Buddy Fest NW / NW Disability Support

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Better Together
Change Maker
Disability Is Natural
More Alike Than Different
In-Kind Sponsors

It takes community to throw a great community event and we need your help pursuing sponsorship, procuring items for our silent auction and raffle, and all other things that make Buddy Fest NW a memorable celebration of our lives experiencing disability.

Questions? Work at a company that wants to sponsor our event, donate to the silent auction or raffle, or has volunteer hours to contribute day of?

Please contact us at buddyfestnw@nwdisabilitysupport.org or 503-319-3831.

Buddy Fest NW

Saturday, September 27th, 2025

10am-1pm (PST)

Moda Center Commons, Portland, OR

Buddy Fest NW is NW Disability Support's annual celebration promoting the acceptance and inclusion of people experiencing disability (including Down syndrome). It is the largest fundraiser of the year for NWDS. The festival brings together families, friends, self-advocates, educators, professionals, community leaders and other promoters of a civil and inclusive society for a day of community, fun, and advocacy. Everyone seeking to understand, accept, and celebrate disability, diversity, and inclusion is welcome at Buddy Fest NW!

Adults 18 & Up $25

Child 4 thru 17 $15

Age 3 & Under $10

Online registration closes September 25th.

Day of registration is available.

Join us for an accessible walk around the Moda Center, parent connections, speakers, music, games, bounce houses, character appearances, face painters, photo opportunities, food and refreshment, festival t-shirts, silent auction and raffle, and loads of disability pride!

Yulissa Arescurenaga is a trailblazer and the first certified Zumba® instructor with Down syndrome in the United States. She uses her love of dance and fitness to inspire and empower people of all abilities, bringing joy, movement, and community to her classes and performances. Yulissa’s story and advocacy are featured in the book Down Syndrome Out Loud, amplifying her voice as a leader in the disability pride movement. She has shared her journey on national platforms, led Zumba® sessions across the country, and become a role model for inclusion and belonging. Her energy and spirit remind us all to celebrate who we are and to embrace every opportunity to dance through life with confidence and joy. We are happy to welcome her to #BuddyFestNW!

Funds Raised at Buddy Fest NW help empower and support families and individuals, connect new parents to the community, increase education and promote public understanding and acceptance, increase competence of professionals, work toward full inclusion, and defend the civil rights of individuals with disabilities.

Our work includes:

Parent-led Outreach & Support
Community Connection & Celebration
Medical & Genetic Outreach
Educational Resources & Training
Advocacy & Leadership
Inclusive & Strength-Based Partnerships
Web Resources & Event Calendar

Your support values:

Community Development & Access
Relationships & Belonging
Improved Educational Outcomes
Systems Change
Self-Determination & Independence
Inclusive Lives

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$35,000.00

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Top individual:

Our top individual fundraiser will earn Buddy Bear AND a POP! Star Wars 380 Moff Gideon signed by the one and only Giancarlo Esposito!
Our top fundraising team will earn the opportunity to kick off the walk joined by our special guest Yulissa Arescurenaga!

Top fundraising teams:

Raising $3,500 or more earn an Apple Watch (SE)!
Raising $1,500-$3,499 earn Apple Air Pods Pro!

The deadline for earning incentives and raffle tickets is September 25, 2025.

TIME	ACTIVITY
10:00 AM	Registration Opens and Festival Begins
10:30 AM	Special Performance
11:00 AM	Welcome, Speakers, and Thank you's
11:25 AM	Group Photo
11:30 AM	Accessible Walk Begins
12:00 PM	Music and Fun Continues
12:30 PM	Silent Auction Closes and Raffles Announced
1:00 PM	Buddy Fest Wraps Up

Buddy Fest NW 2025

Buddy Fest NW 2025 Leaderboard

Thank you to our 2024 top fundraisers!

Big Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Become a Sponsor

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Take a Peek!

We never know who might join us!

Make a Donation

A Day of Disability Pride and Celebration!