The Green River Area Down Syndrome Association (GRADSA) will host its 28th annual Buddy Walk and second annual 5K on October 25 in downtown Owensboro, bringing together hundreds of participants to celebrate and support individuals with Down syndrome. Registration is now open for both events.
The 5K begins at 9 a.m., following the same downtown-to-Moreland route as last year, before returning to the finish line downtown. The Buddy Walk kicks off at 10 a.m., timed so participants can cheer on the final runners.
Registration for the Buddy Walk is $25, which includes a T-shirt, lunch, and access to all activities. The 5K registration is $30 and includes a race shirt plus entry to Buddy Walk festivities.
GRADSA Executive Director Natalie Love credited the event’s long-running success to community support.
“We wouldn’t be a nonprofit without all of the sponsorships from all the corporations and the donations and T-shirt sales and then day-of donations as well,” she said. “Our individuals … know just how to brighten anybody’s day, and just being able to give back to our community of individuals with Down syndrome just makes your heart happy.”
Team fundraising is also a major part of the event. Businesses and community members can form teams regardless of whether they have a personal connection to someone with Down syndrome. Teams that include individuals with Down syndrome can earn incentive prizes based on fundraising totals and compete for awards for both the highest fundraising amount and the most participants.
Last year’s Buddy Walk drew an estimated 1,000 people and raised a record $125,000, topping the previous high of $100,000. The inaugural 5K saw about 35 runners, a turnout Love attributed to competing events, including a half-marathon in Evansville and high school cross-country events.
“My runners kept telling me, ‘Don’t give up on your first year. Just break even.’” Love said. “So we brought it back this year, and we’re already over 20 participants since launching August 1.”
This year’s fundraising goal is set at $125,000 again, though Love said they hope to exceed it.
“The sky’s the limit,” she said.
The day also includes a silent auction, a live art auction featuring large canvases painted by GRADSA’s art club, and performances from a dance team and the Drums Alive group. Proceeds from the art auction go directly back into the club to cover supplies for the next year.
Love encouraged both runners and walkers to join the cause, noting the 5K course is flat and fast.
For registration, sponsorship opportunities, or to donate, visit p2p.onecause.com/buddywalk.
