June 22, 2026
Breese, IL- Community Link is officially announcing that its 20th Annual Buddy Walk will be held on Saturday, September 19th at Northside Park in Breese, IL.
This will be the grandest Buddy Walk yet, with the theme being A Royal Celebration in honor of the 20th anniversary. The purpose of the event is to celebrate and support the participants of Community Link. It is a day to showcase the talents of individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.
The 1-mile fun walk will fill the streets of Breese with family members, friends, and supporters who share the organization’s vision that every person is valued for their presence and contributions. The goals of the 20th anniversary walk are to register 2000 individuals and to raise $200,000 to provide more resources and more choices for individuals with 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. Community Link is proud to have one of the larger walks in the country to support local programs while contributing 2.5% of proceeds to NDSS for national initiatives.
Community Link is grateful for the community support that is shown every year for the Buddy Walk. In 2025, the organization had nearly 1600 registered walkers for the groovy celebration with the theme of Peace.Love.Walk. Through the collaboration of team captains, volunteers, sponsors, staff, clients, and attendees, the 2025 event raised over $180,000.
The highlight of the event on September 19 is the walk at 11am. The participants, staff, and friends of Community Link are planning fun activities at the park, including karaoke and a fashion show, that attendees won’t want to miss. It is also a great day to just relax and enjoy time together.
Excitement is building as plans and timelines for the event are being finalized. Community Link is looking to the community and volunteers to be actively involved in the planning, and is requesting team captains and businesses to assist in the fundraising efforts.
Registration is now open at commlink.org/buddywalk. Early Bird registration is available for $20 per person through July 17, then registration will be $25. T-shirts are included with all registrations. Visit the website for additional information.
This year, the t-shirt has been designed with artwork by Community Link participant, Erik. He won a contest within the agency with his royalty-inspired design. Everyone can vote to choose the color of the shirt at commlink.org/buddywalk. The winning color will be announced on July 13.
For individuals interested in becoming a team captain, volunteering, getting a business or group involved, or would just like to learn more about the walk, please contact Michelle Delfel at michelled@commlink.org or call at 618-526-3989.
Community Link, a nonprofit 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 provide opportunities for choice, growth, and independence for adults with developmental disabilities. For more information visit commlink.org.