October 03, 2022
Fall is officially in full swing, which means it is time for the annual Buddy Walk. On October 8, the 16th Annual Community Link Buddy Walk once again takes place at Northside Park. The event occurs during 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 registration at 10am, an opening ceremony at 10:45am, and the one-mile Buddy Walk beginning at 11am. After the walk, there will be many activities going on in the afternoon, including a ceremony to celebrate Community Link’s 50th Anniversary at 12:30pm.
Community support is at the heart of the walk. Much of the fundraising is done by team captains, who generously give of their time by getting 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.
The silent auction will be back this year. Attendees can also enter a raffle to win a handmade quilt made of previous Buddy Walk shirts, created and donated by Barb Nelson, Joan Toeben and Kathleen Barkman. The horses from Chakota Therapeutic Riding Center will be on site.
Community Link will be serving sub sandwiches from the Red Porch Cafe and Excel drinks for donation. Be sure to pick up a bottle of the limited-edition Golden Mile cream soda made specially for the event. Food will also be available for purchase from Friday’s Gourmet Eats, Truckeria Del Valle, Pig on a Wing, Fantastic Pops, and Suits Me BBQ.
This year at the Buddy Walk, Community Link is hosting their first ever Best Buddy Dog Show at 1pm. Any friendly pooch (or pet) is welcome to join in the fun. The esteemed panel of judges are participants of Community Link. There will also be pumpkin painting, cookie decorating, and more family fun with the help of volunteers from UNCOMN. The day will conclude with a Community Link staff kickball game beginning at 2pm.
Community Link is grateful to their presenting sponsors Knights of Columbus Breese Council #2869, Poettker Construction, The Knights of Columbus - Niemeyer Agency, Dairy King, HSHS St Joseph’s Hospital Breese, and Bradford National Bank and gold sponsors Carlyle Knights of Columbus Bingo, Excel Bottling Company, FCB Banks, Trenton Knights of Columbus Council #1382, First National Bank of Sandoval, Breese Optimist Club, Clinton Manor, Cancer Sucks! (In loving memory of Dawn Schomaker), AVH Ink and Vinyl, and Monken Nissan Monken Toyota, as well as its numerous silver and bronze sponsors. They also appreciate the many local business who donate goods and services to make the day a great celebration.
Walk up registration on the morning of the walk is welcome beginning at 10am. For more information, visit commlink.org/buddywalk.
Community Link, a non-profit organization and proud United Way member agency, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities through a person-centered approach that promotes self-directed living choices and community integration opportunities. The mission of Community Link is to offer opportunities for growth and independence for people with developmental disabilities. For more information, please visit their website at www.commlink.org.