What is the Buddy Walk? The 2011 Buddy Walk, to be held on October 8 at 11 a.m., is a one-mile advocacy walk from the Capitol to Julia Davis Park. It’s a fun, family event and celebration, inviting anyone and everyone to attend with a buddy who has Down syndrome or come meet one! Food, games and entertainment follow the walk in Julia Davis Park. The Buddy Walk was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. This is the 9th annual local walk for the Treasure Valley Down Syndrome Association, which was formed in 1982 by parents of children who have Down syndrome. The local walk has grown to include more than 1,500 participants. Throughout the month of October, National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, more than 300 Buddy Walks will occur throughout the United States. What is Down syndrome? Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal abnormality. One in every 800 to 1,000 babies is born with Down syndrome. All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses. Quality educational programs, good medical care and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. They attend school, make friends, find work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society. Buddy Walk Sponsorship Opportunities When you support the Buddy Walk you help create awareness and acceptance for people who have Down syndrome. You also support individuals with Down syndrome and their families through education and advocacy. Please review the sponsorship levels below to see which is right for you. Benefit Presenting Platinum $5,000+ $2,000-$4,999 Gold Silver Bronze $1,000-$1,999 $500-$999 $100-499 Number of walk registrations and t-shirts 20 15 8 4 2 Recognition on Buddy Walk program X X X X X Recognition on TVDSA event posters X X X X Memento presented on stage at the Buddy Walk X X X Logo on main Buddy Walk banner X X X Logo on TVDSA website for a year X X X Display of your signage at the event X X Recognition in all Buddy Walk advertising/PSAs X Naming rights: “Buddy Walk presented by (Name)” X 2011 Buddy Walk Sponsor Commitment Form Organization Name: Contact Name: Address: City: State: Phone: Zip: Email: My gift is cash and my check is enclosed (Checks payable to Treasure Valley Down Syndrome Association) Sponsorship Level: Presenting $5,000+ Platinum $2,000 - $4,999 Gold $1,000 - $1,999 Silver $500 - $999 Bronze $100 - $499 Other My gift is an in-kind donation Item(s): Retail Value: Item is enclosed OR Item will be ready for pick-up after: Signature: Logos for posters and signs are due by August 15, 2011. Email logos to [email protected]. Please return this form to: Melody Witte 4850 N. Curlew Place Eagle, ID 83616 Thank you for supporting the Buddy Walk! The Treasure Valley Down Syndrome Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-deductible organization.