9th Annual Houston Buddy Walk®

Down Syndrome Awareness Event
Saturday, November 14th - Jones Plaza

BUDDY WALK OFFICIAL SPONSORS

                          
 Home
 | 
 Register
 | 
 Donate
 | 
 My Team
 | 
 Find Team
 | 
 Fundraiser Log In
 

9th Annual Houston Buddy Walk® - November 14th, 2009

 

THE 9TH ANNUAL HOUSTON BUDDY WALK WAS AMAZING!

 

You can still DONATE ONLINE!

 

WOW!  What an amazing turnout by our Houston and surrounding communities!!  They came from everywhere – Katy, Spring Branch, Cypress/CyFair, Tomball, Spring, Conroe, Crosby, Baytown, Beaumont, Pasadena, La Porte, League City, Texas City, Alvin, Friendswood, Pearland, Missouri City, Sugarland, Richmond….and many more towns and communities in between!  Over 3,300 walkers!!  The first team made it back to Jones Plaza and there were still several teams who had not left yet!  Our teams stretched over a full mile and a half!  It was a breathtaking sight! 

 

Thank you – EVERYONE – Team Captains, Walkers, Donors, Event Sponsors, Volunteers, HPD and HFD, Committee members, and every family, friend, and stranger who cheered us on! THANK YOU!

 

Top 3 Fundraising Teams:

1st place  Winner received a $50 Home Depot Gift Card, AND a COVETED placement in the 2011 DSAH calendar!

The 1st Place winner, who, as of the deadline, raised: $10,445, is Mason’s Mob!!  –  Team Captain, Stephanie Wisnoski!! 

 

2nd Place Winner received a $50 Home Depot Gift Card, AND also a spot on the 2010 Buddy Walk Billboards!!

The 2nd place winner, who, as of the deadline, raised: $ 6,670 is Christian’s Caped Crusaders!! – Team Captain, Auburn and Grace Higgins!!

 

3rd Place winner received a $50 Home Depot Gift Card, AND a spot on the 2010 Buddy Walk Billboards!!

The 3rd Place winner, who, as of the deadline, raised: $5,795, is Brayden’s Buddies!! –– Team Captain, Lindsay Groth!! 

 

HONORABLE MENTION:  We would also like to acknowledge the remaining teams of our TOP TEN FUNDRAISERS, for their INCREDIBLE EFFORT IN RAISING MONEY THIS YEAR:

Alex’s Angels,  Ava’s Army, Victoria’s Rock stars, Zac’s Gang, Ty’s Team, Ches’ Convoy, and Joshua’s Buckaroos!!!!

 

 

Now for the Team with the Most Walkers –  we had a tie! 

Each  received a $50 Home Depot gift card , and a “Dive-In Lounge Mixer” and ALL DAY PASSES for 50 people at the Downtown Aquarium! 

WITH 250 WALKERS EACH, the winning teams are: 

“Angeles de Houston”, team captain Alex Fredenburg, and

“Team TYtanium”, team captain Aaron Walker!

 

 

As for the Team Awards for the “Most Spirited, Best Costume/Theme, and Best Banner”

These will be voted on by the DSAH Board, at the board meeting on November 24th! 

An email is being sent to all Team Captains, requesting photos to be submitted showing their Banner and their Costumes!

“Team Spirit” was easy to see and hear!  But we are sure we missed seeing a lot of banners and costumes! 

 

So if you want to be considered for the Team with the Best Banner or the Best Costume/Theme, please submit a photo of your banner or team to:  buddywalk@dsah.org by Monday, 11/23!! 

 

 

We have outgrown Jones Plaza!  2010 Buddy Walk work will start very soon, in order to determine a new location, and begin all the logistics involved in setting it up in that location!

Stay Tuned to http://www.dsah.org/ – Buddy Walk Page for more information on the 10th Annual Houston Buddy Walk in 2010!

 

 

We will walk, every year, for our children with Down syndrome, for our families -  for every friend that we have made at the Down Syndrome Association of Houston - for every one of their beautiful children - and for every new baby that shows up at our monthly meetings with their proud parents. We will walk and help to raise awareness so that our children with Down syndrome, are accepted as a wonderfully normal part of a very diverse community.

 

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS, WHAT WAS SURELY, THE LARGEST CELEBRATION OF DOWN SYNDROME IN TEXAS!

Kristin Miller, Buddy Walk Chair (buddywalk@dsah.org), 281-992-9022

 

Houston Buddy Walk® 2008 Photos (various photographers incl Laura Popiel Photography)

Loading Slide Show...

DATES TO REMEMBER

 

11/23:  If you want to be considered for the prizes for TEAM with the BEST COSTUME/THEME, or the TEAM with the BEST BANNER - submit a photo of your team or banner to:  buddywalk@dsah.org by 11/23!

WINNERs will be announced on the DSAH Website www.dsah.org , and in the January "DSAH TODAY" Newsletter : )

12/31:  This site will be closed and unable to accept further donations for the 9th Annual Houston Buddy Walk as of 11:59pm, on 12/31.   So get those TAX DEDUCTIBLE donations submitted now : )

Facts about Down Syndrome

 
  • Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.
  • Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal abnormality. One in every 800 to 1,000 babies is born with Down syndrome.
  • There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.
  • Down syndrome affects people of all ages, races and economic levels.
  • All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.
  • Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.
  • People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.
  • Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 56 today.
  • People with Down syndrome attend school, find work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society.
  • Researchers are making great strides in identifying the genes on Chromosome 21 that cause the characteristics of Down syndrome. Many feel strongly that it will be possible to improve, correct or prevent many of the problems associated with Down syndrome in the future
    		•

    Links for Our Sponsors and Local Resources

    Count Down

     days,  hours,  mintues,
     seconds until the fun begins.

    Event Goal for 2009

    Goal
    $150,000

    Raised
    $157,689

    120 Teams

    3342 Walkers

    Top Fundraising Teams

    Team With the Most Walkers

    About the Buddy Walk®

     

    The Buddy Walk® has three primary goals:

    • To promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome;
    • To raise funds locally and nationally for education, research and advocacy programs; and
    • To enhance the position of the Down syndrome community, enabling us to positively influence local and national policy and practice.
  • At least 250,000 people are expected to participate in more than 280 Buddy Walk® events this year.  
  • Last year alone, the Buddy Walk® raised more than $10.5 million to benefit local programs and services, as well as national education, research and advocacy initiatives.
  • Most Buddy Walk® events take place from September through November to recognize Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October.
    • Powered by EZ Event Solutions Help Videos | 
     Enter Support Request
    or call 713.682.7237

    MORE WONDERFUL SPONSORS