2018 Buddy Fest ~ NW Down Syndrome Association

This Year the Northwest Down Syndrome Association Celebrates the 20th Annual Buddy Fest NW!

Every fall, the Northwest Down Syndrome Association (NWDSA) kicks off Down Syndrome Awareness Month with our annual celebration and accessible walk to promote acceptance and inclusion of all people with Down syndrome.

Buddy Fest NW brings together families, friends, community leaders, and others for a day of pride, celebration, awareness, fun, and community building. Formerly known as Portland Metro & SW Washington Buddy Walk Festival, the festival was renamed in 2017. Buddy Fest NW welcomes over 2,200 participants throughout the Portland metro and Southwest Washington. Small babies to adults; families and friends; teachers and medical professionals; corporate teams and government officials: everyone is welcome to join in on this day celebrating diversity and inclusion. Local entertainer, Tony Starlight, will return for his 8th year as emcee and The Nu Wavers, “Best Party Band in Portland”, will also return. Wallace will get us moving with their brand of rock and Portland’s own Unipiper will get the walk rolling!

Cody Sullivan, Oregon’s first student with Down syndrome to complete four years of college, along with his friends, Matt Schweitz & James Phillips, will share about their inclusive college experience, the importance of embracing everyone’s unique talents and abilities, and how we all have something to teach. Special guest speakers, Dan Jarvis-Holland and Emma Frome, will share their experience of learning, growing, and working together and about the power or dreams, high expectations, and strength in community.

Buddy Fest NW is NWDSA’s largest fundraiser of the year and supports our mission to create and nurture a loving and inclusive community celebrating every person with a disability, including Down syndrome. NWDSA empowers and supports families and individuals, increases education, promotes public understanding and acceptance, increases competence of professionals, works toward full inclusion, and defends the civil rights of individuals with disabilities. A small percentage of funds raised supports national efforts of research, advocacy and education. For more information about NWDSA visit www.nwdsa.org.

2018 NWDSA BUDDY FEST NW
Saturday, September 22, 2018
10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Moda Center Commons
One N Center Court St, Portland, OR 97227

Registration: $15/18+, $10/age 4-17, Free/age 0-3 Includes a t-shirt and food. Register and/or donate online at www.buddyfestnw.org by September 20th or register in person on the day of the walk. Incentives for team and individual fundraising.
The festival features self-advocate speakers, live music and entertainment, games and bounce houses, auctions and raffles, and tasty food and snacks. We are thrilled to have the sponsorship and support of many local businesses including, Campbell Global, Oregon Able Savings Plan, CoolEvents, Parker, Smith & Feek, Chubb, Rose City Sound, Key Event Services, Parties Inc., Dreyers/Nestle, FickleZeal Photography, Widmer Brothers, Kidz with Ice, Bike First!