August 12, 2024
Join Community Link for an All Star Buddy Walk
Breese, IL- Community Link is preparing for their 18th Annual Buddy Walk in just a few short weeks. Teams, families, participants, staff, and friends will gather at Northside Park in Breese, IL on September 14th to begin the 1-mile walk at 11am. This year’s event is All Star themed, to celebrate the extraordinary lives of all individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.
The Buddy Walk was established by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in 1995 to raise awareness and support programs for those with Down syndrome. Last year the Community Link Buddy Walk exceeded its goal of $125,000 to support the organization’s local programs while contributing 2.5% of proceeds to NDSS for national initiatives.
Community Link has a goal to raise $125,000 again this year for their participants and mission. This is only possible with the help of team captains, sponsors, and the generous community. Team captains use their incredible abilities to fundraise and inspire friends and family to participate in the walk. Community Link is thankful to have an All Star crew of team captains who have already committed their excitement and creativity.
Registered walkers and those planning to attend the walk will want to arrive early this year. Community Link participants are planning an exciting start to the day at 10am with karaoke performances to get the crowd excited with the backing of Singderella’s Entertainment. Some participants will also be displaying crafts for sale.
There are many returning activities of the day, including a tent which will feature crafts and sugar cookie decorating, run by the employees of UNCOMN. The Best Buddy Dog Show will also be making a return for the 3rd straight year, with categories in Best Dressed, Most Talented, Best Personality, Waggiest Tail, and Best in Show. Community Link is looking for dog show contestants, it is free, but space is limited. If you would like to register your furry friend, please visit commlink.org/buddywalk and follow the Dog Show tab.
Food trucks and vendors are going to be making a return this year as well. Returning food vendors are Fantastick Pops, Sip N Scoot Mobile Café, and Suits Me BBQ. New to the walk this year is the Ballpark Concession’s food truck. The Red Porch Café will be serving made to order sandwiches and seasonal food items. Excel Bottling Company will once again be generously donating soda, and The Lory Theater will be donating popcorn. All proceeds from the sale of soda and popcorn directly support the Community Link Buddy Walk.
The t-shirt will be a heather red color with a medal logo to honor every All Star walk participant. T-shirts can be picked up before the walk beginning on September 9th at AVH Ink & Vinyl in Breese, or can be picked up at the event in the park.
Yard games, crafts, and more music will all be part of the fun of the afternoon. To register, visit commlink.org/buddywalk. If you cannot attend, but wish to support, donations may also be made on the website. For any questions about the walk, sponsorship opportunities, auction or raffle item donations, please contact Michelle Delfel at michelled@commlink.org or 618-526-3989.
Community Link is especially grateful to the many sponsors who have made the walk possible including presenting sponsors: Dairy King, Poettker Construction, Bradford National Bank, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital, gold sponsors: Trenton Knights of Columbus Council 2932, Carlyle Knights of Columbus Council 1382, Klostermann State Farm Ins, K&J Chev/K&J CDJR, ShelterLogic Group, Litteken Construction Company, State Rep Charlie Meier, Monken Nissan/Monken Toyota, AVH Ink & Vinyl, silver sponsors: Highland Knights of Columbus Council 1580, Albers/Damiansville Knights of Columbus Council 9768, Foppe Insurance Agency, Spencer Building Companies, Azar Orthodontics, Shelley Kenow IEP Consultant, Midwest National Bank, Kohrmann Electric Co, Southern Bus & Mobility, Bartelso Knight of Columbus Council 4745, Love You More Foundation, Community Transportation Development, Jim’s Formal Wear, Scott Credit Union, and DBA Custom Woodworking, and numerous bronze sponsors. They also appreciate the many local business who donate goods and services to make the day a great celebration.
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 commlink.org.