www.DSFFlorida.org

$400,000 and Counting — 2026 Tour of Champions Bowl-A-Thon & Silent Auction Success!

Because of YOU, we exceeded an incredible $400,000 at this year’s Tour of Champions Bowl-A-Thon! To our sponsors, teams, Corporate Cup Challenge competitors, volunteers, donors, families, and friends — thank you. Your generosity, energy, and belief in our mission made this event an overwhelming SUCCESS.

But here’s the truth:

While the funds raised help us expand scholarships, grow programming, and create more opportunities across Florida… the most powerful part of the day wasn’t a number.

It was the community.

It was the laughter echoing down the lanes.

The high-fives.

The team spirit.

The connections being formed.

The joy our members brought to every single frame.

That is The FOUNDATION.

Congratulations to Marriott at Millenia

2026 Corporate Cup Champion! ⬇️

We are so proud of every individual and every team who participated in whatever capacity they could — whether you bowled, sponsored, volunteered, donated, cheered, created a virtual team or simply showed up in support.

You are helping us build more than programs.

You are helping us build belonging, opportunity, and a stronger community for individuals with Down syndrome.

Congratulations and THANK YOU to everyone who made this day unforgettable.

SAVE the DATE! February 21, 2027 we will be back making memories and striking DOWN barriers to inclusion!



Potential + Opportunity = Success

Thank you to our sponsors

for making all of the following programs possible!

It is already time to start thinking SUMMER! The next round of scholarships are for programs / camps that run May - August. These incredible opportunities are made possible thanks to our amazing 2026 Tour of Champions teams and sponsors! 🎳✨

We are offering scholarships in the following areas:

🌟 Community

📚 Educational

🗣️ Speech Therapy

🧠 ABA Therapy

🏕️ Sleep-Away Summer Camp

🚗 Driving Lessons

🏊 Swimming Lessons

& more...

✨Scholarship Eligibility Requirements✨

To be eligible, applicants must participate in at least one of the following activities:

• Create a fundraising team or Corporate Cup team for our annual Tour of Champions Bowl-A-Thon & Silent Auction
• Attend a minimum of 6 FOUNDATION events within the year
• Volunteer at least 10 hours with The FOUNDATION
• Host a fundraiser benefiting The FOUNDATION
• Serve on or chair a FOUNDATION committee
• Secure a corporate sponsorship or grant on behalf of The FOUNDATION
• Volunteer for 5 or more iCan! Work shifts

Application Timeline & Details:

• Scholarship applications will be accepted until April 6th, 2026
• All documentation must be received by April 10th, 2026
• Award letters will be sent by by April 20th.
• Payments will begin on May 1, 2026 or when sessions begin after May 1, 2026.
• Checks are mailed to providers only on the 15th of each month, through August 31, 2026.

Saturday, March 7

Down Syndrome Clinic for Children

Join the Annual Down Syndrome Clinic for Children, proudly hosted by the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida and Orlando Health. The clinic is designed for children ages birth to 18.

All participants will have an opportunity to have a hearing evaluation by an audiologist and will receive a list of local medical providers. Join us for a free clinic offering consultations with a wide range of specialists, including:

Space is limited—register today!

Thursday, March 12

The Magic of Inclusion

MONDAY, MARCH 1ST IS THE LAST DAY TO PURCHASE DISCOUNTED TICKETS!

Wednesday, March 25

LEAP Club: East Coast

Saturday, April 18

iCan! Surf: Registration is Open!

Saturday, May 2

Make'm Smile

July 23-26

NDSC 2026 Orlando Convention

(*If you are in the $3210 Club or $5000 Club from the 2026 Tour of Champions Bowl a thon, you will receive an email before registration opens about how to register and claim your scholarship.)

Interested in having your son or daughter participate

in the Summer OJT or the 2026/2027 iCan! Work Cohort?

Now is your chance to register!

Empowerment Through Employment

The iCan! Work Program helps members 18+ who have completed high school gain meaningful employment. It includes on-the-job training opportunities and our signature Lunch & Learn Program, designed to lead to long-term employment.



Participants will gain:

• Skill Development: Participants are provided with training to develop essential workplace skills, such as communication, punctuality, customer service, and task management.
• Real-World Experience: The program partners with local businesses to offer hands-on job experiences and supported employment in a variety of fields.
• Customized Support: Each participant receives individualized support tailored to their strengths, interests, and areas for growth.
• Job Coaching: Professional Success Coaches assist individuals during training and while at work, ensuring a successful transition into the workforce.
• Confidence Building: The program focuses on building confidence, independence, and a sense of purpose in its participants.
• Employer Education: The FOUNDATION educates and collaborates with employers to create inclusive and supportive work environments.
• Long-Term Success: The goal is to help participants secure and maintain competitive, integrated employment for the long term.
• Community Integration: iCan! Work fosters greater inclusion by connecting participants with their communities through employment.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to help your son/daughter shine! Sign up today and watch them thrive!

Work at Orlando

Magic Games!

The Orlando Magic season is more than halfway over don’t miss your chance to be part of it!

Members 18+ can join us at Magic games to help deliver food and snacks to the Club and Loge Level lounges, right in the middle of the action.

If you’re not part of our iCan! Work program, you’ll volunteer with another adult (18+) for your first five games. After that, you’ll be eligible to get paid for future shifts. It’s a fun, fast-paced way to gain experience and be part of the Magic game-day excitement!

Supporting Our Homeschooling Families

To better support our community, we have started monthly Homeschool Support Zoom Meetings! Whether you're just considering homeschooling, currently navigating it, or have completed your journey and want to share your experience—this space is for YOU.

Families of all ages and stages are welcome! A special thank you to Gemma (mother of Randy) for her initiative and dedication in starting this program!

For more information about our online programming:

follow our private Facebook page, Meetup, or email

Dennymarie.Linares@dsfflorida.org

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