Fall 2019
As we transition into the season of giving, we would like to take a moment to express our gratitude for our members, donors, and community partners who have made this year so special. Because of your participation and support, DSAWM continues to expand our outreach and offer new opportunities to our community. Here are just a few highlights of 2019:
- Due to the program's popularity, 2 Cooking Capers sessions are now offered in Grand Rapids, both of which are at capacity, and earlier this fall we partnered with WMU to offer the class in Kalamazoo.
- We raised over $135,000 and welcomed 1,500 attendees, including our largest team to date with 134 walkers, at Step Up for Down Syndrome.
- The Member Talent Show, Fishing Derby, Family Fun Run, and Buddy Up Tennis Camp--all new events hosted by DSAWM this summer--were collectively attended by 210 people.
What an amazing year! Thank you for your continued support and enthusiam. We can't wait to share our exciting plans for 2020 with you. Have a wonderful holiday season and we will see you next month at the Member Holiday Party!
|
|
A Letter from the President
Brad Rivard, Rockford
|
|
In July, DSAWM welcomed parent, advocate, and biking enthusiast Brad Rivard to the position of Board President. With 2020 fast approaching, Brad is eager to lead the Association in another year of growth and opportunity.
|
|
Families Make You Strong
Erica Bode, Ada
|
|
When Erica and Jeff began their journey into parenthood, they did not know the road would inspire them to open their hearts to a young boy with Down syndrome.
|
|
This story was originally featured in Our Home Ada.
|
|
What My Brother With Down Syndrome Taught Me About Intelligence
Erin Johnson, Holland
|
|
Erin's brother Matt has a bright personality and mind. As she reflects on her brother's ability to learn, Erin urges us to think outside the box when defining intelligence.
|
|
This story was originally featured on TheMighty.com.
|
|
Receive an Heirloom Portrait when you donate $75!
Now - December 31
Now through December 31st, donate $75 to support DSAWM and you will receive a 2 hour portrait session and complimentary 8x10 fine art wall portrait courtesy of Geller Portraiture. 100% of your donation benefits DSAWM.
|
|
Member Holiday Party
Sunday, December 8
|
|
DSAWM thanks our donors whose contributions allow us to expand our outreach and provide programming and services free of charge to our members. We could not do what we do without your support!
|
|
General Donations
B&B Truck Equipment
Bath Fitter
Bissell, Inc.
Cadillac Jeepers
Dematic Employee Association
Elizabeth A Wirgau Memorial Fund
EnerSys
Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids
ITC Holdings Corporation
ITW
Hooray Hoopla LLC
Samuel L Westerman Foundation
Tuff Cover
Walmart
Mr. & Mrs. Drew Boersma
Mr. & Mrs. Douglas and Margaret DeCamp
Mr. & Mrs. Joan and Tom Hayes
Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey and Sally Harold
Mr. & Mrs. Steve and Brenda Heacock
Ms. Rosann Pitchford
Mr. & Mrs. Michael and Deecy Smith
Mr. & Mrs. Grant and Jeanne Vander Veer
Mr. & Mrs. Doug and Tracy Warsen
|
|
Sponsorships
Lugers Family Foundation
Baby Sign Language
Meijer
Cooking Capers
Richard and Judy Lacks
Moms' Night Out, Dads' Night Out
Jeff Bode of Bellabay Realty, Dan Vos Construction Company, EPS Security, Functional Kids Therapy Center, Hadley, Hobart, King Milling, Richard & Judy Lacks, Lakewood Construction, Land & Company, MSU Federal Credit Union, Reeves Plastics, Steel Systems, West Michigan Eyecare Associates
Step Up for Down Syndrome
BDO USA LLP, Bob Boylen, Derek & Melissa Burgess, Scott Dieleman, Cameron Dolbow of Edward Jones, DWH, Frattallone Wealth Management Group, Goldfish Swim School of Farmington Hills, Gordon Food Service, Todd & Melissa Hoefler, Mary Ann Keeler, King Milling, Lacks Enterprises, Lakewood Construction, Middleville Tool & Die, Miller Johnson, James & Mary Nelson, PADNOS, Paper Plane Therapies, Jim & Bonnie Scarlett, Silver Bullet Firearms, Aaron & Jodi Veldheer
Winners Cup
|
|
These donors made gifts or sponsorship commitments of $500 or more to DSAWM since January 2019. Listing as of publication date.
|
|
Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan
233 Fulton St E, Ste 124 | Grand Rapids, MI 49546
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
