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2020 BUDDY WALK INFORMATION PACKET

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - DOWN SYNDROME WEST FLORIDA

P.O. BOX 677 BRANDON FL 33509

EMAIL: info@friendssupport.org

Phone: (813)245-2782

REGISTER: www.ds-stride/fdswfbuddywalk

WEBSITE: www.friendssupport.org

REGISTER TODAY!

www.ds-stride.org/fdswfbuddywalk

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 ABOUT FRIENDS & THE NDSS 3 REGISTRATION INFORMATION 4 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS & SCHEDULE 5 – 6 STARTING A TEAM ON DS.CONNEX 7 COME BUDDY WALK WITH US 8 ALL ABOUT BUDDY WALK FUNDRAISING 9 TEAM FUNDRAISING GOALS AND INCENTIVES 10 TEAM CAPTAINS TO DO LIST 11 HOW DO I RAISE MONEY TIPS 12 COLLECTING AND SUBMITTING DONATIONS 13 HOW TO RAISE $1000 14 INDIVIDUAL FUNDRAISING IDEAS 15 TEAM FUNDRAISING IDEAS 16 SAMPLE LETTER – JOIN OUR TEAM 17 SAMPLE LETTER – FROM A SELF ADVOCATE 18 SAMPLE LETTER – FROM A PARENT 19 RAFFLE DONATION REQUEST 20 SPONSOR INFORMATION 21-23 VENDORS INFORMATION 24 VOLUNTEER INFORMATION 25 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 26

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About F.R.I.E.N.D.S. – DOWN SYNDROME WEST FLORIDA

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - Families, Raising, Inspiring, Educating, & Networking for Down Syndrome West Florida.

A volunteer-based, non-profit 501C3, founded in 2007 by families impacted by Down Syndrome. We are committed to offering support, resources, and acceptance to all special need’s individuals and their families. We provide year-round programs, public education, community activities, and volunteer opportunities for students seeking service hours. We advocate for awareness for our special needs community and have become the leading voice for Down Syndrome in the West Florida.

NATIONAL BUDDY WALK INFORMATION:

The mission of NDSS is to be the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome. NDSS provides state-of-

the-art, comprehensive programming to all individuals with Down syndrome and their families, which include: The National Advocacy & Public Policy Center in Washington, DC, its Down Syndrome Health Resources & Promotion Program, the first of its kind #DSWORKS® Employment Program, which is showing the world that people with Down syndrome are ready, willing and ABLE to work as well as the National Buddy Walk® Program. NDSS envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations and become valued members of welcoming communities. The Buddy Walk program was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome. The Buddy Walk has grown from 17 walks, in 1995, to over more than 250 walks worldwide, raising over $17 Million dollars nationwide to support local programs and services, as well as the national advocacy and public awareness initiatives of NDSS.

We walk to show our Down Syndrome Pride!

To promote awareness, inclusion,

and acceptance one step at a time!

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Whether you have Down Syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support, take the first step

and donate or register today! Help us spread the word! All are welcome for our Buddy Walk and all Special Needs individuals will receive a Buddy Walk Medal!

EVERY STEP AND EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS! A BIG FDSWF THANK YOU TO OUR BUDDY WALK TEAMS!

Together we can make it Happen! Our 5TH FRIENDS Buddy Walk Fundraising Goal for 2020 is $50,000

SHOW YOUR DOWN SYNDROME PRIDE! HELP SUPPORT FDSWF AND THE NDSS

THE BUDDY WALK - Support your favorite Buddy by organizing a Buddy Walk Team at your workplace, school, or community. The Top Five Buddy Run/Walk Teams will be awarded our FDSWF Appreciation plaque, their own private tent with a Buddy Butler and a cooler full of goodies. All individuals with special needs will be awarded a Buddy Walk medal. The top five teams will then lead off the walk! Julie Hirsch Photography will be taking your free team pictures by the pirate ship! For more information call (813)245-2782 or email info@friendssupport.org.

BECOME A SPONSOR Sponsors let our families know you support them. All corporate sponsors receive recognition on our Buddy Run/Walk t-shirts, media, event flyers and brochures, website, Facebook page, Instagram & Twitter. For more information call Jamie Santillo, Marketing Director (239) 297-6991 or jamie@friendssupport.org. VENDORS/EXHIBITORS/CRAFTERS WANTED! Sign up today! Meet more than 4,000 guests who are anticipated to attend this fun to raise awareness, advocate, and celebrate individuals with Down Syndrome

THE BUDDY WALK

Show your Down syndrome Pride!

THE BUDDY WALK 10AM-3PM

REGISTRATION FEE $20

EVENT DAY REGISTRATION $30

Children 12yrs and under and all special needs individuals are free. You must register them to receive the free t-shirt, Buddy Walk medal and Down syndrome wristband. Registration includes a free Buddy Walk t-shirt, Down syndrome wristband, team photos and admission to the day’s activities.

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WE LOVE OUR VOLUNTEERS! Help promote the acceptance of people with Down syndrome by volunteering at the 3.21 Fun Run & Buddy Walk. Volunteers receive a free Volunteer Buddy Walk t-shirt and Down syndrome awareness wristband!

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS – See the Dancing for Donations and Mark Oliver’s Specialty Fit presentations. Meet your favorite Superhero, Princess, Ghostbuster and Star Wars characters from Costumers with a Cause and The 501st Legion. Explore the Treasure Chest Float and meet the arrghsome Krewe of Sir Francis Drake! Megan Dix and Ericka Chica Iglesias will be singing the National Anthems while the Florida Sunsation Cheerleaders and UT Cheerleaders rally us on. The kids will love Lola The Clown Face Painting, the USF Heath Service Volunteers Reading Tent, and Sunshine State Superkids Soap Box Derby rides, plus bouncy houses, giant slides, a petting zoo and a train ride! Visit with our resource and craft vendors. Don’t forget to bring cash for your chance to win raffle prizes, this year among the great prizes we have Disney Park Hopper tickets to give away! Food provided by Panera, Gourmet Deli, & Dunkin Donuts.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Captains! Get your teams together, recruit family, friends, and co-workers to advocate, celebrate,

and raise funds for FDSWF & The NDSS! Register before October 2nd to ensure you get a t-shirt!

October T-shirt Order is placed. T-shirts and sizes will not be guaranteed after this date. Register

Early to guarantee your correct size.

October T-shirt Roll Up/Bag – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Meet us at the Children’s Board to roll and bag over 2,000 t-shirts! 6pm, 1002 E Palm Ave, Tampa, 6pm. Thank you!

October T-Shirt Pickup Tampa – Team Captains please pick up t-shirts for your entire team.

Come for dinner and pick up your t-shirts. A portion of your dinner sales is donated to FDSWF, thank you. Thanks Portello’s!

October T-Shirt Pickup Clearwater –Team Captains please pick up t-shirts for your entire team.

Come for dinner and pick up your t-shirts. A portion of your dinner sales is donated to FDSWF, Thank you!

October DEADLINE FOR TEAM AWARDS - Top five teams, Individual with the most money raised, and the Largest team!

October T-Shirt Pickup Brandon, 6-8pm – Portillo’s Brandon - 1748 W Brandon Blvd, Brandon.

Team Captains please pick up t-shirts for your entire team. Come for dinner and pick up your t-shirts. A portion of your dinner sales is donated to FDSWF, Thank you! Thanks Portillo! Friday - Buddy Walk Set Up –

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BUDDY WALK EVENT SCHEDULE 10AM BUDDY WALK EVENT DAY REGISTRATION IS $30 - Pack your tents, tables, and chairs, it’s

going to be a beautiful day.

10AM-12PM Enjoy the festivities! Enjoy lunch from one of the food trucks. BRING CASH to for the F.S.C. Bake

Sale, 50/50, & Raffle tickets. The kids will enjoy the bouncy houses, giant slides, a petting zoo and train-ride! Meet your favorite Superhero, Princess, Ghostbusters from Costumers with a Cause and Star Wars Characters from The 501st Legion! Tour the Treasure Chest Float and meet the arrghsome Pirates of the Krewe of Sir Francis Drake. The Sunshine State Soap Box Derby will give the kids a thrill ride. Mark Oliver’s Specially Fit and Dancing with Donations will have presentations to delight the crowd.

VENDORS/EXHIBITORS/CRAFTS - Vendors are being accepted. We anticipate over 4,000 participants

consisting of special needs families, resource vendors, medical professionals, family and friends. You need to bring your own tent. We are accepting Special needs resource vendors, vendors selling handcrafted goods, artisan foods and more. If you would like to participate as a vendor, log onto our website www.ds-stride.org/fdswfbuddywalk; and fill out the Vendor application.

12:00PM BUDDY WALK TEAM AWARDS – Awards will be given to our Top Five Teams, the Largest Team, and Highest Individual Fundraiser. Thank you for all your hard work, we would not be able to do what we do without you.

1:00PM BUDDY WALK MEDAL AWARDS – You have taught us patience, love, and how to speak up when we see things that need to be changed, today we celebrate and honor you!

2PM ADVOCACY WALK - Ericka Chica Iglesias will sing the National Anthem as The Florida Sunsation

Cheerleaders and UT Cheerleaders rally for us! The Top Five Teams, the Largest Team, and the highest Individual Fundraiser will lead off the Advocacy walk by blowing air horns. You and your team will then take the Advocacy walk. SHOW YOUR DOWN SYNDROEM PRIDE TAMPA BAY!

3PM TEAM PHOTOS - Meet Julie Hirsch Photography by the Pirate Ship for your Free Team photos.

3:30 PM RAFFLE TICKETS - Did you get your Raffle tickets? You need to be present to win. We will be calling out

the winners soon. Don’t forget to get a delicious treat from the F.S.C. Tent?

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COME BUDDY WALK WITH US! What is a Buddy Walk® Team?

• A team is a group of people joining together to raise money and walk to support individuals with Down syndrome.

• Sign up as many people as possible! Team members may include co-workers, friends, family, clients, anyone!

Why Form a Team?

• It’s fun! It’s easy! Be a leader and join FDSWF and NDSS in building a national alliance of individuals and groups committed to advancing awareness and understanding of Down syndrome.

How is a Team formed?

• Establish a Team Captain who will recruit and lead the team. • Leading the team involves setting fund-raising goals, supplying registration and donation forms and

motivating and inspiring your team.

Benefits of Team Participation

• Teams promote teamwork! Participating in the Buddy Walk® builds team spirit and a sense of camaraderie, regardless of the size of your team.

• Team participation increases your visibility in the community and demonstrates that your group or company cares about people.

• Team participation is great for building morale! You will feel really good knowing that you joined a group of people that care enough to directly affect the lives of people with Down syndrome.

• Your team could win awards for fundraising! • The Buddy Walk® joins people together in a unique and exciting way to support people with Down

syndrome while participating in a healthy activity.

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ALL ABOUT BUDDY RUN/WALK FUNDRAISING!

Did you know that Buddy Walk Teams compete against each other to win Team Fundraising Incentives?

• Team Captains motivate their teams to meet and exceed Team Goals to earn incentives!

• So how do you fundraise? There are a lot of ways and the following pages will give you several ideas!

Customize your Team Page at www.ds-stride.org/fdswfbuddywalk!

Once you register for the Buddy Run/Walk you can create a Team Page to share your story with everyone! Make sure you add a picture and write a personal note, then share the page with everyone you know and ask them to share it too!

Share on Social Media!

Like the FDSWF Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/FDSWF/). Then, use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. to tell all of your friends that you are supporting the Buddy Walk. Don’t forget to tell them why they should support it too! People usually only make a donation after being asked three times – so don’t hesitate to keep asking!

Recruit Sponsors for the Buddy Run/Walk

Our Sponsorship information is located on pages (23-25). When you get a company or organization to Sponsor the Buddy Run/Walk, the sponsorship dollar value is added to your team total! So, if you recruit a $500 sponsorship, a $500 gets added to your team total!

Write Letters!

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TEAM FUNDRAISING GOALS AND INCENTIVES BUDDY FRIENDSHIP EXTRAORDINARY CELEBRATION TEAMS TEAMS TEAMS TEAMS

ALL TEAMS RAISE $250-999 RAISE $1000 & UP TOP FIVE TEAMS

Team name recognition Team name recognition Team name recognition on the FDSWF Website on the FDSWF Website on the FDSWF Website Facebook, Newsletter Facebook, Newsletter Facebook, Newsletter

Be entered into a drawing Be entered into a drawing Be entered into a drawing for one of the Raffle prizes. for one of the Raffle prizes. for one of the Raffle prizes.

Featured on FDSWF Website until 2020 Buddy Walk.

Team Tent at Buddy Walk Comes with Buddy Butler!

Buddy Cooler – full of water and snacks!

A FDSWF Appreciation Plaque!

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Team Captains To Do List

• Like the FDSWF on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/FDSWF/

• Register your team on www.ds-stride.org/fdswfbuddywalk

• Recruit a team of walkers to participate in the Buddy Run/Walk!

• Hang posters & sign-up sheets in high-traffic area such as employee break areas, restrooms,

etc.

• Send out e-mails asking people to join.

• Include family and friends!

• Put an article in the company newsletter.

• Sign all your emails with a request to “Join your Buddy Walk® Team”.

• Send out weekly emails, memos, etc. describing your team’s progress.

• Educate employees about Down syndrome and how the Buddy Walk® helps promote

awareness and inclusion for people with Down syndrome and raise funds for local and national

education, research and advocacy programs.

• Ask your team members to recruit others.

• Give your team a fundraising goal to reach!

• Follow-up with your team member’s fundraising.

• Help your team by providing them with a copy of the fundraising tips in included here.

• Determine whether your team will wear a uniform/team T-shirt on event day. A shirt can be a

fun team booster and a way to identify your team members.

• Challenge another company or group to see who can raise the most money!

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HOW DO I RAISE MONEY?

People give to people they know. So, don’t be afraid to ask. This is a great way to CELEBRATE people

with Down syndrome and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

• It is best to spread the fundraising activities over a period of time. Developing a fundraising

plan that includes events throughout the year is a great way to keep the excitement going and

raise a tremendous amount of money along the way!

• Dedicate your personal or team fund raising effort to an individual with Down syndrome. Walk

and raise funds in their honor. Your honoree can be a co-worker, friend or family member with

Down syndrome. Putting a face with the cause helps donors realize their impact.

• Arm yourself with facts about Down syndrome. More than 400,000 people in the United States

have Down syndrome. One in every 733 births result in a baby with Down syndrome. Parents

can be of any age, ethnicity, and socio-economic level. Down syndrome is a genetic condition

and is not typically hereditary.

• Along with The National Down Syndrome Society, F.R.I.E.N.D.S. – Down Syndrome West Florida

promotes awareness and inclusion for people with Down syndrome and raises funds for local

and national education, research and advocacy programs.

• Be enthusiastic about your participation. Whether asking for a donation or for someone to join

your team, your enthusiasm will be contagious, and others will want to support you.

• Remember to ask your donors if their companies have a matching gifts program. You can easily

double your fundraising through matching plans!

• Once fundraising begins, remember to say, “Thank You”! You may choose to write personal

notes, send a standard letter, write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper or company

newsletter, use e-mail or a big poster in the company break room to thank your donors for their

support.

• Be sure to develop a fundraising plan with your team. Encourage them to: Start early and set a

goal Use a variety of fundraising activities to keep interest and to exceed your team goal

Publicize their fundraising activities Encourage and applaud each other Fund-raise throughout

the year Report their successes

• You can do it! Ready, Set, Go!!

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Collecting Buddy Walk® Donations - Where and When

Should Donations Be Submitted?

• Encourage online donations – Online donations are made directly to your Buddy Walk team

web page and are instantly attributed to your walker and/or Buddy Walk® team fundraising

goal. No additional steps are necessary.

• Make all checks payable to FRIENDS DOWN SYNDROME WEST FLORIDA and indicate the walker

and/or Buddy Walk® team to which the donation should be attributed in the memo section.

• Convert all CASH you have collected into a check! Write “Cash Donations” and walker/Buddy

Walk team name in the memo section of the check.

• Mail or hand-deliver donations to our officers – We encourage you to remit all contributions

prior to the Buddy Walk® to the address listed below.

• Give your donations to your team captain –

If you are participating as a member of a

Buddy Walk® team, you can gather

donations and submit them to your team

captain before Buddy Walk® day.

• Though we’d rather you to submit your

donations online to www.ds-

stride.org/fdswfbuddywalk, that way your

donations can be attributed to your team

total, you can bring all of your donations to

the registration table on Buddy Walk® day –

Simply collect contributions from friends and

family members, record their names and

donation amounts on the Buddy Walk®

collection envelope and submit the envelope

of donations on Buddy Walk® day or to:

FRIENDS DOWN SYNDROME WEST FLORIDA

P.O. BOX 677, BRANDON FL. 33509

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How to Raise $1,000+

1. Have FUN! The more fun the more successful you will be.

2. Register Online and Set Up Your Team Walk Web Page. Register and set up

your team page where friends, family and coworkers can donate to you directly

online or join your team.

3. Customize Your Buddy Walk® Team Page Photo & Story

Participants who update these pages with their own photos and story raise 10

to 12 times more money than those who don’t update their pages.

4. Set Walk Team and Personal Goals Setting - goals gives you and your

supporters a goal to achieve.

5. Facebook - Recruit your Facebook friends to participate in the Walk.

6. Host a Shindig at Home or Work - Everyone loves a party! Host a party at

home or work and ask for contributions from guests when they arrive. Try a

barbeque, pizza party, luau, ice cream social, movie or bingo night, etc...

7. Encourage Online Donations - The average check or cash donation a walker

receives is $50, while the average online donation is over $75. Ask your

supporters to make donations directly online by visiting your Buddy Walk® team

page and quickly surpass your fundraising goal.

8. Ask 10 people for $25 = $250 - The average participant raises $250 for the

Buddy Walk. You can easily do this by asking 10 people for $25 each. You will be

shocked how quickly you raise $250!

9. Matching Gifts Programs at Work - matching gifts are a great way for donors

to maximize personal contributions to the Buddy Walk. Ask your company if

they have a matching gifts program.

10. Launch a Letter-Writing Campaign - All Buddy walkers should plan to send

their own letters/emails to friends and family asking for support and

contributions. If you would like assistance in writing your message, simply call

us. We have sample letters and tips to get you started!

DAY 1 Put in your own $20 DAY 2 Ask your spouse or roommate for $20 DAY 3 Ask your mom or dad for $20 DAY 4 Ask your friend for $20 DAY 5 Ask your supervisor for $20 DAY 6 Ask a neighbor for $20 DAY 7 Ask another family member for $20 DAY 8 Ask a business owner for $20 DAY 9 Ask a person from church/club for $20 DAY 10 Ask a Co-worker

HELP SUPPORT A

GREAT CAUSE!

HOW TO RAISE $200 IN 10 DAYS

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Individual Fundraising Ideas

➢ Try a letter writing campaign: Whether you send e-mails or mail letters with your personal goals, a letter writing campaign has proven to be the most effective form of fund raising. Some participants choose to enclose a self-addressed envelope to make it easier for donors to mail back.

➢ Hold an auction: Auction a prime parking space at work, a half or whole day off, or yourself to work a day for someone.

➢ A little change makes a lot of cents: Ask a retailer to post this message at the register, "Dimes for Down syndrome” to help celebrate diversity and Down syndrome awareness.”

➢ Use your green thumb: Sell corsages, your extra houseplants, or bouquets from your garden. ➢ Schedule a game night: Host a Monopoly, poker, bingo or other game night and charge admission. ➢ Get Your Child's School Involved: A teacher at a private school instituted a "dress down day" for the

entire student body & faculty. For a donation, a student or teacher could wear a hat, shorts or other attire that is normally not allowed (If the principal won't involve the whole school, how about a "special project" for just your child's class?)

➢ Organize a pretty baby contest: Gather employee baby pictures, have donation jars set up as votes - the jar with the most donations wins. Get prizes donated for the winners.

➢ Sell your career skill: For example, if you’re a CPA, offer to do your friends’ taxes for a fee that goes toward your goal. Schedule a share-the-profit event: Many local restaurants will give a portion of a day’s profits to a specific cause. Set this up with restaurant management and notify your friends, family, etc. to visit the establishment on the scheduled day.

➢ Host a yard sale: Sell your unwanted items and put the profit towards your goal. If family/friends don’t want to give money, suggest that you sell their unwanted items and keep the profit.

➢ Turn a gift to you into a gift to the FDSWF: Ask family/friends to donate money on your behalf to the FDSWF instead of giving you presents at your upcoming birthday or anniversary.

➢ Present an instructional class: Invite possible donors to participate in a how-to class and charge a fee that goes toward your goal. For example, if you’re a great dancer, offer to conduct classes for your friends with the proceeds benefiting the FDSWF.

➢ Host a party: Throw a great party and charge admission! Have the party at your house or partner with a local bar that gives you a portion of the evening’s cover charge.

➢ Host a block party: Invite your neighbors to a neighborhood block party. Sell food and charge admission.

➢ Approach your company: Many companies will give a flat donation and many others have a matching gift program. These gift programs usually match donations given by employees. Be sure to approach your Human Resources department to learn the details.

www.ds-stride.org/fdswfbuddywalk

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Team Fundraising Ideas

• Dress Down Days: Ask your company and other companies to conduct a “Dress Down for Down

Syndrome” for their employees. Designate a day, series of days or week and charge to dress

casual. Give discounts if people wish to buy more than one day. Example: one day for $5, or

three days for $10. Employees purchase a button/sticker that gives them the privilege of going

to work dressed casually on a designated day.

• Bake Sale: Hold a bake sale at work, church, or school or sell donuts, bagels and coffee in the

morning. Book Smart: Dust those bookshelves and have a book sale. Snack Bar: Set up an

inexpensive snack bar. Every day employees purchase snacks – sandwiches, chips, cookies,

juices and soft drinks, with all the proceeds going toward your fundraising goal.

• Coin Saving: Ask five to ten people to save their change for you for a month. Give them buckets

decorated. At the month’s end, invite them to your home for a “counting party.” Meals on

Wheels: Have a meal day where you will cook and deliver breakfast, lunch or dinner to other

businesses in town. Contact them a few days ahead of time to inform them of the menu, cost

and how to order.

• Garage Sale: Have a garage sale in your company parking lot or at your home and have all your

friends, co-workers, and team members bring items from their homes to sell.

• Car Wash: Get your team together on a weekend to hold a car wash. Some good places to have

a car wash are parking lots of fast food restaurants, grocery stores and churches. Be sure to

check with the owners before setting up!

• Yard Displays: Place plastic pink flamingos, wooden cows, or whirly birds in the front yard of

unsuspecting donors...request a donation for them to be removed, an additional donation for

the homeowner to pick whose yard they are to be placed next, and another donation as

"insurance" that they don't wind up back in their yard.

• Brown Bag Lunch Day: Encourage employees to bring their lunch to work and hold a brown bag

party. Ask them to donate their lunch money to you. The money saved from not going out that

day can be contributed to the Buddy Walk.

• Fundraising Parties: Schedule a fund-raising party to benefit the Buddy Walk. You can have it at

your home, office or partner with a local restaurant or bar to sponsor the event by donating

food or the space. Promote the party to everyone you know and charge a cover. The

restaurant/bar will benefit from the free publicity and the money you raise will go toward your

goal, not to mention it’s a lot of fun!

• Don’t forget: Get pledges from people who have supported your loved one. Colleagues,

doctors, dentists, dry cleaners, hairdressers, and places where you are frequent patrons.

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SAMPLE LETTER - Join Our Team

Dear Friends,

I am excited about participating in the upcoming 5TH FRIENDS BUDDY WALK benefiting F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

Down Syndrome West Florida and the National Down Syndrome Society. I could really use your help!

This is a great event that raises money to promote awareness for all individuals with Down syndrome.

In addition, we raise money to support local services and national research, education and advocacy

efforts. The Buddy Walk® will be held on Saturday, It is a fun and heart-warming day that includes

an Advocacy walk through Raymond James Stadium, with food, fun, games and music. Come be a part

of this great day and do your part to help promote awareness and acceptance of people with Down

syndrome.

You can help by:

• Joining our team and making a contribution to FRIENDS DOWN SYNDROME WEST FLORIDA.

• Walking on our team and asking your friends, family or co-workers to support your team, raise

money to qualify for great prizes!

• Forming your own team (become a team captain and inspire others to seek donations for the Buddy

Walk®)

• Making a fully tax-deductible contribution to FRIENDS Down Syndrome West Florida and letting your

personal contacts know that you are in support of this event.

Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that affects one in every 733 live births. It is one of the

leading clinical causes of intellectual disability in the world. Individuals with Down syndrome are at

higher risk for medical problems and language delays. Quality educational programs, along with a

stimulating home environment and good medical care, enable individuals with Down syndrome to

become contributing members of their families and communities.

I hope you’ll join our team. We look forward to seeing you on October 26th.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.

Thank you,

(Name) (Address) (Phone, Fax) (Email)

P.S. I’ve made it easy for you to join the team. Just visit www.ds-stride.org/fdswfbuddywalk

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SAMPLE LETTER - From a Self-advocate

Dear Friend:

On behalf of my family and all other families at F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Down Syndrome West Florida and the

National Down Syndrome Society, we are asking for your help. Someone is going to ask you to donate

to a cause, I believe it might as well be me!

I have Down syndrome and can think of NO BETTER CAUSE!! Down syndrome is a chromosomal

disorder that affects one of every 733 live births. It is one of the leading clinical causes of intellectual

disability in the world. Quality educational programs, along with a stimulating home environment and

good medical care, enable individuals with Down syndrome to become contributing members of their

families and communities.

At this time, the cause is not known. In addition, THERE IS NO CURE.

The Buddy Walk® is the most important event of the year. People from all over the area participate in

our Advocacy Walk to promote awareness for all people with Down syndrome. In addition, we raise

funds to help support local programs and national research, education and advocacy efforts. Please

consider sponsoring me for the Buddy Walk® by making a donation in any amount. Your donation will

help me and many other individuals and families affected by Down syndrome.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

[name]

[address]

Note: Please make checks payable to FRIENDS DOWN SYNDROME WEST FLORIDA and mail to my

address. Please put my name/team name on the memo line and Buddy Walk®.

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SAMPLE LETTER – FROM PARENTS

Dear:

As most or all of you know, our son John is a 2-year-old with Down syndrome. In addition to being a

happy, healthy little man, John has been a major ambassador of goodwill in his short time with us and

his impact has been enormously positive. In short, John is a terrific and special little kid who has

reminded us about all of the really important things in life and who has a bright and wonderful future

ahead of him.

When John was first born, we thanked everyone who had provided good thoughts, deeds and wishes.

In the almost 24 months that John has been with us the kindness and thoughtfulness have continued

and, amazingly, even gained strength -- it is at times overwhelming and we cannot thank you all

enough. Many of you have asked about a way to help or otherwise become involved in Down

syndrome related charities.

FRIENDS DOWN SYNDROME WEST FLORIDA is having their annual Buddy Walk® FDSWF

is an organization that is committed to being the leader in enhancing the quality of life, and realizing

the potential of all people with Down syndrome. The Buddy Walk® is designed to promote awareness

and inclusion for people with Down syndrome, as well as to raise money to support national education,

research and advocacy initiatives. Needless to say, it promotes a cause that is close to our hearts.

We would love as many of you as possible to partake -- but we do not mean to pressure anyone. We

recognize how busy everyone is, however, we just wanted to let you all know about the event and

thought it might be a great opportunity to get together with some friends. We are committed to

raising awareness about Down syndrome as well as educating folks that a complete and happy life is

possible for people with disabilities. Please let us know if you intend to participate and please pass this

note along to anyone who might be interested or to anyone that I might have omitted.

Hoping to see you on October

Thank you in advance for your support and generosity.

With warmest regards,

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Raffle & Silent Auction Donation Request

Dear Friend,

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Down Syndrome West Florida (FDSWF) is pleased to announce the details for our 5TH

FRIENDS BUDDY WALK that will take place on Saturday, October

The Buddy Walk® is an advocacy walk to promote acceptance and inclusion of all people with Down

syndrome and to raise funds to the support programs and services of the FDSWF, including our Baby

Friends playgroups, Dream Tweens Peer Club, D.A.D.S. group, and our popular F.S.C. All Abilities Dance.

They are also raising funds to open a Down Syndrome center called THE FRIENDS CENTER that will not

only provide all of their programs but also provide a desperately needed Daycare, after-school

program, and adult Daycare for the special need’s community.

We are writing to ask if you would consider donating to this event. Whether it is an “in-kind”, raffle or

monetary contribution, your support will benefit an amazing cause. Some ways to help are:

· Providing an in-kind donation such as water or snacks. · Donating items and/or gift cards for our basket raffle. · Providing a monetary donation or gift card.

To acknowledge your contribution, the name of your business will be listed in our FDSWF newsletter,

on our website, and will be announced at the event. Thank you so much for your time and

consideration. I hope you will support our mission in one of the above capacities.

Please call JAMIE SANTILLO, MARKETING DIRECTOR, (239)297-6691, if you have any questions about

the FDSWF or the Buddy Walk® . You may also visit our main FDSWF website at www.friendssuport.org

or our Buddy Walk® website at www.ds-stride.org/fdswfbuddywalk for more information.

Thanks again, and we hope to hear from you soon!

Sincerely,

Jamie Santillo, Marketing Director 4th FDSWF 3.21 Fun Run & Buddy Walk FRIENDS DOWN SYNDROME WEST FLORIDA

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BUDDY WALK SPONSORS Dear Sponsors, F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME WEST FLORIDA (FDSWF) our non-profit has been working hard to coordinate some amazing programs, community events, and initiatives for our Tampa Bay individuals impacted with Down syndrome and other special needs. Our Goal is to advocate, educate and celebrate Down syndrome/special needs and take meaningful action in our local community, and we did! We invite you to join us in celebrating October as Down Syndrome Awareness month and we are asking the Tampa Bay community, business leaders, media and our families for help as we make Tampa not only Down syndrome friendly but to help celebrate our Down syndrome pride! We are committed to actively promoting every sponsor who helps make this a much-anticipated event. Your organizations name will be included on our website, Facebook page, participants t-shirts, and all media used to promote the event. If you have any questions, or if you are looking for a customized package don’t hesitate to contact, Jamie Santillo, our FDSWF Marketing Director at (239)297-6691 or via email jamie@friendssupport.org. We look forward to your help in promoting this fun, family friendly and much needed event for our entire community. Thank you for your gift of support and sponsorship, FRIENDS DOWN SYNDROME WEST FLORIDA

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SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

PLATINUM SPONSOR LEVEL $5,000 • Corporate logo (LARGE SIZE) on back of race T-shirt.

• Corporate logo on Registration page and FDSWF website with link to your site.

• VIP introduction from stage.

•Banner/Information/Giveaways prominently displayed during the event (provided by Sponsor).

• Free table at the event.

• Multiple PA announcements mentioning sponsor name during the event.

• 5 complimentary 3.21K Fun Run/Buddy Walk entries.

GOLD LEVEL SPONSOR $2,500 • Corporate logo (MEDIUM SIZE) on back of T-shirts.

• Corporate logo on Registration page and FDSWF website with link to your site.

• VIP introduction from stage.

• Banner/Information/Giveaways prominently displayed at the event (provided by Sponsor).

• Free table at the event.

• 2 Special PA announcements mentioning sponsor name during the event.

• 4 complimentary 3.21K Fun Run/Buddy Walk entries.

SILVER LEVEL SPONSOR $1,500 • Corporate logo on back of T-shirts.

• Corporate logo on Registration page with link to your site.

• Signage at the event.

• Free table at the event.

• 1 Special PA announcements mentioning sponsor name during the event.

• 3 complimentary 3.21K Fun Run/Buddy Walk entries.

BRONZE LEVEL SPONSOR $1,000 • Corporate logo on the back of T-shirts.

• Corporate logo on Race Registration Page with link to your site.

• Free table at the event.

• 2 complimentary 3.21K Fun Run/Buddy Walk entry.

EVENT SPONSOR $500 • Corporate logo on back of T-shirts.

• Free table at the Event.

IN KIND SPONSOR $250 • Corporate logo on back of T-shirts.

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BUDDY RUN/BUDDY WALK SPONSORSHIP CONFIRMATION FORM

Organization Name: _____________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code: _____________________________________________________________

Contact Person: _________________________________________________________________

Phone Number: _________________________________________________________________

Website Address: ________________________________________________________________

1. Sponsorship Level (please circle)

• Platinum Sponsor $5,000

• Gold Sponsor $2,500

• Silver Sponsor $1,500

• Bronze Sponsor $1,000

• Event Sponsor $500

• In-kind Sponsor $250

2. Do you plan to send/bring materials/giveaways to be distributed at the event: YES NO

3. Sponsor can choose to have company name or submit a logo. Please write your company name exactly how you would like it to appear on our website, signage, etc. Company Name: _____________________________________________________________ Artwork/Logos must be submitted to info@friendssupport.org no later than September 31st. Logos for t-shirts are printed in one color and should be submitted as a vector file. Logos for website and social media should be submitted in high resolution JPEG or EPS files. 4. Participants that receive complimentary entries as part of their sponsorship can register by providing participant information to info@friendssupport.org. 5. Checks can be made payable to FRIENDS Down Syndrome West Florida and mailed to P.O. Box 677, Brandon, FL 33509. Please mail checks no later than September 31, 2020. 6. FRIENDS DOWN SYNDROME WEST FLORIDA – Your donations are tax-deductible! Our Florida Non-profit EIN

number is #65-1261646. For more information about FDSWF visit our website at www.fdswf.org

Please call or email Jamie Santillo, Marketing Director to set up sponsorship, customize sponsorship or answer any questions. Jamie can be reached via text/phone at (239)297-6691 or email at jamie@friendssupport.org.

Many thanks for your support, consideration, and sponsorship!

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F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - Families, Raising, Inspiring, Educating, and Networking for Down Syndrome West Florida P.O. BOX 677 BRANDON FL 33509 (813)245-2782 TAX EIN#65-1261646 www.friendssupport.org

VENDORS! We invite you to join us as a Vendor on Saturday, October for our 5th FRIENDS BUDDY WALK. Help us advocate to make Tampa not only Down Syndrome friendly but let’s show off our Down Syndrome Pride! The Buddy Walk is our largest fundraiser and you will be provided the opportunity to promote your business to over 4,000 guests in a fun family friendly atmosphere. Vendor spaces are only $75 and you are provided with a 10x10 space, a table and 2 chairs. Please bring your own tent and decorations. *NOTE we'd love to feature businesses that are owned by individuals with Down syndrome or other special needs. There is no vendors fee for these businesses. Non-profits are also free, but if you’d like FDSWF to provide your table and chairs there is a $15 fee. To reserve your spot please go to our website, www.ds-stride.org/fdswfbuddy to register. Please call or email me with any questions you may have. Thank you and we are looking forward to seeing you. Sincerely, Ann Foyt, R.N. – Executive Director (813)245-2782 info@friendssupport.org

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F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - Families, Raising, Inspiring, Educating, and Networking for Down Syndrome West Florida P.O. BOX 677 BRANDON FL 33509 (813)245-2782 TAX EIN#65-1261646 www.friendssupport.org

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!

We need over 100 Volunteers to bring our families and individual with special needs a day

they will never forget! We are looking for hardworking, dedicated individuals to help with the

following:

Selling Raffles

Selling Merchandise

Registration

Keeping the kids safe on the Bouncy

Houses

Surveys

Serving Food

Setting up Tents, tables, chairs

Unloading the truck

Buddy Butlers for our top teams.

*YOU MUST REGISTER TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE BUDDY WALK T-SHIRT AND WRISTBAND.

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F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - Families, Raising, Inspiring, Educating, and Networking for Down Syndrome West Florida P.O. BOX 677 BRANDON FL 33509 (813)245-2782 TAX EIN#65-1261646 www.friendssupport.org

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Buddy Walk? An Advocacy walk in which anyone can participate! It is an inspirational and educational event that celebrates the many abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome. Individuals form teams to honor their loved ones, friends and family with Down syndrome. Some teams honor a specific individual, while others support the community as a whole. They create personal fundraising pages with photographs and stories about why participating in the Buddy Walk® is important.

2. What are the goals for 2020? FRIENDS hopes to have more than 60 teams raising at least $50,000. There are many important gaps in programs for individuals with Down syndrome and raising these funds will help us fulfill our mission of providing information, resources and support to individuals with Down syndrome, their families and their communities!

3. Where does the money go? 93% of the funds raised help FRIENDS provide information, resources and support to individuals with Down syndrome in Hillsborough, Pinellas, & Pasco counties. 7% of the funds help the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to support research, education and advocacy on the national level.

4. Where is the Buddy Walk® exactly?

5. Who can participate in the Buddy Walk® ? Anyone and everyone! We encourage everyone to invite family, friends, classmates, teachers, students, neighbors, coworkers, and others to join them at our Buddy Walk! Every participant helps promote the importance of awareness, acceptance and inclusion of all special needs individuals.

6. How can I get involved? Register and join a team or start your own team! First, register, then make you own fundraising page where you can include your personal story, photos, and videos and share via email or social media. Encourage people to join your team and ask them to make their own fundraising pages to tell their story and send to their friends and family as well!

7. I think my company might like to get involved. How do we do that? There are fabulous sponsorship opportunities available. Please contact Jamie Santillo at Jamie@friendssupport.org more information. You can also take a look at our sponsorship opportunities on www.ds-stride.org/fdswfbuddywalk. Companies can also form their own teams to help fundraise and take part in the walk! Contact us with any questions!

8. I didn’t preregister. Can I still get a walk T-shirt? Yes.

9. Are there opportunities to volunteer? Absolutely! We need help with everything from planning to day-of-the-walk logistics to cheering on our walkers! Contact Jenna Stites at buddywalk@mvdsa.org for more information!

10. Can I set up a Vendors table? Yes, we’d love to have you. Contact us at info@friendssupport.org.