KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Groups walked through World's Fair Park as a way to raise awareness for Down syndrome, and to celebrate people with it.
The 2022 Knoxville Buddy Walk started at 1 p.m. on Sunday. It was organized through the Down Syndrome Awareness Group of East Tennessee.
The DSAG operates several programs meant to support people with Down syndrome and their families, such as providing conference scholarships and crisis grants for families. They also have a new and expecting parent support group, as well as teacher mini-grant opportunities.
A $30 donation provided a packet of valuable information and materials for new families to the Buddy Walk, while a $100 provides a Down Comfort Gift packet with materials meant to support newborn babies.
Organizers hope to raise $75,000 to support the group. As of Monday, they raised around $69,475.
The walk kicked off at 1:45 p.m. with an opening ceremony. After the Buddy Walk, there was a medal ceremony on stage where people got medals and goody bags. The DSAG also hosted a drawing for several items.
Any new families who recently had a baby, are expecting a baby, have adopted or just moved to East Tennessee could stop by the New Family Tent where other families can greet them and provide a bag with resources and materials from the DSAG.
There were also food trucks at the event from Gypsy Kitchen, Bunnz, Rocky Top Snoballs, Captain Muchachos and Drink Smooth.
