The Buddy Walk is Back

October 05, 2021

Breese, IL – It has been 17 months since the last in-person Buddy Walk filled the streets of Breese. On October 9, the 15th Annual Community Link Buddy Walk will once again kick off at Northside Park. The event occurs in Down syndrome awareness month this year, and celebrates the uniqueness of all of our loved ones with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.

The morning kicks off with the 5K race at 9am followed by a medal ceremony for the fastest runners. Then the Breese Fire Department will lead the main event, the 1-mile fun walk beginning at 11am. Walk up registration is available for both the run and walk.

Community support is at the heart of the walk. Much of the fundraising is done by team captains, who generously give of their time to get friends and family involved. Sponsorships from local businesses and organizations have also been instrumental to the success of the walk. Many businesses and volunteers donate goods and time as well to make the event run smoothly.

Attendees can win prizes with a basket raffle. Or buy a ticket to win a package to Hidden Lake Winery. Also, horses from Chakota Therapeutic Riding Center will be on site. Mums will be available from Emerald Edge Lawns with proceeds supporting the event.

Community Link will be serving hot dogs, Red Porch sub sandwiches, and Excel drinks for donation. Food will also be available for purchase from Friday’s Gourmet Eats, Taqueria Matilde, Fantastic Pops, Sweet E’s Treats, and Kountry Kitchen Kettle Korn.

 This year at the Buddy Walk, the Illinois Department of Public Health will be on site to provide Covid-19 vaccines for free. No appointment is necessary, walk ups are welcome.

Community Link is following local and state guidelines and in accordance with those, taking precautions in response to the presence of Covid-19 in our community, and encouraging your family to make the decisions that you feel are best for your health and safety. If you are more comfortable, you are encouraged to celebrate the day with your family by walking in your own neighborhood and sharing your experience on social media.

Community Link is grateful to their presenting sponsors Knights of Columbus Breese Council #2869, The Republic of Tea, Poettker Construction, Knights of Columbus Niemeyer Agency, and Dairy King and gold sponsors Christ Church, Morgan Stanley, Breese Optimist Club, Clinton Manor, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Breese, FCB Banks, Cancer Sucks! (In loving memory of Dawn Schomaker), and First National Bank of Sandoval as well as its numerous silver and bronze sponsors.

For more information, visit commlink.org/buddywalk.

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