Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I form a team?

Forming a team is a fun way to celebrate your loved one with Down syndrome while participating in Wisconsin's largest Down Syndrome Awareness event. Teams can be as large or as small as you'd like, and every team helps spread awareness, acceptance, and inclusion. Fundraising is optional, but whether you raise $10 or $10,000, you'll help support the more than 5,500 individuals and families served by DSAW across Wisconsin.

How do I recruit team members?

Start by making a list of family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and community members. Reach out through email, text, social media, or phone and share why participating in the event is important to you and your family. Encourage them to join your team, fundraise, or make a donation. Remember, business sponsorships can also count toward your team's fundraising total.

How do I raise funds?

Fundraising can be as simple as posting on social media, sending an email, or sharing your personal fundraising page. Most people are happy to support a cause that is meaningful to someone they know. Share your story, explain why DSAW matters to your family, and invite others to donate or join your team.

Do you have a sample fundraising message I can use?

Yes! Feel free to customize the message below and share it with your family, friends, and community:

Dear Friends,

This year, my family has formed a team for the DSAW-Fox Cities Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk on Saturday, October 3rd at Town Center Park in Grand Chute.

The goal of this event is to spread awareness and acceptance of Down syndrome throughout Wisconsin while raising funds for the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin's life-changing programs and services.

As you may know, this cause is very important to our family. [Insert your personal story.]

Would you consider joining our team and/or making a donation to support [loved one's name] and our fundraising efforts? Your support helps make a meaningful impact on thousands of individuals and families across Wisconsin.

Please feel free to share this message with your friends and family. If your business may be interested in sponsorship opportunities, sponsorship contributions can count toward our team's fundraising total.

Use this link to join our team or make a donation: [Insert Team Link]

Thank you for supporting Down syndrome awareness and acceptance!

[Your Name]

Can I fundraise through Facebook?

Yes! After registering, you can connect a Facebook Fundraiser directly to your Qgiv fundraising page. Donations made through Facebook will automatically update your fundraising thermometer.

Please note: Your Facebook fundraiser must be created through your Qgiv Fundraising Dashboard. Fundraisers created directly on Facebook cannot be connected later.

Are there fundraising prizes or incentives?

Yes! We offer exciting incentives and prizes for our top fundraising teams. To qualify, online donations must be received by 10:00 PM on October 2nd. Cash and check donations must arrive at the DSAW office by noon on October 2nd to count toward team fundraising totals.

How do I learn about sponsorship opportunities?

We're glad you're interested! To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and benefits, please email walk@dsawfoxcities.org.

Why is fundraising important?

The DSAW-Fox Cities Down Syndrome Awareness Walk is our largest fundraiser of the year. Funds raised help support programs, services, education, advocacy, outreach, and resources for individuals with Down syndrome and their families throughout Wisconsin. Your participation helps ensure these life-changing programs continue year-round.