As the pandemic continues to take its toll, businesses and nonprofits alike are searching for innovative ways to keep themselves afloat. The Green River Area Down Syndrome Association is transforming its annual Buddy Walk to a virtual event, and they’ve partnered with local boutiques to help spread the word.
Executive director Tiffany Thrash saw an opportunity to support local shops, who would in return share GRADSA’s message. GRADSA members now highlight many Facebook and Instagram pages as the community’s newest models.
“I knew our local shops had been highly affected by COVID as well as nonprofits like us, so I thought we could promote each other. That’s how it started,” she said. “We have had nine models so far … our youngest is a year old, and the oldest is over 50.”
To date, the organization has formed alliances with Kidstop Children’s Boutique, Lil Bit Sassy, Once Upon a Child, Byron & Barclay, Peacocks & Pearls, and Bella Ragazza. They’ve also conducted photoshoots at Bar Louie and Mellow Mushroom, both of whom are Buddy Walk sponsors.
“These partnerships show the community that our kids and adults with Down syndrome are beautiful,” Thrash said. “Our slogan at GRADSA is ‘More Alike Than Different,’ and that is what our models are showing the community while promoting shop local. It’s a double benefit.”
Two-year-old Whitaker Newton stole the show at a recent Kidstop photo shoot and while the constant changing of clothes was tiring, his smile was relentless. His mom Sarah hopes that these partnerships will continue to foster inclusion within the community, trampling previous misconceptions.
“I love that their sweet faces are being put out there amongst everyone else so that current and future generations will grow up seeing their faces and be less likely to view that as different from anyone else,” she said. “Hopefully, in the near future, having an extra chromosome will be viewed as something as simple as having brown or blonde hair or blue or green eyes.
“We are all different in some way. Their difference just makes them extra special.”
GRADSA wants everyone to play a role in this year’s virtual Buddy Walk by taking photos celebrating Down syndrome and posting them to the event’s Facebook page. Individuals can post their celebration photos from now until Oct. 10.
“We are giving back to this community that’s been so good to us while raising some amazing awareness,” Thrash said. “Our kids and adults love the spotlight too. Don’t we all?”