Buddy Walk Raises Funds for Down Syndrome Awareness

More than 900 walkers are expected to participate in the 2012 Down Syndrome Support Team (DSST) Buddy Walk in Ann Arbor. 

Pizza House in Ann Arbor, a sponsor of this annual event, is donating hundreds of large pizzas to help feed children and adults who participate in the mile-long walk that is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 7, at Gallup Park, located at 3000 Fuller Road in Ann Arbor. Registration of $45 for families and $25 for individuals begins at 1:30 p.m. prior to kick-off of the one-mile walk at 3 p.m. Walkers can pre-register at www.firstgiving.com/DSST/2012BuddyWalk.

“Pizza House looks forward to sponsoring this annual fundraiser,” said Matt Tice, who is co-owner of Pizza House with his brother Dennis.  “It’s truly a worthy cause and helps to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.”

DSST’s Buddy Walk is one of more than 250 Buddy Walks planned this fall in cities across the country.  Walkers include children and adults with Down syndrome and their families, friends, teachers, coworkers, and other supporters. Last year alone, more than 285,000 people participated in a Buddy Walk.

The DSST, an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society, is expected to raise more than $60,000 at this year’s event to benefit local DSST programs and services as well as to support national education, research and advocacy initiatives.  For more information, visit www.downsyndromesupportteam.com.