Marriott Savannah Riverfront

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) will host 
its 17th Annual Night of Champions &amp; Hiring Expo on Thursday, April 
30, 2026, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront Hotel.
The annual event celebrates businesses that provide meaningful 
employment opportunities to differently-abled adults, including 
individuals with Down syndrome, while highlighting the importance of 
inclusive workplaces.
Tickets, tables, and sponsorships are now available for purchase. 
LDSS offers sponsorships at all levels, and all tickets and sponsorships
 can be secured online at 
<a href="https://ldssga.org/night-of-champions/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">ldssga.org/night-of-champions/</a>
Despite progress nationwide, people with disabilities continue to 
face significant barriers to employment. According to the U.S. Bureau of
 Labor Statistics, only 22.7 percent of people with disabilities were 
employed in 2024, compared with more than 60 percent of people without 
disabilities.
Night of Champions highlights employers helping close that gap by 
creating environments where individuals of all abilities can contribute,
 succeed and grow. The evening will also feature a Hiring Expo designed 
to connect businesses with job seekers and demonstrate the value of 
inclusive hiring.
“Night of Champions allows employers to see the real impact of 
inclusion,” said Joe Marchese, event chair. “When businesses invest in 
people with different abilities, the results benefit everyone — stronger
 teams, higher retention and a more connected community.”
The evening will include a cocktail hour and Hiring Expo, followed by
 dinner and a recognition ceremony honoring businesses that champion 
inclusive employment. Attendees will hear success stories and learn how 
inclusive hiring strengthens organizations and expands opportunity.
Proceeds from Night of Champions support LDSS programs throughout the
 year, including Camp Buddy for children with Down syndrome, the annual 
Buddy Walk in Forsyth Park, and regular support meetings for families 
and friends.
About the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society 
Founded in 2006, the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) supports 
individuals with Down syndrome and their families through leadership in 
outreach, education, advocacy and community engagement. LDSS hosts 
meetings and events throughout the year featuring informational speakers
 and opportunities for connection. Meetings are open to the community 
and are also live-streamed. LDSS is an affiliate of the National Down 
Syndrome Society. For more information and a full events calendar, visit
 ldssga.org.
CONTACT 
Lindsey Barron 
lbarron@ldssga.org 
229-457-7974
CONTACT 
Joe Marchese 
Event Chair 
jmarchese@ldssga.org
CONTACT 
Candy Bogardus, President of LDSS 
jcbogardus@gmail.com 
912-663-8573
MEDIA CONTACT 
Marjorie Young 
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc. 
912-844-9990 
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com

Local Event: Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society Announces 2026 Night of Champions & Hiring Expo

Chatham County

Savannah

Georgia

Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society Announces 2026...

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) will host 
its 17th Annual Night of Champions & Hiring Expo on...

Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society Announces 2026 Night of Champions & Hiring Expo

Lake Mayer Park

(SAVANNAH, Ga.) Healthy Savannah’s Faith and Health Coalition will host 
its fourth annual Faith Walk on Sunday, May 3, from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. 
at Lake Mayer Community Park, 1850 E. Montgomery Cross Road.
The community event will include a walk around the lake and 
additional activities promoting health and wellness. Partners include 
Tide to Town, Forsyth Farmers’ Market and GirlTREK.
For more information, visit healthysavannah.org.

Local Event: Hold the Date

Hold the Date

(SAVANNAH, Ga.) Healthy Savannah’s Faith and Health Coalition will host 
its fourth annual Faith Walk on Sunday, May 3, from...

Compassion Christian Church

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society will host JOY Prom 
Savannah 2026, an inclusive celebration for individuals of all 
abilities, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, May 8, at the Henderson 
Campus Student Center of Compassion Christian Church. Participants ages 
16 and older are invited to enjoy a red-carpet entrance, dinner, dancing
 and an evening of friendship and fun. Buddies and volunteers will 
arrive earlier for orientation and participant matching to help ensure a
 welcoming experience for everyone. The annual event, a community 
tradition since 2010, celebrates belonging, confidence and connection. 
To register or volunteer, visit: <a href="https://ldssga.org/joy-prom" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">ldssga.org/joy-prom</a>

Local Event: Joy Prom

Joy Prom

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society will host JOY Prom 
Savannah 2026, an inclusive celebration for individuals...

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Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society Announces 2026 Night of Champions & Hiring Expo

APR

30

6:00 PM

Marriott Savannah Riverfront, 100 General McIntosh Blvd, Savannah, GA

Hold the Date

MAY

3

3:30 PM

Lake Mayer Park, 1850 E Montgomery Cross Rd, Savannah, GA

Joy Prom

MAY

8

6:00 PM

Compassion Christian Church, 55 Al Henderson Blvd, Savannah, GA