkis Lawn & Landscape
Stanley Black & Decker
Stiegler Company
Thrivent (4- $250 gift cards)
BRONZE - $500
AON
Bath Concrete
Bay insurance
Best Enterprise
Black Sheep Pub & Grill
Casco Lions
DePere Christian Outreach
Festival Foods (water/banana)
HJ Martin
Howard Fire Auxiliary
IEI Contractors
KOS Realty
McKeefry & Sons
My Choice (state level)
Schneider
Tropical Smoothie
Village of Howard
VPC
Russ & Lavonne Sweger
DSAW-Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties Mini Golf and Awareness Walk 2024
September 14th, 2024 | Harbor Pointe Mini Golf in Sheboygan
On September 14th, the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin - Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties held their 15th Annual Mini Golf and Awareness Walk at Harbor Pointe Mini Golf in Sheboygan! With mini golf, princesses, balloons, the 21 Showcase, and more, our DSAW family members enjoyed the beautiful Sheboygan weather as they celebrated their self-advocates!
A huge thank you to the Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties families, friends, donors, sponsors, advisory board, and volunteers for a successful Awareness Walk!
WXOW: La Crosse Awareness Walk on WKBT News 8000
Our La crosse 20th Annual Awareness Walk received great news coverage from WKBT News 8000. To watch the whole story, follow the link:
La Crosse Awareness Walk featured on News WXOW
Our La Crosse 20th Annual Awareness Walk received great news coverage from WXOW news 19. To watch the whole story, follow the link:
South Central Awareness Walk receives local news coverage
Down syndrome Association of Wisconsin- South Central Awareness Walk
Thank you: Our Awareness Walk received some news coverage from WMTV NBC 15. To see the whole story, follow the link:
Syble Hopp student featured in Times Square for Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Our friend Preston Taylor was featured on screens in Times Square on Sept 17, 2022, thanks to National Down Syndrome Society! The video presentation, featuring 500 self-advocates from across the country, and was live-streamed on their Facebook page at 8:30AM that same day. Our friend Norman from the Milwaukee area will be featured as well! To watch the whole story, follow the link:
Looking Back on December 2017
Milwaukee
Holiday Party
We welcomed 300+ people to our DSAW-Greater Milwaukee Area Holiday Party on December 16!! We had music, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, a hot chocolate bar, games, and more! Santa and some of his elves came down to visit from the North Pole, and they brought presents for over 150 children! We had a delicious homemade lunch of turkey, mashed potatoes, mac n cheese, jello, and veggies. Texas Roadhouse donated pulled pork too! We raffled off a gingerbread making kit and busted some moves on the dance floor. Thank you so much to all of our families who joined us. We love you, and we hope you have a safe, fun holiday season!
Young Leaders Bootcamp
December Bootcamp was Holiday Baking month!! At the beginning of the month, we made sugar cookie dough to use for cookie decorating at our DSAW-Sheboygan Holiday Party! Then we made some cookies for ourselves to enjoy!
Bootcamp meets on Tuesday nights at 6pm. Join us in January to make a music video!!
Cooking with the Kiddos
At Cooking with the Kiddos in December, families made customized personal pizzas! Cook with us next month and sign up here!
Motor Skills Playgroup
Our Motor Skills Playgroup meets every second and fourth Tuesday morning! This group is a fun chance for children to learn occupational therapy skills in a free environment, while parents enjoy coffee and each other's company. Join us in January!
Young Leaders Academy
Our Young Leaders Academy meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month. This month we did yoga to help us slow down during the busy holiday season, and we ended with an hour of employment-readiness curriculum. Self-Advocates are invited to join our class anytime. Come out to Young Leaders in January!
Tween Club
This month at Tween Club we spent the night tie dying DSAW sweatshirts!! Next month's Tween Club will be on Friday, January 12. Click here to sign up!
Parent's Night Out
In December, DSAW parents, grandparents, and caregivers got together at Club Paragon again for a night of casual conversation and free appetizers. We meet every second Friday of the month! Drop your child off at Tween Club on January 12 and stop by our Parent's Night Out!
Chippewa Valley
Holiday Party
At the beginning of December, DSAW-Chippewa Valley hosted a big Holiday Party at Cabin Ridge! We had delicious food, a "sleigh" ride through the woods, hot chocolate to warm up, and a visit from Santa and his elves!! A big thank you to everyone involved!
La Crosse
Holiday Party
It sure is the most WONDERFUL time of the year! DSAW-COTH-GLA family and friends gathered to celebrate the magic of the season on December 16 at our annual Holiday Party. There was soccer, football, dancing, a bounce house, a parachute game; all kinds of fun for all ages. When we took a well-deserved break for lunch, we went around the room highlighting the 2017 accomplishments of each individual with Down syndrome- TRULY INSPIRING! It was great to see old friends and make new friends, share knowledge about our experiences, and support the families that are new to this journey. We even had a surprise visitor from the North Pole.
North Central WI (Antigo)
Culver's Family Social
DSAW is beginning to expand its Parent Support Groups in North Central WI, specifically in Antigo. We had our second event in December - a Culver's Family Social! Come bowling with us in January! If you live in North Central WI and want to get involved with DSAW, join our Facebook group!
Central WI
Winter Fest
Our Central WI chapter hosted a Winter Fest party on Saturday, December 9! We got together for crafts and activities, snacks, and a visit from Santa! Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us.
Sheboygan
Holiday Party
DSAW families in Sheboygan joined us in celebrating the holidays at Odyssey Fun Center this month! We started off with holiday crafts, music, and cookie decorating, and then we spent the afternoon bowling! Thanks to all who participated and helped us prepare for the event!
Green Bay
Playgroup
DSAW-Green Bay hosted its monthly playgroup at Kidz Town in December. Individuals with Down syndrome are free! Come play with us on Saturday, January 6!
Holiday Movie Event
DSAW-Green Bay families celebrated the holidays together at De Pere Cinema on December 16! We watched a winter favorite - Frozen!
Fox Cities
Teen FrienDS Club and Parent's Night Out
On the second Friday of every month, we host our Teen FrienDS Club at our office in Appleton in conjunction with a Parent's Night Out! Parents are invited to drop their teens off at our office for a night of games, snacks, movies, and friends; then they head over to a local restaurant for free appetizers and an evening of casual conversation! Come join us next month on January 12!
Looking Back on September 2017
Milwaukee
21st Annual Statewide Down Syndrome Awareness Walk
September was a big month for DSAW!! We hosted our 21st Annual Statewide Down Syndrome Awareness Walk at the Milwaukee County Zoo on Sunday, September 24! It was a beautiful, warm day at the zoo, and we had almost 2,500 people come out to support DSAW and to raise awareness of Down syndrome. Our amazing self-advocates walked the red carpet in our 21 Showcase, we had tons of raffle prizes, lunch, music, games, inflatables, and more! Thanks to your incredible generosity, we surpassed our fundraising goal! We are so humbled and are proud to work for an organization that changes lives every day. Thank you, thank you. Thank you to our volunteers, donors, sponsors, planning committee, families, self-advocates, walkers, and to everyone who made this spectacular day as amazing as it was!
Young Leaders Bootcamp
Throughout August, self-advocates in our Young Leaders Bootcamp rehearsed a musical! On September 6, they got to perform "The Princess and the Dance Crew" for family and friends at our state office. They did a fantastic job - see for yourself!
We also harvested tomatoes and basil from our garden to make homemade bruschetta!
October is Art Month for Young Leaders Bootcamp! We'll be exercising our artistic abilities to make individual and group creations, and we'll work out the right side of our brains learning about art! Bootcamp meets on Tuesday nights at 6pm. Sign up here!
Cooking with the Kiddos
This month at Cooking with the Kiddos we made a yummy meal of grilled cheese and tomato soup. We also baked cookies for the people who came to see our self-advocates perform the play! Cooking with the Kiddos is a fun evening of family bonding, plus a free meal... what could be better?! Cook with us next month and sign up here!
Self-advocate Michelle Levenhagen accepts a sponsorship from Erie Insurance for our Statewide Awareness Walk!
Motor Skills Playgroup
We again hosted our bi-weekly Motor Skills Playgroup at our State office! This group is a fun chance for children to learn occupational therapy skills in a free environment, while parents enjoy coffee and each other's company. Join us in October to hang out with other families and let your child play!
Young Leaders Academy
Self-Advocates joined us for our bi-weekly Young Leaders Academy twice in September. Every class involves a respite activity such as kickball or yoga, and then ends with an hour of employment-readiness curriculum. This month we went hiking near our office! Self-Advocates are invited to join our class anytime. Come out to Young Leaders in October!
Tween Club
Tween Club in September was super fun! We made key chains and Shrinky Dinks, and we played an exciting game of dodgeball. Parents dropped off their tweens at the State office for the night, and then they got to enjoy a casual night at our Parent's Night Out! Sign up for October's Tween Club.
Parent's Night Out
We hosted our monthly Parent's Night Out at Club Paragon again in September. Join us for next month's Parent's Night Out on October 13th!
Grandparents Group
Grandparents of a loved one with Down syndrome meet at our state office on the first Tuesday of each month! We had a great group in September. Consider joining us on October 3rd!
Green Bay
Monthly Playgroup
For September's monthly playgroup, DSAW-Green Bay joined DSAW-Sheboygan at Henry Schuette Park in Manitowoc! Families came together to enjoy the early fall weather on a huge playground.
Mom's Night Out
DSAW-Green Bay held our monthly Mom's Night Out at Mr. Brew's Taphouse! We enjoyed free appetizers and a night of casual conversation. Couples will be invited to October's Night Out on Sunday, October 22! Sign up here.
La Crosse
Festival Foods Brat Barn Fundraiser
At the beginning of the month, we hosted a Brat Barn Fundraiser at Festival Foods for our Awareness Walk. Volunteers were able to earn money for their walk teams!! Self-advocate Rylee rocked it :)
Down Syndrome Awareness Walk
September was our big month!! We hosted our Down Syndrome Awareness Walk at the Onalaska Omni Center on Saturday, September 16th. Despite a few drizzles in the morning, we had a beautiful day raising awareness and acceptance of our loved ones with Down syndrome! We had tons of raffle prizes, inflatables, lawn games, a delicious lunch from Big Boar, and 80s music all afternoon! We CRUSHED our fundraising goal and can continue to change lives through our programs and services. A huge THANK YOU to all of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, walk committee members, planners, families, self-advocates, Walk Royalty, and to everyone who made this day possible. We are so thankful!!
Sheboygan
Playgroup
DSAW-Sheboygan & Surrounding Counties joined DSAW-Green Bay in Manitowoc for a playdate at Henry Schuette Park in early September!
Family Zoo Day
We also had a Family Zoo Day at Lincoln Park Zoo in Manitowoc on September 10th. Several families enjoyed gorgeous fall weather and exploring the zoo.
Chippewa Valley
St. Croix River Valley Parent's Night Out
Parents and caregivers of a loved one with Down syndrome enjoyed free appetizers and a casual night out at Pier 500 in Hudson for our first Parent's Night Out in the St. Croix River Valley area! If you're in Pepin, Pierce, Dunn, St. Croix, or Polk county, join our St. Croix River Valley Facebook page to stay connected and up to date on our upcoming events!
Down Syndrome Awareness Walk
September was our big month!! We hosted our 11th Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk at Irvine Park on Sunday, September 24. We were Powerful in Pink as around 800 people walked to raise awareness and acceptance of our loved ones with Down syndrome! Thank you to all of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, committee members, planners, families, self-advocates, and to everyone who made our walk a success! We love you!
Central WI (Wausau)
DSAW-Central WI hosted an informational meeting about IEPs in September. Garrett Lancelle and Jessica Raschka let parents in on all there is to know about IEPs, while the kids did activities. We also served lunch!
Fox Cities
DSAW-Fox Cities launched its Teen FrienDS Club program in September! On the second Friday of each month September-May, teens with Down syndrome ages 13-19 are invited to join us at our office in Appleton for movies, snacks, music, games, and more!! While the teens are at Teen FrienDS Club, parents are invited to join us for a Parent's Night Out for free appetizers and an evening of casual conversation.
Kenosha/Racine/Walworth
DSAW-KRW hosted a playdate at Petzke Park in Kenosha! We had a beautiful fall day, and the park is accessible for all children and is huge!!
Looking Back on August 2017
Milwaukee
Family Pool Party
We had an awesome time at our Family Pool Party on August 12! More than 10 families joined us for an evening of swimming and splashing around at Hales Corners Pool.
21st Annual Tom Pipines Golf Outing
On August 16, we hosted our 21st Annual Tom Pipines Golf Outing at Western Lakes Golf Course in Pewaukee! We had a gorgeous, fun day out golfing and a wonderful dinner and program in the evening. We had incredible raffle baskets and auction items to raise money for our life-changing programs and services! A huge THANK YOU to everyone who participated, volunteered, and donated.
Respite Day Camp
We continued our Respite Day Camp at our State headquarters during the month of August! On two Wednesdays, middle school and high school students with Down syndrome joined us for a day-long respite camp. In August we practiced reading, talked about social skills and internet safety, took a field trip to Panda Express to work on exchanging money, had an awesome dance party, and more!
Young Leaders Bootcamp
Self-Advocates joined us for a fun month of Young Leaders Bootcamp! This month we continued rehearsing our play and are excited to perform it!
September's theme is Harvest/Healthy Cooking. We’ll be using items from the garden to cook tasty and fresh dishes. This month will grow independent living skills and continue to introduce the self-advocates more to gardening. Bootcamp meets on Tuesday nights at 6pm. Click here to sign up (ages 15+)!
Cooking with the Kiddos
This month at Cooking with the Kiddos we made delicious chicken teriyaki shish kabobs. Cooking with the Kiddos is a fun evening of family bonding, plus a free meal... what could be better? Come cook with us next month!
Motor Skills Playgroup
We again hosted our bi-weekly Motor Skills Playgroup at our State office! This group is a fun chance for children to learn occupational therapy skills in a free environment, while parents enjoy coffee and each other's company. Join us in September to hang out with other families and let your child play!
Young Leaders Academy
Self-Advocates joined us for Young Leaders Academy twice in August. Every class involves a respite activity such as kickball or yoga, and then ends with an hour of employment-readiness curriculum. Self-Advocates are invited to join our class anytime. Come out to Young Leaders Academy in September!
Tween Club
We had our monthly Tween Club again this month. In order to prepare for the new school year, we made our own pencil cases! Parents dropped off their tweens at the State office for a night of crafts, games, and snacks, and then parents got to enjoy a casual night at our Parent's Night Out! Sign up for Tween Club in September.
Parent's Night Out
We hosted our monthly Parent's Night Out at Club Paragon again in August. Join us for next month's Parent's Night Out on September 8!
Family Movie Night
DSAW families came to our State headquarters at the end of August for a slumber party-themed movie night! We watched Beauty and the Beast and enjoyed some snacks!!
Club DSAW
This month at Club DSAW we took a trip to Tee Aire mini golf course in Brookfield! Self-advocates joined us for an afternoon of mini golf, and two of them got a hole in one!! We treated ourselves to custard at Culver's after golfing.
Green Bay
Haircut Fundraiser
We hosted a Haircut Fundraiser for our Awareness Walk on August 6 at HYPE Hair in Green Bay!! We were even featured on WFRV Channel 5 :) Click here to see the news story about our awesome fundraiser.
Awareness Walk
DSAW-Green Bay held our 9th Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk on Sunday, August 27! It was a beautiful day (the rain held out just for our event!) with amazing raffles, games, music, a train, and more. Almost 600 people attended the event, and together we colored a beautiful world! THANK YOU to everyone who planned, participated, donated, and volunteered!! We could not have done it without you. Check out the press coverage of the walk!
La Crosse
Holmen Kornfest Parade
Walk royalty Lila Dummer and Sam Malin rode through Holmen in style (pictured right) at the Kornfest Parade on August 19! DSAW families walked in the parade to raise awareness of DSAW and Down syndrome in the community.
Beer by Bike Brigade
On August 19, DSAW-COTH-GLA was spotlighted as the nonprofit group at the Beer By Bike Brigade (BBBB) Ride. A fun-loving group of self-advocates, parents, siblings, grandparents, friends and caregivers united to promote the amazing work DSAW is doing in the Greater La Crosse Area. Heather Coleman, Katie Sue Cavanaugh, and Eliza Levendoski melted the hearts of 300+ riders as they handed out buttons and welcomed riders at Riverside Park. But it was Aaron Hulse who stole the show! He fully participated in the ride, after biking from Onalaska to La Crosse. It was wonderful to see Aaron making new friends and showing off his bike to the BBBB group. He showed everyone it doesn't matter if you have a bike worth $10,000 or $2; it doesn't matter if your bike has 1 wheel, 2 wheels or 3 wheels; it doesn't matter if your bike is red, black, purple, multi-color or rust; and it certainly doesn't matter if you have an extra chromosome.
BBBB riders are very similar to DSAW. They are an eclectic group of people- some are there to socialize, some to meet new people, some to bike, some to drink, some to support local business, some to support local non-profits, and some that just want to see what the hype is about- all coming together to have a good time and support the incredible community we live in! BBBB was so impressed with DSAW-COTH-GLA that they want to throw a pop-up fundraiser for us in November. Stay in the loop by liking Beer by Bike Bridge and Down Syndrome Association of WI-Lacrosse Chapter on Facebook.
Thank you to the Beer By Bike Brigade for spotlighting our organization. A huge THANK YOU to our volunteers/members for joining the ride and being the best darn models for our new shirts. Click this link to order your very own I <3 HOMIES WITH EXTRA CHROMIES shirt.
Parent's (& Family) Night Out
Parents (and kids too!) had a great night at Deerwood Park in Holmen. Our planned Parent's Night Out turned into a Family Pizza Party! Parents got together, and childcare was provided at the park so that parents could enjoy some time relaxing together!
Kenosha/Racine/Walworth
DSAW-KRW hosted a successful Family Zoo Day at the Racine Zoo on August 19! Many people came out to enjoy a gorgeous day at the zoo, games, exciting raffles, crafts, and a lunch catered by Texas Roadhouse.
Chippewa Valley
St. Croix River Valley Supported Families Meeting
At the beginning of August, DSAW state staff traveled up to the St. Croix River Valley coverage area to host an All-Supported Families Meeting for families interested in expanding DSAW's programs and services in the St. Croix River Valley. Attendees enjoyed fraternal support, ate pizza, and got to learn about DSAW! If you're in Pepin, Pierce, Dunn, St. Croix, or Polk county, join our St. Croix River Valley Facebook page to stay connected and up to date on our upcoming events!
Family Pool Party
DSAW-Chippewa Valley also hosted a free Family Pool Party at Wakanda Waterpark in Menomonie! DSAW families came out to splash around at the pool, and rainy weather forecast held out for us!
Central WI (Wausau)
DSAW-Central WI traveled to Amherst for a trip to Peterson Dairy Farm on August 12! Families enjoyed lunch, games, sensory tables, a hay ride, and petting and feeding the farm animals.
Fox Cities
Our Fox Cities chapter hosted a free summer pool party in August. Families joined us at Doyle Park Pool in Little Chute for an afternoon of fun in the sun! Click here to check out a video of the fun!
