HUDSONVILLE, Mich. -- The Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan will host its annual Step Up for Down Syndrome event on Saturday, Sept. 7 at the Hudsonville Community Fairgrounds on Park Avenue.
It will run from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., with kickoff announcements at 4 o'clock.
The cost is $10 per person to enter. It's free for people with Down Syndrome. There will be carnival games, raffle prizes, food trucks, live entertainment, and a solidarity walk.
Here is more information gleaned from a DSAWM news release:
The celebration kicks off DSAWM’s advocacy campaign for Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and is an opportunity for families, friends, and the community to come together and show support for loved ones with Down syndrome.
Jonathon Whaley, parent, says “The Step Up event is my favorite event of the year”, it’s a celebration for not only the Down syndrome community but also the extended community here in West Michigan. Folks are given the chance to see the energy and light that our members bring. Claire Labadie, parent and Step Up committee member, says "Our family participates in Step Up each year because we always want our 5-year-old daughter to feel celebrated, valued, and know she has a vital place in this world. But just as important, we want to help bring awareness to those outside of the Down syndrome community. It's always a fun, inclusive event that our family and friends look forward to each year!"
This year’s theme is “Step Right Up” and DSAWM will be celebrating at Hudsonville Fairgrounds from 3 – 7 pm on Saturday, September 7. The cost is $10 per person to enter, free for individuals with Down syndrome. Guests can look forward to carnival games, raffle prizes, food trucks, a community partner resource fair, live entertainment, a foam party, and a solidarity walk. Event details and registration information can be found at https://www.ds-stride.org/dsawmstepup.
Happening on the same day, some of our members’ photos will be featured in the National Down Syndrome Society Times Square Video Presentation from 9:30-10:30 PST. One West Michigander featured will be George Whaley. George’s dad, Jonathon, is excited for his son to be celebrated by so many people. He states “As a father to a son with DS, seeing friends and family coming together to celebrate our West Michigan Community brings too much joy to my heart. The Step Up for Down Syndrome event serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of unity and the importance of creating a more inclusive society for all.”
DSAWM hopes to raise $150,000 at Step Up. The organization relies entirely on the support of generous donors to fund its mission and is grateful to the families and sponsors that have contributed to over $90,000 already raised. Every dollar ensures programs remain accessible to families and allows for the expansion of services into more West Michigan communities.
For more information and to register, visit https://www.dsawm.org/stepup/.
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Photo: Source: DSAWM