8th Annual Buddy Walk

Thanks to everyone who participated and supported the 8th Annual Whatcom County Buddy Walk this past weekend! With a great crowd, amazing families, beautiful weather, wonderful prizes and a delicious lunch, it was a tremendous success!

This event was a great opportunity to promote inclusion and respect of individuals with Down syndrome and to raise money for important programs in our community. A special thanks to the incredible efforts of the all-volunteer Down syndrome Outreach committee: Jennifer Dyrland, Christine Griffin, Liz Hemmerly, Alison Lyddan, Sandi McMillan, Bill Padgett, Makenna Padgett and Patty Reimers.

To get involved with DsO and help with future events, please call (360)715-0170, ext.205 or email makennap@arcwhatcom.org. Your help would be very appreciated!


Team Captains were recognized before the walk and presented "Team Captain" badges.














A member of the Youth Self Advocacy group, Laura Rawlins helped present the badges.










Lots of new little babies and toddlers were at the Buddy Walk this year...so cute!










Thanks to many local businesses, we were able to have many exciting packages for the silent auction.










Everyone enjoyed all the games and activities!











County Executive Pete Kremmen presented the proclamation declaring October 1st to be Down syndrome Awareness Day in Bellingham and Whatcom County. To read the proclamation , click here.