Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk

The Wait is OVER!!!

ASU has released the start times for the

Homecoming Parade and Block Party!

Check-in for Step UP for Down Syndrome will begin at 9:30a at the DSNetworkAZ tent that will be located just East of College Avenue on University (look for the walk-over bridge; we will be just East of it in front of the Fulton Center). Upon arrival, please check-in so that you can receive your complimentary t-shirt and SUDS goody bag. As a new fundraising incentive, we have added a VIP check-in area for those who raise $750 or more.  

  9:30am - Check-in starts

11:00am - start heading to the "staging area" for
                   the parade

11:30am - PARADE STARTS

Lunch will be ready immediately following the parade at the DSNetwork tent!

Activities: There will be plenty to do all day. We will have activities at the DSNetwork tent, to include the ASU Passport activities and Trick-or-Treat. The ASU's Kid Zone will be set up close to our site; they have bounce houses and tons of activities. The Elite Cheer Squad will be performing on the stage again and even have a special cheer for us.

Calendar: The 2012 DSNetwork Calendar featuring the Dudes and Divas of the DS Community will make its' official debut! and be available to purchase...they make great Holiday Gifts!!

Parking: We have been informed that free parking will be available at the garages located on Rural Road, Gammage Center, and University/Mill. Here is an ASU parking map to refer to: http://asu.edu/parking/pdf/asu_map_tempe_2011_parking.pdf . Please print it out for your convenience. Please consider using the Light Rail system. There are several Park and Rides available. Please see the link for available locations as well as the routes available: http://www.valleymetro.org/park_and_rides/mlr/

Other things you may want to bring: As this is typically a full day, may we suggest some additional items that you may want to bring:

• snacks for your kids if you get there early to play and hang out with all of your DSN friends
• A blanket for grassy areas if you want to sit an enjoy the day
• A camera!
• Wagons are a great idea for pulling the kids through the parade
• Sunblock
• Hats

We have a lot of walkers to move through the Homecoming Parade this year. Please try to arrive early to allow yourself enough time to park, get checked in, and participate in all the day's activities.

Step UP for Down Syndrome is a great opportunity to promote awareness and the inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome in the community. It is, also, DSNetwork's largest fundraiser of the year. As an organization DSNetwork hosts programs, outreach, and events for our family's and the community to support our mission to educate, support and advocate for those in our community whose lives are impacted by Down syndrome. We are able to provide these various programs and activities at little to no fees because of the funds we are fortunate to raise at events such as Step UP.

As a thank you for your fundraising efforts, we offer the following Fundraising Incentives:

        $   250 DSN Cap

Top Fundraiser leads the Parade in the SUDS Buggy and will be featured in all SUDS marketing material for the next year. Incentives are not cumulative. Fundraising incentives awarded at highest level of fundraising only, including all donations received by 10/29/11 at midnight. Incentives valued at $1500 and over, please call the DSNetwork office at (480)759-9150 and make arrangements to pick up between November 15, 2011 --
December 15, 2011.

Thank you to each of you for supporting DSNetwork and for being a part of this year's Step UP for Down Syndrome Walk! We look forward to seeing everyone at 9:30a on Saturday, October 29 at ASU in Tempe!

If you have any questions, please contact us at stepup4ds@dsnetworkaz.org or call the DSNetwork office at 480.759.9150.

*Online Registration ends Saturday, October 22. If you are unable to register on-line by this date, please know you are still welcome to join us at the Step UP walk. Please come early to register and fill out the waiver. We will be able to accommodate everyone, we just ask that you please be patient with us. Thank You