Taking Steps Toward Inclusion 

About the Puget Sound Buddy Walk® 

The Down Syndrome Center (DSC) of Puget Sound is proud to present the 27th Annual Puget Sound Buddy Walk®, a day of celebration to promote the acceptance, inclusion, and respect of individuals with Down syndrome--of all ages and backgrounds--and their families. 

With thousands of local, national, and international participants and supporters, Puget Sound Buddy Walk is DSC's most anticipated and largest awareness, community, and fundraising event of the year. 

Together, we gather and walk to celebrate the extraordinary lives of people with Down syndrome, express our commitment to creating inclusive communities, and raise much needed funds to provide programs, support, resources, outreach, and advocacy to individuals with Down syndrome and their families. 

Join us on Sunday, October 8th at Woodland Park Zoo and immerse yourself in the power and joy of building and belonging to a vibrant and inclusive community. 

Buddy Walk® History

The Buddy Walk was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Over 300,000 people walk from coast to coast and around the world each year. 

Event Details

Co-Chairs: Ashley Clark, Rebecca Vargas, and Luisa Camelo

Sunday, October 8th, 2023 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave N, Seattle 


Event Parking & Admission (Use West Entrance): 

West Entrance Cross Streets
Phinney Ave. N. between N. 55th and N. 56th St.

Your tickets for the Puget Sound Buddy Walk will be available at the registration table at the West Entrance of the Zoo starting at 9:30am. Access to the West Entrance is available through the Otter and Penguin parking lots. The Otter parking lot can be accessed through the Penguin lot on Phinney Ave N., or the Bear parking lot on N. 59th Street.

 

Out of  town or avoiding crowds? Join a team or create your own and walk with us virtually!

Walk in your neighborhood, at a local park, on your favorite trail, or anywhere else you enjoy. Build a team and invite your friends and family.

Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for live event updates, and add your favorite moments to the celebration using #PugetSoundBuddyWalk when you post photos or video. 

Join the Movement for Inclusion

Because every individual with Down syndrome deserves equitable and accessible opportunities to learn, work, and thrive in community.

How to Build Your Buddy Walk Team

  • Register as a Fundraising Participant

  • Create a Team

  • Set your fundraising goal

  • Complete registration

  • Invite friends and family to join your team

  • Teams who raise $500+ by 11:59pm on Thursday, September 14th, 2023 will have their team names printed on the event t-shirt!

Top Fundraiser Perks

As of 10am on October 8th, 2023

Top 3 Fundraising Teams

  • Award plaque
  • Recognition at Puget Sound Buddy Walk
  • DSC Social Media Spotlight
  • Eight (8) admission tickets to Woodland Park Zoo 
  • #1 Team Bonus:
  • Lead the Buddy Walk! 
  • A pair of Billy Footwear shoes
  • GlassyBaby
  • #2 Team Bonus:
  • A Fitbit acyivity tracker 
  • #3 Team Bonus:
  • A pair of Billy Footwear shoes

All "Super Star" Fundraising Teams (raising $500+ as of 11:59pm on September 14th, 2023 )

  • Team name on event t-shirt
  • DSC social media shoutout
  • Billy Footwear coupon 
  • Two (2) admission tickets to Woodland Park Zoo 

September 15th at 5pm is also the last day to order t-shirts! 

Step Up for Inclusion!

$154,530.76

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$150,000.00

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