2023 Buddy Walk — Registration Open!
This year the MDSC will be hosting two walk options to suit your family’s needs for connecting, building community and spreading awareness!
Buddy Walk – Wakefield
Join us for the Buddy Walk in Wakefield on October 8th as we walk around Lake Quanapowitt as we have for more than 25 years to celebrate the inclusion of all individuals with Down syndrome!
Buddy Walk in Your Community
For those further afield or wanting to gather locally with friends and family, our members could choose to walk in the comfort of their own community throughout the month of October.
Wakefield Buddy Walk Special Guests
Rachel Coleman
Coleman is the Emmy Award nominated host, and co-creator of “Signing Time!”, the public television series that teaches basic ASL vocabulary to families in a fun and musical way. The series has been broadcast to millions of viewers through PBS stations, Netflix, Nick Jr., and mysigningtime.com. Her production company has garnered billions of views on YouTube. Check out Rachel’s most recent Buddy Walk performance (left), recorded for our 2020 Buddy Walk in Your Own Community,
James Keith
The “CHAMPIONS” actor is the epitome of REACHing for his dreams. The North Andover native had never acted before, but that didn’t stop him from responding to a casting call, landing him a major role in the groundbreaking movie with Woody Harrelson.
Vanessa Welch
Boston 25 News’ Emmy award- winning news anchor returns for her 5th time emceeing this event.
Knucklebones
Knucklebones returns to the Buddy Walk to provide its interactive field games and toys for all abilities and developmental stages that encourage everyone to play and have fun!
Todd Angilly
Todd Angilly, the Bruins’ official National Anthem singer, will perform at the Wakefield Buddy Walk for his 2nd time.
Buddy Walk Dance Team
The Buddy Walk Dance Team coordinated by Becky Robichaud of the Dance Inn will be back with a fresh performance just for us.
Mister Vic
The legendary Mister Vic joins us once again, bringing with him his “musical petting zoo” for kids to explore and play musical instruments of their choosing.
And Much More!
Food trucks (Moyzilla and L’Qchara); Costume characters; Balloon artists; Magician; Children’s tent with face painting, temporary tattoos, arts and crafts; snacks and refreshments.
About the Buddy Walk
The MDSC Buddy Walk® Program gives individuals, schools, community groups, and local businesses across the state an opportunity to get involved in fundraising campaigns and events year-round, all intended to promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.
The statewide campaign is anchored by our signature Buddy Walk & Family Festival. It also includes major and minor events throughout Massachusetts, such as the Buddy Walk & Harvest Fair in Central Massachusetts, a number of school fundraisers, and other fundraisers endorsed by the MDSC.
Funds raised by the MDSC Buddy Walk Program go toward critical programs and services including:
Parents First Call, Advocates in Motion (AIM), Self Advocate Advisory Council, Educator’s Forum, Educator’s Manual, Annual Conference, Legislative Advocacy on a state and national level, Allen Crocker Self Advocate Internship Program, Your Next Star Employment Center and so much more.
All of these programs have directly led to better lives for people with Down syndrome in Massachusetts and beyond. Join us and be a part of the warmth and determination of our community.
National Buddy Walk Program
The Buddy Walk is an advocacy initiative launched in 1995 by The National Down Syndrome Society. It serves as a vehicle to generate significant awareness and understanding of Down syndrome nationally, while simultaneously raising critical funds to support local programs and services offered by The MDSC. As a proud affiliate of The NDSS, a portion of all proceeds from Buddy Walk campaigns go to support national advocacy initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of individuals with Down syndrome.
If you’re interested getting involved in the Buddy Walk program, please email us at buddywalk@mdsc.org or click on the link below for more information.
BUDDY WALK 2023 LEAD SPONSORS
Presenting Sponsor
Advocates in Motion Program – Gold Sponsor
First Call Program – Silver Sponsor
