Events

The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati (DSAGC) relies solely on the contributions of individuals, foundations, corporations and fund raising events to support the work of our organization. These funds enable us to provide all of our programs and services at little or no cost. We are very grateful to our community for their continued support of our organization. This continual support indicates an endorsement of the valuable service that we are uniquely qualified to provide to our constituents. There are two major fundraising events that are held annually by the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati.

Down Syndrome Association of Greater CincinnatiAnnual Meeting

An opportunity for staff, board, and friends of the DSAGC Annual Buddy Walkto come together to celebrate the year's achievements and look towards the future.

Buddy Walk

Buddy Walkers The DSAGC Annual Buddy Walk is the largest Buddy Walk in the country! The Buddy Walk is a trademarked program that was created by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to assist local parent groups in their advocacy efforts. With more than 275 Buddy Walks taking place in 2007 around the country and abroad, the Down syndrome community is able to speak with a unified and stronger voice in raising awareness of Down syndrome.

Our Buddy Walk is held annually in September and begins at Newport on the Levee in Kentucky. Families, co-workers, neighbors, etc. form teams and collect pledges. Teams gather in Newport and walk together across the Purple People Bridge to Cincinnati and back to Newport. When the walk is completed the fun continues on the Riverboat Row After-party. In 2008, we expect over 9,000 walkers who will raise $385,000! For more information, or if you would like to volunteer at this inspirational event, please contact Sophia.

Family Events

These family activities are organized for families of children of all Family ages to provide social and networking opportunities for parents and their children. These events are created and hosted by the DSAGC and provided for families at little or no cost. A family-friendly event welcomes all and provides exciting and enjoyable activities for a range of interests and life stages. Examples of prior events include:

The Winter Dance
The Annual Theatre Party
The Annual Family Picnic At Coney Island
The Annual Meeting and Holiday Party
AK Steel “Reds Party Deck”
An Evening at the Children’s Museum
Kids First – Family Fun Night

Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati Golf Tournament hosted by Dave Lapham

Our Annual Golf Tournament is held at Ohio’s #1 rated public golf course, Shaker Run Golf Club in Lebanon, Ohio. This tournament has provided the DSAGC with almost $700,000 of income since it began in 1996. To honor the memory of former Cincinnati Reds player Gus Bell, the Bell family generously offered their time and talent to create the Gus Bell Memorial Golf Tournament. In 2007, the tradition continued and today the tournament is hosted by former Cincinnati Bengal, Dave Lapham. Many of our golfers claim that this is the best tournament in the city which includes a 5 man scramble using 27 holes, hole contests, evening program with dinner catered by Montgomery Inn , live auction, silent auction, matchbook raffle, awards, prizes and a great day for both the avid golfer and the weekend golfer alike.

Community Events

Oftentimes, families or community organizations develop creative ways to raise funds for our organization. In the past, families have organized events such as, Ashwood Dash, Tri For Joe Triathlon, NFL Draft Day Demolition Derby and Mini- Cooper Road Race. The DSAGC will help provide volunteers, publicity and assistance to families or community groups wishing to organize an event to help raise funds for the DSAGC.

Buddy Clubs

The Buddy Club was created by parents interested in helping their children form friendships through organized social gatherings. The first Buddy Club was created for children ages 7-12 and soon after Buddy Teen Club was organized for teens ages 13-1 8. Pool parties, picnics, and miniature golf are just a sample of the many fun activities that the parents and children arrange. A newly-formed Buddy Teen Club in Kentucky chose to create paintings which they sold at an area restaurant to raise funds for the DSAGC. For more information on any of these groups, please contact Molly@DSAGC.com.