Step Up for Down Syndrome

Walk & Family Picnic

The 2023 annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk & Family Picnic was held on October 7th at the beautiful Oak Hill Park in Danville. Over 600 participants came out to walk the ¼ mile path and celebrate the vast abilities and accomplishments of DSCBA members. The walk is traditionally held in October during National Down Syndrome Awareness Month to promote inclusion and awareness.  We are grateful for the incredible sponsors and 88 team captains who together raised over $171k.  This is DSCBA’s largest fundraiser of the year which allows us to:  Connect families to resources and other families  Provide one-of-a-kind programs for all ages  Continue essential support services for the entire family  Bring opportunities for empowerment and growth through education.  Develop strategic alliances with education, medical and mental health communities.

The top five fundraising teams were recognized and awarded certificates and gift baskets which included chocolates donated by See’s Candies.

Congratulations to: 

1. 1. Avery’s Amazing Advocates 
   2. Glam Grace 
   3. Team Drucker 
   4. Team Tempra
   5. Team Perera

As the top team, Avery’s Amazing Advocates earned the opportunity to lead the walk accompanied by San Jose Earthquakes Soccer Mascot, “Q”. The scenic walk path circled a beautiful pond and moved towards everyone’s favorite part, the finish line, where we proudly cheered for our members, and recognized one of their big milestones. Thank you to announcer, Mike Cannon, who helps make this a special moment each year. 

Event activities included an array of lawn games, mini golf, giant Jenga, balloon twisters and face painting. We were lucky to have special character appearances by Rebel Legion Endor Base, 501st Golden Gate Garrison and Avengers Initiatives. Thank you to the Town of Danville for the help in securing this beautiful park and for providing amenities, supplies, and games. 

Everyone enjoyed picnic lunches, hot dogs or Hazy BBQ catered meals; a Mister Softee Ice Cream truck was on hand for sweet treats! 

 We were happy to have Mary Kate Vandemark from Global Down Syndrome Foundation in attendance with information about the organization. 

New this year: A real firetruck and police car exhibit offered attendees the chance to meet safety personnel and sit inside the vehicles for a fun photo op! Our Safety Booth also provided important info and tips about fire and emergency preparedness, personal safety and more. A huge thank you to Marianne Iversen, Director of Teen and Adult Services, for coordinating this through the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District (Danielle Belle, Emergency Coordinator) and Police (Community Services & Crime Prevention Coordinator, Lindsay Ortiz).  

Thank you to the crew of over 75 volunteers who helped set up and staff the event including groups from National Charity League, Boys Team Charity, Northgate High School Leadership, Pledge to Humanity and many other individuals who gave their time. Special thanks to photographers Fred and Ginger Stambaugh and Sam Benavidez for capturing the day. 

A BIG THANK YOU TO THESE 2023 SPONSORS

25TH ANNIVERSARY ANNUAL EMPOWER SPONSOR

• • • Chevron

FRIEND & WATER EVENT SPONSOR

• • • FOR the Valley

ANNUAL FRIEND SPONSOR

• • • John Muir Health

FRIEND EVENT SPONSOR

• • • San Francisco Giants

25TH ANNIVERSARY SPONSORS

• • • Diablo Carpet & Floor Restoration 
    • Helpers Community 
    • Regan Financial Group 
    • Valero Benicia Refinery

ICE CREAM SPONSOR

• • • Feldman Law Group

CARNIVAL GAMES SPONSOR

• • • Danville Sycamore Valley Rotary Club

HOT DOG SPONSOR

• • • Talk Tools

STEP UP SPONSOR

• • • American Asphalt

EVENT DONORS

• • • Redwood Empire Print & Apparel
    • SPK Graphics
    • Town of Danville
    • Vivas Banner

View and download free photos from the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk HERE.  We hope you will plan to join us next time