In recent years, the Special Arts Ensemble has performed during the opening ceremony for the Gold Coast Down Syndrome Association’s Annual “Buddy Walk”. This event raises funds for the organization’s educational, social, and advocacy programs in Palm Beach County and promotes awareness of the capabilities and talents of persons with Down Syndrome.
We’ve decided to take our school’s involvement in this year’s 21st Annual Buddy Walk to the next level in order for the 2nd year in a row. Last year our team raised $1,200 and over 150 people joined Dance Buddies STEP UP! We’re hoping to go even bigger this year!
Thanks to Teresa Copeland Heller for the photograph!
We are opening the opportunity up to the entire school to get involved with our team, called Dance Buddies STEP UP, either by walking during the event or by making donations. The Dancer’s Edge Company will participate and walk in honor of our Special Arts Ensemble and Dance Movement Students.
This is a great opportunity for adults and children of all ages to get involved in a very important cause, one that is very dear to our hearts here at Southern Dance Theatre.
We are hoping Team Dance Buddies – STEP UP will make a great impact!
About the Buddy Walk
The Buddy Walk, a Family Fun Event, features a one mile walk, free breakfast, multiple children’s activities, live entertainment, dj and dancing, characters and a silent auction and raffle. In 2014, nearly 3000 people participated in the Buddy Walk and raised over $180,000. Typical attendees are suburban families.
About Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization For 35 years, Gold Coast has been serving the families of children with Down syndrome in Palm Beach County. We offer education, advocacy and support programs including The Learning Program, Exceptional Educators, Smart Start, Tunes for Tots and the Next Chapter Book Club. The Buddy Walk funds the majority of our work and made possible the opening of our Resource Center in 2012. Gold Coast is a Founder of the Buddy Walk and one of only three groups nationally that have continually held walks for 21 years.
About Down Syndrome
Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. One in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome.
More than 400,000 Americans are living with Down syndrome. With quality education and family and community support, people with Down syndrome will develop their full potential and enjoy meaningful lives.
Show Support by Walking
To participate in the Buddy Walk, click here to register. You can also register at Southern Dance Theatre Friday, September 11th from 6:30-9:30pm or Saturday, September 12th from 9-4pm. This is during Dancer’s Edge Company Auditions and will be a convenient time for many people to get registered.
To join Southern Dance Theatre’s team for this year’s Buddy Walk, be sure to click “Join a team” and select “Dance Buddies STEP UP”. This is Southern Dance Theatre’s Team.
Registration is $20, but if you register before Sunday, October 4th it is only $15. If you are registering a student, you can enter BW15 as the promo code, and the registration fee is then only $10 for students. Registration at the event is $20.
Show Support by Donating
If you are unable to participate in the walk, but would like to show your support by donating to this event as part of the Dance Buddies STEP UP team, click here.
Check out the footage of the 2014 and 2013 Buddy Walks below. You will see a clip of the Special Arts Ensemble’s performance! We hope you will be inspired to join us!
Additional Event Details
Date & Time: Sunday, October 18, 2015 – 8am to 12pm
Location: John Prince Park Center Drive Pavilion
4759 S Congress Ave
Lake Worth, Florida 33461