Bozeman hosts second annual event
By Amber Lowry for the Big Sky Weekly
On Saturday, Sept. 24, the local
non-profit group D.R.E.A.M. (Down
syndrome research, education and advocacy
in Montana) will hold its second
annual Buddy Walk in Bozeman.
The walk is a one-mile loop around
the Gallatin Regional Park, otherwise
known as the “Dinosaur Playground”
located off of Oak Street.
The event is a fundraiser for
D.R.E.A.M., a local organization that
provides financial grants to kids and
adults with Down syndrome. The
funds from last year’s walk helped pay
for therapies for a 3-year-old, a high
school child’s prescription medications,
and another child’s a life-flight
to Denver. Funds also go to the National
Down Syndrome Society.
D.R.E.A.M. is a diverse group of
parents in the Gallatin Valley and
surrounding areas with young
children with Down syndrome. The
group’s mission is to increase the
acceptance and understanding of
individuals with Down syndrome in
Montana through support, education
and advocacy.
Many children born with Down
syndrome need extensive medical
intervention. D.R.E.A.M. assists
those families with ensuing medical
bills and provides funds for families
who have difficulty paying for other
expenses associated with Down
syndrome like therapies and adaptive
equipment.
Registration for the Buddy Walk
begins at 10 a.m., and the cost is $10
per walker. D.R.E.A.M. encourages
anyone interested in collecting
pledges to create a page on their First
Giving link.
Each walker will receive a Buddy
Walk t-shirt. The event will also offer
complimentary food and beverages,
and a silent auction that includes a
pool table, boys and girls bicycles,
and art work.
