South Seas 4th Annual Buddy Walk scheduled for November 3, 2012
National walk raises awareness of Down syndrome
South Seas 4th Annual Buddy Walk scheduled for November 3, 2012
FORT MYERS, Fla. (October 22, 2012) – The fourth annual South Seas Buddy Walk is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 3, 2012. The mile long Walk will take place inside the resort village with the procession of close to 200 participants walking down Plantation Road.
The Buddy Walk is a multi-city advocacy walk in which people with Down syndrome invite "buddies" to walk with them. Buddies can be anyone from friends to teachers or coworkers to politicians. The Buddy Walk promotes acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome while raising awareness to their limitless potential. There are over 400,000 Downs individuals in the US. More than 250,000 Downs individuals and their buddies will participate in a Buddy Walk this year.
“My wife and I are lucky to be the parents of Jamison Ann, born seven years ago with Down syndrome,” said event organizer and South Seas’ Managing Director Rick Hayduk. “We’re delighted to have brought this event to Southwest Florida as it brings our local community to meet Downs individuals up close and personal.”
Participants and sponsors for the walk are now being accepted. Individual walkers registration fee are $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 5 to 13 and $100 for family sponsorships. Corporate sponsorships range from $250 to $500. Registrations will also be accepted on the day of the Walk. All registration fees include t-shirt, post Walk barbecue lunch with live entertainment by Sanibel’s Danny Morgan, and bounce houses and activities for the kids.
According to Hayduk, proceeds will benefit The National Down Syndrome Society. In addition, funds raised will benefit the nonprofit Sanibel Sea School that provides placement for Downs children in their nationally recognized summer camp and for the second year, the kids will present a check to SanCap Cares and the Lee Memorial Hospital System for the construction of the pediatric Emergency Room.
“The NDSS has shown repeatedly over the past 20 years that through awareness, legislation, and inclusionary practices that the level of independence for those with Downs is limitless,” he said. “But as we’ve learned from Jamison and those who she touches, Downs individuals are constant reminders of true kindness and unconditional love.”
“Downs kids are born givers and I can tell you they will be pleased to know they contributed to help other children in need,” Hayduk added. “Jamison sees life in a manner that would benefit us all if we did the same. Even at the early age of seven, she sees only the good in others and she'll sense when you’re sad and is driven to make you smile.”
For more information or registration forms, call 239-472-7565 or visit www.ssirbuddywalk.weebly.com.
Contact:
Rick Hayduk, Regional Managing Director, South Seas Island Resort, 239-472-7565, rhayduk@luxuryresorts.com
WHM Marketing Services
305-351-5009; etaffel@whmsso.com
Seemingly set adrift off the Florida Gulf Coast, South Seas Island Resort is an engaging unspoiled haven, encompassing a wildlife preserve and two-and-half miles of shell-strewn beaches, lapped by turquoise tides. Recently recognized by MSNBC as a ‘Top 10 Best Place in the World to Experience Local Wildlife’, South Seas Island Resort is a 330-acre resort village and wildlife sanctuary with boundless opportunity for adventure and relaxation.
The resort boasts a “Family. Nature. Comfort.” approach to hospitality, which is why for decades generations of families have made the resort the destination of choice to share treasured moments and make lasting memories. Following a multi-million dollar revitalization, this tropical oasis is the ideal setting for an unforgettable vacation offering a variety of accommodations including villas, condominiums, cottages and homes. www.southseas.com
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