Community Link’s annual Buddy Walk will return to Northside Park in Breese this Saturday, Sept. 19, with organizers moving the event schedule one hour earlier due to predicted hot weather.
Activities will begin at 9 a.m., with the Buddy Walk stepping off at 10 a.m.
Due to the hot weather predicted on Saturday, and for the safety and comfort of attendees, organizers are moving the Buddy Walk schedule one-hour earlier.
Michelle Delfel with Community Link encouraged participants and visitors to arrive early to enjoy everything planned for the morning.
“We encourage attendees to arrive by 9 a.m. for our activities, including our karaoke performances and fashion show, which will now be before the walk,” Delfel said.
The walk will feature a shorter route this year and will begin at 10 a.m. Following the walk, attendees can continue enjoying food, drinks, bracelet decorating, yard games and other activities.
Raffles and the silent auction will close at 11 a.m.
“We appreciate your understanding and hope you will arrive early to celebrate all individuals with developmental disabilities,” Delfel said.
The Buddy Walk was created by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in 1995 and is held across the country to raise awareness and support for individuals with Down syndrome. Community Link’s local event expands that mission by celebrating individuals with all developmental disabilities and promoting inclusion and acceptance throughout the region.
This year also marks Community Link’s 20th year, with organizers setting a fundraising goal of $200,000. Community Link officials said fundraising efforts are nearing that goal thanks to team captains, sponsors and support from the community.
Last year’s Buddy Walk raised more than $165,000, surpassing its $150,000 goal. Funds support Community Link’s local programs, while 2.5 percent of proceeds are contributed to NDSS for national initiatives.
Saturday’s activities will begin at 9 a.m. with karaoke performances by Community Link participants accompanied by Singderella’s Entertainment. A fashion show also will give individuals with developmental disabilities an opportunity to “sparkle and shine.”
Some Community Link participants will have handcrafted items available for purchase.
Several popular activities will return, including a tent featuring crafts, face painting and cookie decorating hosted by employees of UNCOMN.
New this year, participants in Community Link’s day program have created a variety of artwork, including seasonal signs and painted pallets. The East Side Shenanigans team will host a silent auction featuring those items, with proceeds helping purchase supplies for future projects.
Food trucks and vendors will return, including Suits Me BBQ, Big Eats and Sweet Treats, Fantastick Pops, and Sip N Scoot Mobile Café.
The Red Porch Café will serve made-to-order sandwiches and seasonal food items, while Excel Bottling Company will once again donate soda. All proceeds from soda sales will directly support the Community Link Buddy Walk.
Those wishing to participate can register at commlink.org/buddywalk. Donations also may be made through the website for those unable to attend.
For questions about the walk, sponsorship opportunities or donations, contact Michelle Delfel at
