Special to the Herald
SAVANNAH -- The 18th Annual Buddy Walk will take place in Forsyth Park in Savannah, Saturday, Oct 7. Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is partnering with the Savannah Philharmonic and sharing Forsyth Park for the day. Opening ceremonies will begin at 10 a.m., and then Buddy Walk starts at 10:30. The Family Fun Festival, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., will include games, bouncy houses, live entertainment, the car raffle drawing and announcement of the raffle winner.
Participants will walk a mile around Forsyth Park, raising support and awareness for those with Down syndrome. Following the Buddy Walk, the Savannah Philharmonic will host its annual Phil the Park concert that evening.
Business owners can have their business name shown on the Buddy Walk T-shirt by donating $500, or their logo for $1,000. There are four tiers of sponsorships to choose from, starting at $500. Informational booths are also available at the event for sponsorships and groups.
Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society is partnering with Grainger Honda and Grainger Nissan of Savannah to sell tickets at $100 each for a chance to win a new SUV from Grainger Honda or Grainger Nissan. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold and the winner will choose between a 2023 Nissan Rogue and a 2023 Honda CR-V. Both cars are valued at $33,000. All fees including tax, tag, and title will be paid by Grainger Honda or Grainger Nissan. Raffle tickets can be purchased by clicking on this link: www.bit.ly/3Z9M7lY.
The money raised at the Buddy Walk goes toward Camp Buddy, two summer camps in Effingham and Chatham counties to help students retain their skills over the summer break. It also goes towards LDSS’s monthly Family Support meetings, new-parent packets, and educational opportunities for local families and advocates.
Registration for Buddy Walk 2023 is $15 and includes a Buddy Walk T-shirt. When registering, you can either join a team or create your own. Click here for more information: www.bit.ly/3Pxh00o.
Volunteers are needed to help with the event in all aspects. Please inquire with John and Candy Bogardus for more information about becoming a sponsor or volunteering at ldssgabuddywalk@gmail.com or call 912-663-8573.
The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS).
The NDSS created the Buddy Walk as part of National Down Syndrome Awareness Month in 1995. The first Buddy Walk in Savannah took place in 2006. Nearly 1,600 people participated that first year. Growing during subsequent years, more than 5,000 people would attend annually until COVID-19 precautions led to virtual walks in 2020 and 2021.
