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Would you want to...
Be a Red Sox
or a Bruin?
The Chance of a Lifetime is Here!
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Dear MDSC Family,
What's your ultimate Boston sports fantasy...
Your child announcing "Play Ball" over the loudspeaker at Fenway Park or serving as honorary batboy or batgirl who gets the Sox dugout ready for Pedroia, Ellsbury, Ortiz and Company? OR Jumping the boards onto the ice to find yourself on a shift with Bruins greats like Terry O'Reilly, Rick Middleton, Bob Sweeney and Ken Hodge? Whether your fantasy involves the 1st place Red Sox or the Eastern Conference Champion Bruins, now is your chance to make your dream come true. See below for details (certain eligibility requirements apply)! |
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A Chance for Your Kids (Ages 8 to 14) to be on the Field at Fenway Park on August 3
Can you imagine seeing your son or daughter shouting "Play Ball" just before the Red Sox take the field against the Arizona Diamondbacks or serving as an honorary batboy or batgirl who preps the dugout?
It's true, if you become an MDSC Buddy Walk All-Star (someone who personally raises more than $500 for your Buddy Walk team) in the next month, you will be entered into a drawing to have a child in your family between 8 and 14 participate in pregame ceremonies on Aug. 3. That's right, your son or daughter could be on the field at Fenway Park when "Red Sox Nation" recognizes "Down Syndrome Nation."
It's Simple: Become a Buddy Walk All-Star by July 26
Special Notes and Restrictions
The selected All Star will have to arrive at the park by 6 p.m. for the 7:10 p.m. start on August 3. Only children ages 8-14 qualify for this special experience. This contest applies to any of our 3 Buddy Walks.
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Skate with the Bruins Greats on November 24
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Boston Sports & the MDSC
We are thrilled about these opportunities to partner with Boston's storied sports teams. Both collaborations are part of the MDSC's efforts to educate the general public about Down syndrome by promoting the acceptance and inclusion of all people with Down syndrome.
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On the Cape This Summer?
Buddy Walk by the Sea - July 27, Falmouth
Once again, our Buddy Walk by the Sea rolls into Falmouth Marine Park (below) over the summer, raising awareness across the Cape,  Islands and South Shore and raising funds for critical MDSC programs. Last year we welcomed more than 250 people.
This year promises to be bigger and better, as we go "overboard" with our Pirate theme. The Toe Jam Puppet Band will kick off the festivities. Move your feet to the 'Skull & Crossbones Square Dance', don your fiercest pirate gear, and meet some local Cape Cod mermaids! Plus, our Self-Advocate Ambassadors will return to the stage.
...for a chance to win!
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Nothing like Autumn in Central Mass!
1st Buddy Walk & Harvest Fair - Sept. 22, Uxbridge
Our first ever Buddy Walk & Harvest Fair in Central Massachusetts will be held September 22 at the beautiful River Bend Farm in Uxbridge. We expect to bring more than 500 individuals with Down syndrome, families, and friends together for an early autumn celebration.
We will have children's entertainment, games and refreshments, culminating with an early autumn 1-mile stroll around the grounds. Funds raised will support all MDSC programs advocating for full, meaningful lives for individuals with Down syndrome across the state.
REGISTER NOW
...for a chance to win!
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Our Biggest Awareness Event Can't Be Beat
17th Buddy Walk & Family Festival - Oct. 13, Wakefield
For 16 years, it was known as the Buddy Walk & Family Picnic. It has always been our biggest annual awareness event and fundraiser. In fact, because of the "festival" atmosphere and the variety of entertainment offerings -- live performances, face-painting, music-making,  climbing trucks, etc. -- we have decided to more accurately call it our the Buddy Walk & Family Festival.
This year, we are launching a new lunch program to give you more control and variety in the food offerings. We are also thrilled to welcome back to our Buddy Walk stage in 2013 Rachel Coleman of "Signing Time!" (right), the television program that teaches children basic American Sign Language in a fun, engaging way.
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About the Buddy Walk� Program
 The Buddy Walk� was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. The Buddy Walk has grown from 17 walks in 1995 to nearly 300 walks planned for 2013 worldwide. In 2012, more than $11.5 million was raised nationwide to benefit local programs and services, as well as the national advocacy and public awareness initiatives of NDSS that benefit all individuals with Down syndrome. The MDSC Buddy Walk Program is New England's largest public awareness platform to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.
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Promoting Acceptance & Inclusion
Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress Mission
We work to ensure individuals with Down syndrome in Massachusetts are valued, included, and given the opportunities to pursue fulfilling lives by providing information, networking opportunities, and advocacy for people with Down syndrome and their families, educators, health care professionals, and the community-at-large.
www.mdsc.org
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