1ST AND OLDEST DOWN SYNDROME ORGANIZATION IN THE COUNTRY

August 13, 2025

🍦 You Made Our Ice Cream Social So Sweet! 🍦

Thank you to everyone who scooped out time to join us last week!

A big thank you to Mapleberry Pancake House for their sweet generosity — donating the space and the ice cream that made our event double the fun and triple the sprinkles! We’re grateful for this community and can’t wait to chill with you again at our next event!

Runway of Dreams: A Fashion Show Like No Other

🤩They’re Ready to Shine🤩

Will You Help Them Step

Into the Spotlight?

Support our incredible models with Down syndrome by donating to their crowdfunding pages. Every gift brings them one step closer to the runway!

Crowdfunding Pages

Shop for a Cause –

Straight from Our Amazon Wishlist!

Support our raffle and auction by purchasing items directly from our Amazon Wishlist! It's the easiest way to give back — just a few clicks, and you're helping us create unforgettable packages that raise crucial funds.

🛒Shop Now!

❤️ Every item helps us get closer to our goal!

Sunday, September 28

Abbington Distinctive Banquets

3S002 IL Route 53

Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

Doors open @ 10:30

🎟️Tickets Available Now🎟️

⭐Hosted by ABC 7's Mark Rivera!

⭐Celebrate over 50 remarkable models with Down syndrome from infancy to age 72!

⭐Join us for a delightful three-course luncheon, featuring soda and juice, all included with your ticket, and a cash bar.

⭐Get a chance to win incredible raffle and auction prize packages.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

We've extended the deadline

to sign up to be a model!

We invite individuals with Down syndrome of all ages to shine bright on the runway! Sign up by August 15 to be a part of this amazing experience!

Sponsor the Fashion Show!

See Your Name in Lights

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Elevate your business and showcase it by becoming a Fashion Show sponsor.

As a sponsor you not only gain valuable advertising exposure, but-NEW THIS YEAR-you also receive Fashion Show tickets at most levels!

Click here for more information

Questions? Contact Blair Covino at bcovino@nads.org

FOLLOW NADS ON Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIN!

Save the Date~Mystery Session

Wednesday, August 20th at 7 PM Central On Zoom -Details sent on the Tuesday before (August 18th)

Are you a Self Advocate who is 16 or older?

Join Self Advocates In Action (SAIA) today!

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.

JOIN SAIA

Do you have photos to share for our

#NADStrong campaign?

Please send them to bcovino@nads.org

OSU student becomes first Inasmuch Foundation Community Fellow with Down syndrome

OSU student Josie Kohn shares her love for the summer fellowship with the Inasmuch Foundation that led her to an internship.

We Are Austin welcomes special guest co-host Ruby Plachta!

AUSTIN, Texas - The morning show had a special treat for viewers as Ruby Plachta, a longtime friend of the show and a vibrant personality from Ruby's Rainbow.

Visit the NADS' website to purchase 2025 yard signs, NADS' branded gear, and Down syndrome

t-shirts and accessories.

PURCHASE HERE

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

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!

Schedule a COMPLIMENTARY "Abilities Training" presentation for your school or workplace!

NADS offers informative presentations to spread our message of awareness, acceptance, and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome. In-Person and Zoom options available!

Email Anne for more information at areinertson@nads.org

MAXIMIZE YOUR IMPACT

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 one year following the date of the donation!

CLICK HERE to see if your employer offers this option!

REFER A NEW FAMILY

NADS partners with 46 hospitals in the Chicagoland area to support families!

Family, friends, neighbors - if you know of someone who has or is expecting a child with Down syndrome, we would love to connect with them! NADS gifts these families with a beautiful new baby basket and connects them with resources and supports.

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 at bcovino@nads.org

for more information.

Introducing Memorial Candles

NADS has created this beautiful candle to send to the families of people who passed when donations are made in honor of that individual.

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

Rock Your Socks: Collect donations to help promote Down syndrome awareness!

Declare a special dress day and collect a small donation from each person who participates with proceeds to benefit NADS! And don't forget to take a photo of your group so we can share your Ds Spirit! 💙💛

We are proud to be the 1st and 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