Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day All March Long!
World Down Syndrome Day is March 21, 3/21, in honor of the third copy of the 21st chromosome. On this day, individuals with Down syndrome and advocates across the world raise public awareness and advocate for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of those with Down syndrome. At DSAWM, we're celebrating all month long with awareness events, fundraisers, and exciting activities! Check out everything that's coming up.
I Am Me Fundraiser
Now-March 21
Celebrate WDSD and March is Reading Month with a book by local author and mom, Katelyn Herrygers. Snag your copy of I Am Me now through March 21 and save! Use discount code DSAWM321 at checkout and you'll save $3.21 off the retail price, plus DSAWM will earn $3.21 of every book sold. Win-win! One coupon code per purchase.

To learn about the book and author, visit www.katelynshae.net . Katelyn has also developed Classroom Bundles that include one signed copy of I Am Me, one custom I Am Me Super Jay doll, and a reading and activity guide perfect for celebrating World Down Syndrome Day! $6.42 of every Classroom Bundle purchased gets donated to DSAWM! 
Pals Socks Fundraiser
Now-March 12
On 3/21 we rock our socks. But not just any old socks. We rock our most colorful, mismatched socks! Why? The #lotsofsocks campaign encourages participants to wear their funkiest socks to celebrate differences and get people talking and asking questions about Down syndrome.

This year, we are partnering with Pals Socks whose unique, mismatched socks "defeet the norm" and promote a more inclusive community. Buy a pair for yourself or encourage your entire family, office, or classroom to participate by hosting your own fundraiser. You'll not only spread the word about WDSD, but support DSAWM and our mission to empower our community as well!
Penn Station Fundraiser
Now-March 21
We have been invited to be part of a very exciting fundraising partnership. Penn Station has been a long-time supporter of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati. This year, Penn Station wants to share this support in all of their markets, and DSAWM will be the beneficiary in the West Michigan area!

Now through March 21, all Penn Station locations will host a Round Up for Down Syndrome campaign. Customers will be able to round up their purchase to donate to DSAWM! For a donation of $2 or more, customers will receive a Buy 1 Get 1 Free coupon for a sandwich on their next visit!
LuLaRoe Fundraiser
March 7-March 21
Shop with LuLaRoe Erica Lampen and help support DSAWM from March 7-21. All online sales at the below shopping link will have a portion of profits donated directly to DSAWM and LuLaRoe Home Office will match 100% through their fundraising program! You can also follow Erica at facebook.com/groups/lularoeericalampenvip .
*Fundraiser does not begin until next Saturday, 3/7
Meant to Be: Loving Down Syndrome
Monday, March 16 from 6:30-7:30pm
In this family friendly presentation at the Holland Museum , Katelyn Herrygers, author of I Am Me, will share her diagnosis story, read aloud her book, and lead an engaging mantra practice. DSAWM will be available to share information about the work we do in the community, and the many ways we can all work together to raise awareness, support, and celebrate differing abilities. Question and answer at the end of the presentation. I Am Me books will be available for purchase; $3.21 of every book sold at this event is donated to DSAWM.  
Grand Rapids Drive Game
Wednesday, March 18 at 7pm
Grand Rapids' premier basketball team, the Grand Rapids Drive, has generously offered a limited supply of FREE tickets to DSAWM members in honor of WDSD. Tickets are for the 7pm game against the Long Island Nets on Wednesday, March 18 at the DeltaPlex .
Tickets are for DSAWM members ONLY . Members, please limit your requests to 4 tickets per family. For larger families, we may be able to accommodate a few more seats.
Kalamazoo MNO Family Day
Saturday, March 21 from 12-2pm
Families raising children with Down syndrome and other special needs are invited to celebrate WDSD at Family Day in Kalamazoo! The Moms’ Night Out group will host this fun event at Westwood Christian Reformed Church where parents will have the opportunity to socialize and kids can play with volunteers in the building’s gym and nursery. Pizza and beverages will be provided.
Not on Facebook? You can RSVP to Katherine at katherinejane@gmail.com .
Rock Your Socks Dance
Saturday, March 21 from 6-8pm
Join DSAWM at the Grand Rapids Masonic Center (3rd floor ballroom) as we celebrate all of our friends living with a 3rd copy of the 21st chromosome. The Rock Your Socks Dance is a FREE, family-friendly event for the whole community and this year we’re taking it back to the ’90s! The event will feature a DJ and dancing, crafts, pizza (gluten-free option), popcorn, face painting, and much more. Plus, join us from 6:30-7pm for an exclusive book signing with Katelyn Herrygers, author of I Am Me! So grab your favorite flannel or tracksuit and mismatched socks and get ready for a party that’s going to be all that and a bag of chips!
Advocacy at the Capitol
Tuesday, March 24 from 1-2pm
In honor of WDSD, the Capital Area Down Syndrome Association invites families and advocates around the state to join them at the Capitol Building as they raise awareness about the Down syndrome community and discuss ways the legislature can best support its members. Don't forget to wear your favorite "fun" socks!
#ThisAbilityGR Week
March 21-29
Arts in Motion Studio, Artists Creating Together, Disability Advocates of Kent County, DSAWM, and Hearts for the Arts have come together to create #ThisAbilityGR Week. This week-long celebration and showcase is part of an effort to raise awareness in the greater community of the talents of individuals with disabilities who reside in Grand Rapids and the resources provided by our organizations. All events throughout the week are free and open to the public.
Tools To Help You Celebrate #WDSD20