August 17, 2026
Breese, IL – Community Link has been preparing for their 20th Annual Buddy Walk, with the theme of A Royal Celebration, for Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Northside Park in Breese, IL.The participants and staff of the organization are excited to gather with families, friends, teams, and supporters for a regal day of celebration, inclusion, and community, with the 1‑mile walk beginning at 11 a.m.
The Buddy Walk, created by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in 1995, is held nationwide to raise awareness and support for individuals with Down syndrome. Community Link’s local event also celebrates people with all developmental disabilities, promoting inclusion and acceptance throughout the region. With incredible support, the 2025 Community Link Buddy Walk exceeded its goal of $150,000 by raising $180,000 to support the organization’s local programs while contributing 2.5% of proceeds to NDSS for national initiatives.
For this 20th anniversary year, Community Link has a goal to raise $200,000 and register 2000 people. This can only be possible with the help of team captains, sponsors, and the generous community. Team captains generously give their time to fundraise and inspire friends and family to participate in the walk. Community Link is thankful to have a great group of team captains who have been engaging in some friendly competition to move their team up the leaderboard.
The day will begin at 10 a.m. with lively karaoke performances by Community Link participants, accompanied by Singderella’s Entertainment. Some participants will have booths with their handcrafted items available for purchase.
Activities will include a craft tent run by the employees of UNCOMN. Following the walk, individuals with developmental disabilities have the opportunity to sparkle and shine in a fashion show, due to the popularity of the first show last year.
New this year, the participants of Community Link’s day program have been making a variety of art, including seasonal signs and painted pallets. The East Side Shenanigans team will be hosting a silent auction of these items to raise funds for supplies for future projects.
Food is available for purchase from Suits Me BBQ, Big Eats and Sweet Treats, Fantastick Pops, and Sip N Scoot Mobile Café. 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. All proceeds from the sale of soda directly support the Community Link Buddy Walk.
The agency had an internal contest and a public poll to choose the artwork and color of the t-shirt. The artwork was designed by Community Link participant, Erik, and the color chosen in the poll is Team Teal. T-shirts can be picked up before the walk beginning on September 11th at AVH Ink & Vinyl in Breese, or can be picked up at the event in the park.
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 or 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, FCBBANKS, and Breese Knights of Columbus Council 2869.
Gold sponsors: Carlyle Knights of Columbus, The Knights of Columbus-The Niemeyer Agency, Klostermann State Farm Ins, HMG Engineers, ShelterLogic Group, DBA Custom Woodworking, Dodd & Wambold, Employers Consulting Group, State Rep Charlie Meier, Breese Optimist Club, Litteken Construction, Kassen Excavating. Silver sponsors: Albers/Damiansville & Highland & Bartelso Knights of Columbus, CC Food Marts, Spencer Homes, Foppe Insurance Agency, K&J Chevrolet, Southern Bus & Mobility, Dieterich Bank, Jansen Chevrolet, City of Breese, V&H Recreation, Community Transportation Development, Huels Oil Company, CC Garage Door, Love You More Foundation, Germantown Trust & Savings Bank. They also appreciate the numerous bronze sponsors and many local businesses who donate goods and services to make the day a great celebration.
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.