August 20, 2026

DSG CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE

SUPPORT THE DSG

SAVE THE DATE: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

NORTH TEXAS GIVING DAY

North Texas Giving Day is Communities Foundation of Texas’ largest community initiative, and the largest community-wide giving event in the nation.

Thanks to the help of generous givers and sponsors, Communities Foundation of Texas covers all transaction and technology fees, ensuring 100% of each donation made on the site goes to nonprofits in more than 25 cause areas across 20 North Texas counties, all year long.

This year’s North Texas Giving 
Day culminates on Thursday, 
September 17, 2026.

For the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas, North Texas Giving Day is an opportunity to invest in the individuals and families who make our community so special. Your support helps make programs and resources possible throughout the year, including social and recreational opportunities, educational programs, activities for children, teens, and adults, family connections, community events, and opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome to build friendships, gain independence, and try new things.

Every gift helps the DSG continue providing meaningful opportunities and support at every stage of life. Whether you’ve been part of our community for years or are just learning about the DSG, we are grateful for your support and the impact you help make possible.

Have questions about North Texas Giving Day, how to donate, or how your gift supports the DSG? We’d love to hear from you! Please contact Hannah Fredette if you have any questions.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 | 11:00 AM-3:00 PM | RIDERS FIELD

2026 DALLAS BUDDY WALK®

Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Riders Field in Frisco. Join us for a day of celebration, awareness, and community as we celebrate individuals with Down syndrome and the families who support them.

Each year, more than 5,000 attendees come together for this beloved event, which features family-friendly activities for all ages—including music, games, face painting, inflatables, vendor booths, and opportunities to connect with community partners. The highlight of the afternoon is our awareness walk around the stadium, beginning at 2:00 PM.

Gather your friends, family, coworkers, and classmates to form a team and help raise funds for the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas. All attendees must create or join a fundraising team—working together before the walk to raise awareness and critical funds that support the DSG’s local programs and services. A portion of the proceeds also benefits the National Down Syndrome Society’s advocacy efforts and nationwide initiatives.

Registration Options:

• $25 - Individual Ages 13+ (Registration with Shirt)
• $15 - Child Ages 0-12 Years (Registration with Shirt)
• $10 - Individual All Ages (Registration Only - NO SHIRT)
• FREE - Individual with Down syndrome (Registration with Shirt)

Important Dates:

• September 14 - Sponsorship Deadline
• September 20 - Last Day to Register with a T-Shirt
• October 10 - Team Captain T-Shirt Pick Up
• October 16 - Online Registration Closes & Fundraising Due

Please note that registration is required for entry into Riders Field. All registrations include full access to event activities and the awareness walk.

We can’t wait to welcome you and your team this October for an unforgettable day of connection, celebration, and community.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 | 1:00 PM-7:00 PM | ROLLERTOWN BEERWORKS-FRISCO

2026 MASON FEST BENEFITING THE DALLAS 
BUDDY WALK®

Team Mason's Troop invites our community to attend the 10th annual Mason's Fest benefiting the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas.

Each year, Team Mason's Troop organizes this incredible day full of great music, food, raffle opportunities, and more all benefiting the Dallas Buddy Walk® in honor of Mason Ballenger.

The DSG is so grateful to ALL our amazing teams and their unique fundraising efforts. If you have an event or give back night you'd like to share with us, please contact Jennifer Ford. We would love to support your team and all you do to help support fundraising for our DSG programs.

See more fundraising tips you can easily implement for your own team at FUNDRAISING RESOURCES.

SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2027 | 6:00 PM-10:00 PM | HALL OF STATE AT THE BUSH INSTITUTE

THE EXTRAORDINARY BALL

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening of cocktails and conversation, a silent auction, live auction, raffle prizes, an elegant dinner, a spirited paddle raise, and more — all benefiting the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas.

One extraordinary evening. Every person, valued and included.

Sponsorships and tickets coming soon!

For sponsorship, ticket, and donation inquiries, please contact Director of Development, Hannah Fredette.

Presentation of this event at the Bush Center does not imply or represent endorsement by the Bush Center, President George W. Bush, or Mrs. Laura W. Bush regarding content, programming, materials, or associated organizations.

FAMILIES IN THE EARLY YEARS

WEDNESDAYS, AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 30 |

10:00 AM-11:00 PM | DSG OFFICE (RICHARDSON) | 
$25 FOR THE SERIES

MINI MUSICIANS MUSIC THERAPY CLASSES FOR FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME AGES 0-3

Wednesdays, August 26-September 30

$25 (Includes 6 Sessions)

$15 Sibling Add On

Join us each week for an engaging music therapy series designed especially for children with Down syndrome ages 0–3! This program uses the power of music to support early developmental skills while giving families a welcoming space to connect. Siblings close in age are welcome to attend for an additional fee.

Each interactive session is led by board-certified music therapists from Sound Starts Music Therapy, who guide little ones through songs, movement, instrument play, and sensory experiences that promote communication, motor development, social engagement, and early learning.

Space is limited and registration is required. Registration closes on Monday, August 24 or when capacity is reached. While we recognize that schedule changes may occur, we kindly request that families only register if they anticipate being present for most sessions throughout the series.

Questions? Please contact Jennifer Ford.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 | 5:00 PM-7:00 PM | DOWN TO 
PLAY | $5 PER CHILD (SIBLINGS WELCOME)

DSG NIGHT AT DOWN TO PLAY FOR FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME AGES 0-7

Playground Requirements

• Socks are required to play. No shoes are allowed in the indoor playground area. Socks may also be purchased on site for $4 each.
• A signed waiver is required for every member of your family attending. Save time and sign the Down to Play waiver ahead of your arrival.

Families of children with Down syndrome ages 0-7 are invited to join us at Down to Play for an evening of connection and play. Down to Play will be closed to the public during this time for our private use.

About Down to Play

Down to Play is an inclusive indoor playground that provides a fun and safe environment for children of all abilities. Down To Play features an expansive 3,500-square-foot playground packed with exciting play structures and a custom sensory room. Down to Play accommodates babies through elementary school with three different zones to enjoy, including the Playground, Toddler & Baby Zone, and Sensory Room. Learn more at https://www.downtoplay.com/.

Registration

Registration is $5 for each child (siblings welcome) and no additional cost for parents. Registration includes unlimited play from 5-7 pm, Domino’s pizza, cookies, and beverages.

Space may be limited and advance registration is required. Registration closes Tuesday, September 8 or when capacity is reached. Additional questions? Please contact Jennifer Ford.



YOUTH AGES 8-12

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 | 11:00 AM-12:30 PM | FLOUR POWER-ALLEN | $10

YOUTH SOCIAL: COOKING CLASS FOR AGES 8-12

Registration closes Tuesday, September 8, or when the event reaches capacity. 

Questions? Contact Ava Burns.

Get ready to mix, bake, and have some fun in the kitchen! We’re excited to host a special cooking experience for youth with Down syndrome ages 8–12 on Saturday, September 12, at Flour Power Allen (1010 West Exchange Parkway, Allen, TX 75013) from 11:00 am to 2:30pm.

Participants will have the opportunity to spend time cooking alongside their peers while learning new skills, creating delicious food, and making memories in a fun and welcoming environment. With guidance from Flour Power instructors, youth will get hands-on experience making their own pizzas (with gluten-free options available) and a delicious dessert. 

Please note that this event is not drop off and is exclusively for individuals with Down syndrome ages 8–12 and one accompanying parent or guardian. Due to space limitations, we are unable to accommodate siblings or additional parents/guardians. DSG staff will also be there throughout the event to help facilitate the experience and ensure a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for everyone.



TEENS AGES 13-17

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 | 1:00 PM-2:30 PM | FLOUR POWER-ALLEN | $10

TEEN SOCIAL: COOKING CLASS FOR AGES 13-17

Registration closes Tuesday, September 8, or when the event reaches capacity. Questions? Contact Ava Burns.

Dust off your apron, it's time to get to cooking! We are excited to host a special cooking experience for teens with Down syndrome ages 13–17 at Flour Power in Allen. 

Teens are invited to spend the afternoon with their peers as they cook, create, and connect in a fun and welcoming environment. Participants will get hands-on experience making their own pizzas (with gluten-free options available) and a delicious dessert. 

This event is exclusively for individuals with Down syndrome ages 13–17 and is a drop-off event. It’s a great opportunity for teens to try something new, practice cooking skills, build independence, and enjoy time with friends. Flour Power is an educational facility, so participants will be working alongside instructors to learn and create their dishes. DSG staff and volunteers will also be there throughout the afternoon to help facilitate the experience and ensure a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for everyone.



ADULTS WITH DS AGES 18+

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM | DSG OFFICE-RICHARDSON | $10

FULL: SEPTEMBER SUPPER CLUB: KARAOKE NIGHT FOR ADULTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME AGES 18+

This event is now full. To be added to the waitlist please email Ava Burns.

Join us for another unforgettable night of singing, dancing, and fun at our Karaoke Night Supper Club! This social evening is designed specifically for self-advocates with Down syndrome ages 18 and older, and we’re bringing the karaoke fun back to the DSG office on Friday, September 18, from 6:00–8:00 PM.

We’ll kick off the evening with dinner (menu details coming soon; gluten-free options will be available), followed by a lively karaoke session where everyone can take the mic and sing along to their favorite songs! Whether you want to perform solo, grab a friend for a duet, sing as a group, or simply enjoy the music and cheer on your friends, there’s a place for everyone.

DSG staff and volunteers will be present throughout the evening to help facilitate the event and ensure a safe, inclusive, and welcoming experience for all attendees.

Registration closes Tuesday, September 15 or when the event reaches capacity. Questions? Contact Ava Burns.

FUTURE PLANNING FOR ALL AGES

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 | 7:00 PM-8:00 PM | ZOOM |

NO COST

WEBINAR: THEIR TOMORROW STARTS WITH OUR CHOICES TODAY

The Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas is excited to partner with CaringTide to bring families a series of free webinars starting fall 2026 throughout 2027.

The first webinar in the series is titled Their Tomorrow Starts with Our Choices Today. Educator, advocate, and parent, Jennie Dopp, will guide families on how to create a complete, actionable plan for your loved one’s future. Participants will gain practical tools to confidently prepare for long-term care and independence, including benefit navigation.

Registration is required. This webinar will be recorded and shared with all registrants after the session.

Additional questions? Contact Jennifer Ford.



EN ESPAÑOL

FROM OUR NATIONAL DS ORGANIZATIONS

The Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas is proud to support our partners in the disability community by sharing opportunities hosted by other local and national organizations. Please click each flyer to learn more.

Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas

1651 N. Collins Blvd. Suite 170

Richardson, TX 75080

www.downsyndromedallas.org

214.267.1374