Advocate, Golf, Run or Walk for Down Syndrome in 2015
There's More than One Way to Support our Community this Year
With the weather having officially turned for the better, we want to make sure you know about the many opportunities to support the Down syndrome community this spring and summer.

Through our Advocacy Day at the State House, Golf-a-thon, Falmouth Road Race and three Buddy Walks, you can make a tremendous difference in the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families.
 

We encourage you to get involved in one or several of these special events that support the wide range of programs and initiatives of the MDSC. 


Scroll below for info on these events, and remember that you can always go to our Calendar of Events on our website for a complete list of all the latest programs and events throughout the state. 

 

Enjoy the beautiful weather, and we look forward to seeing you in the coming months. 

 

Cheers,

Your Friends at the MDSC
2ND ANNUAL ADVOCACY DAY
Thursday, June 4
Join us for our 2nd annual Down Syndrome Advocacy Day at the State House. Last year's inaugural event led directly to the passage of our National Background Check Bill, a piece of legislation that had been stalled on Beacon Hill for a decade. 

This year, we will be honoring two legislative champions, House Ways & Means Chair Brian Dempsey (left) and Former Senator Richard Moore (right). Like last year, we are expecting hundreds of supporters of the Down syndrome community for a rally and luncheon reception followed by individual meetings with state legislators.

 

The MDSC's Legislative Advocacy Task Force is currently in the process of reviewing dozens of disability-related bills to select our official state platform. Whether you are a self advocate, family member, or friend, we hope you'll join for a day on Beacon Hill that really will make a difference!

There is no cost to attend this event, please register today so we can send a strong message to our legislators about the needs of our community!

 
8TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
Monday, June 1    

Golf season is finally here! Don't miss out on the opportunity to join the MDSC's Business Advisory Council for a day of golf at the exquisite Turner Hill Golf Club i n Ipswich. Funds raised from the event go towards supporting the BAC's focus on employment for people with Down syndrome. 


The event includes a round of golf, awards dinner, raffle, silent auction, and live auction. Special guest Bob Sweeney, the Boston Bruins legend, returns for the third year. If you don't have a foursome, singles are welcome! The BAC is a group of business leaders dedicated to making a difference to benefit individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
BUDDY WALK BY THE SEA
Sunday, July 26

Our first Buddy Walk of the calendar year, the Buddy Walk by the Sea brings together the South Shore, Cape, and Islands communities for a seaside summer celebration. Funds raised from this event support all MDSC programs advocating for full, meaningful lives for individuals with Down syndrome across the state. 
 

Join us right on the water at Falmouth Marine Park for the 5th annual event that keeps getting better every year. Don't miss the live band, children's activities, auction/raffle and refreshments... and of course your very own Buddy Walk t-shirt!


Enjoy a scenic 1.2-mile walk before continuing the celebration back at the Bandshell; pre-event activities continue plus indulge in a post-walk ice cream treat!

 
FALMOUTH ROAD RACE
Sunday, August 16

Apply now to run the 43rd New Balance Falmouth Road Race and support people with Down syndrome at an incredible historic event. Only 15 spots remain! The 7-mile course winds around the ocean for s

pectacular views that keep you going. There are 12,000 runners and many times more spectators cheering you on the entire way! 

 

The MDSC hosts a luncheon for runners in Falmouth the day before the race. Fundraising minimum is $1,000, but new fundraisers need not worry - we send you lots of tips and ideas! Contact MDSC Executive Assistant Jacquie Sherman by clicking the "Learn More" button below. 

 

Help us make all the work we do at the MDSC possible!


 
CENTRAL MASS. BUDDY WALK
Sunday, September 20
Our 3rd Buddy Walk & Harvest Fair returns in 2015 to River Bend Farm in Uxbridge. That means you can once again make a difference while gathering with friends and family in a refreshing rustic setting and strolling through the woods among the autumn leaves. 

So mark your calendars now and get ready to come enjoy the pleasures of a country fair, not to mention opportunities to win at our silent auction and raffle. 

Registration will open soon. Stay tuned to our Facebook page or our electronic communications. Meantime, feel free to email us if you have any questions.  
BUDDY WALK IN WAKEFIELD
Sunday, October 11

It's that time of year again! The 19th Annual Buddy Walk & Family Festival - The World is Ours Walk - will be held at Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield on Sunday, October 11, 2015. Register your team now on our new Buddy Walk website! 
 

Our Buddy Walk & Family Festival is the largest Down syndrome awareness event in the region, welcoming 3,500 individuals with Down syndrome, their family members, friends, neighbors, teachers and others for a day to raise awareness and critical funds to MDSC programming. 

 

Stay tuned for more information on entertainment and event festivities! 


 
SOX CELEBRATE DOWN SYNDROME

It was a thrill to honor two very special families on field at Fenway last Tuesday night. The Tobin/Bartletts and the Rejs have both volunteered countless hours to help the MDSC and our community.

 

In the Rej's case, there might not be a Buddy Walk & Family Festival today if it weren't for their work to launch and grow an event that raises incredible awareness about their son Dan and so many others.

 

In the case of Jan Tobin and Larry Bartlett, they have always gone the extra mile to help out at events year after year, supporting their daughter Kate and many others. They have also never shied away from creating awareness by sharing their family's story in an honest way whether in their communities or in the media. 


More than 80 MDSC members and friends came to the game to celebrate and support our community. Thanks to everyone for joining, to the Red Sox for their partnership and to to photographer Kate Hunter of Kate Hunter Fine Art & Photography for capturing the event. You can see all her photos on our Facebook page here. 

 
Thank you, in advance, for joining our efforts in 2015 to ensure that all people with Down syndrome and their families have access to information, networking opportunities, and resources that will lead to meaningful fulfilling lives.