September 15, 2025
A Groovy Day at the 19th Annual Buddy Walk
Breese, IL – It was a sunny day at Northside Park in Breese for the 19th Annual Community Link Buddy Walk this Saturday, September 13. Over 1500 groovy members of the community registered to celebrate all individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. As the event day ended, Community Link surpassed its goal of $150,000 and raised over $165,000 with the support of family, friends, and sponsors. The organization thanks the families, teams, businesses and community for their support. Without it, the Buddy Walk would not have been such a great success.
The day began with a karaoke party with performances by Community Link participants backed by DJ-RYD’L of Singderella’s Entertainment, who entertained the crowd with sound and music for the whole day. Poettker Construction generously installed a ramp to the stage, making the stage easily accessible to all for the performances and festivities of the day.
The performances were followed by an opening ceremony with Michelle Delfel, director of donor engagement, and Katie Newman, communications and outreach manager of Community Link thanking and congratulating the sponsors and top fundraising teams to date. Willa’s Wonders has been the top fundraising team this year.
Community Link’s Director of Day Programs, Laurie Henken, addressed the crowd in her speech, “Thank you—each and every one of you who came today. Whether you’re walking, cheering, or simply being present, you are part of what makes this day so special. Your presence sends a powerful message: every person matters, every person belongs, and together, we are stronger.”
Bryce Albers did a great job singing the National Anthem for the fourth year. Then at 11am, the Buddy Walk began. The one-mile walk takes registrants through the community of Breese, and finishes back at the park again. The Breese Fire Department led the walk with their fire truck, followed by a sea of people, walking with their loved ones and showing their support for the participants of Community Link. Central Football and Basketball Cheer, The Beat, and Without Limits encouraged walkers along the route, and Scooter’s Coffee gave free lemonade to help everyone finish strong.
The park was a bustle of activity before and after the walk, with emcees Nick Mueth and Manuel Martinez sharing all there was to do. Community Link participants, James, Danielle, and Charlene sold their hand-crafted items. A therapy horse with Chakota Therapeutic Riding Center and volunteers attended to show support and greet the Buddy Walkers.
A raffle, including a Deck Boss Grill from Foppe Ace Hardware and a hand-made queen-sized blue and orange quilt, donated by Marian, Jerry and Jim Albers, was won by Jamie Taylor and Gwen Fischer. Joe Feigl won the 50/50 raffle.
Michelle’s Mashers, one of the 50 Buddy Walk teams in attendance, had their own raffle to support the organization. They raffled 4 St. Louis Blues tickets, donated by CC Food Marts, which was won by Danny Wiegmann.
Food vendors at this year’s event included Suits Me BBQ, Fantastick Pops, Sip N Scoot Mobile Café, and Ballpark Concessions. The Red Porch Café had delicious made-to-order sandwiches. Sodas were donated from Excel Bottling, including a limited-edition Sweetest Mile soda, which can still be found at several stores around Clinton County.
There were many other activities filling up the afternoon including yard games, slap bracelet decorating, and cookie decorating. Community Link is grateful to friends at UNCOMN for volunteering and providing the supplies for the fun activities.
New to the walk this year was a tie dye station to add to the groovy vibes of the day. A brand-new participant fashion show was another exciting addition to the day. Willa from team Willa’s Wonders showed off her custom team t-shirt to kick the fashion show off.
Donations can still be made at the Community Link website commlink.org/buddywalk. Further information about the walk, sponsors, and ways to stay involved will be shared on the organization’s Facebook page at facebook.com/commlink1972.
Community Link is especially grateful to the 86 generous sponsors who have made the walk possible every year including Presenting sponsors: Dairy King, Poettker Construction, Bradford National Bank, The Knights of Columbus – Niemeyer Agency, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital, Trenton Knights of Columbus, Breese Knights of Columbus, Excel Bottling, and FCB Banks.
Gold sponsors: Carlyle Knights of Columbus, Klostermann State Farm Insurance, ShelterLogic Group, Litteken Construction Co, DBA Custom Woodworking, AVH Ink & Vinyl, Clinton Manor, Breese Optimists, Rehkemper & Son, State Rep Charlie Meier, Monken Nissan Monken Toyota, Foppe Ace Hardware, Dodd & Wambold Estate Planning & Elder Law, Cargill Protein, Gelly Excavating & Construction, Sievers Equipment Co, Diversified Diesel Services, Employers Consulting Group, and TDK Consulting.
Silver sponsors: Albers/Damiansville Knights of Columbus, Highland Knights of Columbus, Kohrmann Electric, Foppe Insurance Agency, Love You More Foundation, Jim’s Formal Wear, Azar Orthodontics, Bartelso Knights of Columbus, Southern Bus & Mobility, Midwest National Bank, Kassen Excavating, CC Food Marts, Breese Journal and Publishing, Pisces Pools Plus, Grapperhaus Metal, T and T Electric, Jansen Chevrolet, Dieterich Bank, Scott Credit Union, Community Transport Development, UNCOMN, B-Dry/B-Wet Solutions, K&J Chevrolet, K&J Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Aviston American Legion, City of Breese, Prairie Farms Dairy, L&D Wilson Siding and Roofing, and D Tours & Travel.
Community Link also thanks the 29 generous Bronze sponsors who donated for the walk.
Community Link 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 choice, growth, and independence for adults with developmental disabilities. For more information visit commlink.org.