Please join us for this year’s Buddy Walk!
The Grand Grand Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk 2020 will take place at GSDSS’s new office space: 9714 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572, Suite 140
This event will be unlike other walks. We will not host activities throughout the day, but will still honor our members with awards. We will begin at 11:30 AM and end when the final member is announced.
The Buddy Walk® was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October.
Learn more HERE
What will Buddy Walk Look Like in 2020?
These are our tentative plans, and are subject to evolve as we continue gaining feedback from our members and families:
Q: Will there be a in person festival as we know it?
A: The simple answer: NO. We are putting together an event modeled after a "Trunk or Treat" idea. We don't want to deny anyone the option to come in person to celebrate their child if that is their choice. This event is primarily meant to hold the award ceremony for our self-advocates. In order to follow social distancing recommendations, we will have designated parking spots. Everyone will need to remain in their own space and Jason (our awards presenter) will walk from car to car to present each award, while remaining 6 feet from your vehicles.
Q: Will families earn banners and signs this year?
A: If your team raises the money for a sign or banner, and you would like one, we will still order it for you. However, we do plan to order car magnets for each participant, that will resemble the signs which can be placed on your vehicle during the event. They will be yours to keep.
Q: What about shirts?
A: Many members have already ordered their own shirts, but GSDSS will still order our shirts as well.
Q: Will there be an online event?
A: Why YES! We will be doing a gathering via Zoom. We might possibly organize a Zoom dance party/hangout for the whole family. We think that allowing the kids to see each other, even if on a screen, would be awesome! Carolina 321 has been doing weekly Zooms and loving it.
Q: What if I don't want to do the "Trunk or Treat" but still want my child’s medal?
A: We would LOVE to see all of our families! We will have a drive-thru line set up for the families who can't stay. Some of us with younger kids may be worried that our children will not want to sit at their own space because they will want to go love on their buddies and that is 100% understandable. The drive-thru line is an options for people who wish to use that option. Jason will announce your child if you'd like him to. You'll be given the medal, a dozen donuts (donated by Krispy Kreme), and your care package. We will cheer you guys on as you drive thru!
There has been a LOT of discussion and you may have lots of questions. We invite you to contact Sandra with questions or ideas so we can accommodate as many people and needs as possible: breakingall321@gmail.com
Be sure to check out this page often, as details may change or evolve as we figure things out.