TAMU Buddy Walk Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Oct. 5, 2006)   TEXAS A&M STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS VOLUNTEER TO SUPPORT THIRD ANNUAL BUDDY WALK   COLLEGE STATION - Several Texas A&M University student organizations have partnered with the Down Syndrome Support Group of Bryan-College Station for the Third Annual Buddy Walk, a national event designed to increase awareness and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.   The Buddy Walk will take place at noon on Oct. 8 at College Station Central Park. FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED FROM POST OAK MALL TO CENTRAL PARK. (Park in the mall parking lot on the corner of Harvey Road and Highway 6).   At least 65 members of Project Sunshine, a Texas A&M student organization that provides free services and hosts activities for children with special needs, have volunteered to attend the Buddy Walk to assist with everything from setup to registrations, and also to walk with kids who have Down syndrome.   Several members of Kappa Delta Chi, The Traditions Northgate, the American Medical Student Association and the Epidemiology Student Organization also have registered for the Buddy Walk and plan to work during the event to help make it a success.    “The Buddy Walk has become one of our best opportunities to interact with families who have children with special needs and learn what is important to them,” says Allie White, director of Texas A&M’s Project Sunshine. “This will help us be more understanding and form better relationships with these special people. If we start now, hopefully we will be promoting positive community interactions that our members will take with them long after they graduate, and implement this attitude into their everyday lives.”   The Buddy Walk was developed in 1995 to promote awareness and inclusion of people with Down syndrome, and to raise money for research and education programs. It has expanded from 17 walks the first year to more than 250 in 2005. Last year, Buddy Walks across the nation raised more than $5.5 million for the Down syndrome community.   With about 65 members, the Down Syndrome Support Group of Bryan-College Station provides assistance to individuals and families through regular monthly programs, special camps, a lending library and other resources, services and support. The group works closely with A&M student organizations and the university’s special education program, which benefits people with Down syndrome and future educators of people with special needs.   “Without the generosity and assistance from these student organizations ― particularly Project Sunshine, which does so much for our organization throughout the year — the Buddy Walk would not be a success,” says Christy Knight, president of the Down Syndrome Support Group. “This is only our third year to host the Buddy Walk here in Bryan and College Station. Already almost 1,000 people have preregistered . This is an example of the Aggie spirit at work in our community, and there’s nothing else like it.”   For more information or to register for the Buddy Walk, call 979-778-7010 or go to http://www.downsyndromeofbcs.com/ (We are no longer accepting registrations on-line but you can register the day of the walk.) -30- Contact: Allie White • Project Sunshine Director • alliewhite@neo.tamu.edu • http://projectsunshine.tamu.edu • OR Christy Knight • Down Syndrome Support Group of B-CS President • 979-218-2892

Media Alert 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Contact: Christy Knight, President Down Syndrome Support Group of Bryan-College Station 979-778-7010 or 979-218-2892 downsyndromeofbcs@yahoo.com www.downsyndromeofbcs.com    *** MEDIA ALERT ***     National Buddy Walk in Bryan-College Station to Promote Down Syndrome Awareness   WHAT: The 2006 National Buddy Walk in College Station is one of more than 250 Buddy Walks planned in cities across the United States this fall. The Buddy Walk was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society to promote acceptance and inclusion of all people with Down syndrome.   WHEN: Sunday, October 8. Registration and lunch begins at noon. The one-mile walk begins at 1:30 p.m.   WHERE: College Station Central Park   LIMITED PARKING – USE FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE: From Post Oak Mall parking lot (at the corner of Harvey Road and Highway 6 near the mall marquee) to Central Park and back.   WHO:  More than 1,000 people are expected to attend. Participants include people with Down syndrome from the Brazos County region and around the country, their families, friends, teachers, coworkers and other supporters. Bob French of KBTX will kick off the walk.   HOW: Register now by calling 979-778-7010. (We are no longer accepting registrations on-line.) You can register the day of the event for $15 per person. Registration fees include a T-shirt (while supplies last); barbecue lunch and a Down syndrome awareness goodie bag. The event includes lunch, inflatable games for the kids, a raffle, silent auction and entertainment.   BACKGROUND: Each year the Buddy Walk touches thousands of lives. When it began in 1995, there were walks in 17 cities. This year, at least 250 Buddy Walks are scheduled from mid-September through November, with more than 200,000 people expected to participate. Last year alone, Buddy Walks raised more than $5.5 million to benefit national education, research and advocacy initiatives, as well as local programs and services. All funds raised through the Buddy Walk support both the local Down Syndrome Support Group and national programs.   -30-