March 26, 2025

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A Note from our Executive Director

On behalf of the National Association for Down Syndrome, I would like to share how excited and proud I was to see how many people came out to the World Down Syndrome Awareness Day Party on Friday night! Not only did we have our Self Advocates show up, but we also had close to 200 families and friends there supporting and celebrating the community!

Although this was not considered a fundraiser, we were lucky enough to break even, due to the generosity of several key people that I would like to mention: Dan from St. Isidore's, Tony from Addante's Catering, John from Absolute Disc Jockey, and Judy Wolf who donated the cookie trays!

In addition, I would like to thank all our volunteers, hardworking staff, dedicated Board President, and all members of the Board who attended.

Since this event was so popular, I do think we will be bringing it back next year! In the meantime, please SAVE THE DATE for the upcoming 20th Year Celebration of our Annual Fashion Show Fundraiser being held on Sunday, September 28, 2025. We would love to see all the beautiful faces we saw Friday night on the dance floor out on the runway! Mark your calendars!!! We want to see you shine again!

Thank you everyone for all your support! Enjoy the slideshow video from the dance party as well as the link to the ABC7 News segment.

Sincerely,

🎥Check out NADS' World Down Syndrome Day Party featured on ABC7 News at 10!

Help NADS continue to carry out its mission. Donate today!

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Register for "8 Must-Know IEP Strategies for Better Support and Inclusion"

April 3 @ 6:30 PM CST

This free, online workshop will be presented by Catherine, Kahl, M.ED., Master IEP Coach.

Family Meet Up

Families of ALL AGES are invited to meet up for community and fun!

April 26th 10-11:30 AM

Darien Sportsplex

451 Plainfield Rd

Darien, IL 60561

RSVP HERE

Tonight!

Wednesday, March 26

7PM on Zoom

Charades!

Save the Date!

The 20th Annual NADS

Fashion Show Fundraiser

Sunday, September 28, 2025

Visit the NADS website to purchase 2025 yard signs, NADS' branded gear, and Down syndrome t-shirts and accessories.

PURCHASE HERE

Do you have photos to share for our

#NADStrong campaign?

Please send them to bcovino@nads.org

World Down Syndrome Awareness 2025 | Minnesota Wild

Freddy Gaudreau rallied his teammates to all wear mismatched socks at practice on Friday, March 21st in honor of World Down Syndrome Awareness.

Jessica Biel Shares Adorable Snaps with Niece Zaya in Honor of World Down Syndrome Day.

On Friday, March 21, Jessica Biel shared adorable photos with her niece Zaya posing together in honor of World Down Syndrome Day.

GET INVOLVED WITH NADS!

Babies in Bloom

Come share your stories, triumphs, and challenges with other parents of babies and toddlers with Down syndrome! This group is exclusively for families whose children with Ds range from prenatal to age 4.

Click to join the Babies in Bloom Facebook group

NADS DADS

This group is just for the guys: Dads, Grandpas, Uncles, Godfathers... Join for a place to share successes, ask questions, or just hang with other men who have a loved one with Down syndrome. Click to Join NADS DADS

Self Advocates in Action

Self Advocates In Action (SAIA) is open to all individuals with Down syndrome who are 16 and older. We meet two times a month to learn, build community, and have fun. Most meetings are virtual.

Click to Join SAIA

Calling All Volunteers!

Want to make a difference in the Down syndrome community?

Come share your time and talent with us!

NADS is always in need of great people to help with events and activities! Please consider volunteering!

Click HERE to have a NADS member contact you!

MAXIMIZE YOUR IMPACT

Did you know that 65% of Fortune 500 companies offer

matching gift programs?

Be sure to inquire at work about corporate donation matching! Many companies even allow employees to submit match requests for 1 year following the date of the donation!

CLICK HERE to see if your employer offers this option!

If you would like to honor a loved one with donations to NADS,

we would be happy to send you a packet of specialized envelopes for easy collection.

Email Blair Covino for more information.

Don't need anything for your special day? Spread the love you get from others within the Down syndrome community! Designate NADS as a gift recipient by setting up a fundraiser on Facebook

or by simply sharing this link with your friends and family:

http://weblink.donorperfect.com/nadsdonation

We are proud to be the oldest Down Syndrome Organization in the country!

For over 60 years, NADS has been a leader in the Down syndrome community. Please consider helping us carry out our mission: "To ensure that all persons with Down syndrome have the opportunity to achieve their full potential in all aspects of community life." Your tax deductible gift will help us continue to educate, congratulate, and spread our message. Thank you for your kindness and support of the National Association for Down Syndrome.

DONATE TODAY!

NADS | 630-325-9112 | info@nads.org | www.nads.org