Join Us for the 16th Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk!

We are thrilled to invite you to DSAW–Fox Cities' 16th Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk, happening Saturday, October 4th at Town Center Park in Grand Chute!

We're excited to return for our second year at this beautiful venue. While it’s a newer location for us, last year’s success proved it’s the perfect place to celebrate inclusion, love, and community. You can expect the same fun, family-friendly experience — with even more opportunities to connect and make memories!

Because of YOU, We’re Making a Difference

In 2024, thanks to your incredible support, we:

  • Hosted numerous free or low-cost family events

  • Provided over 850 hours of direct services

  • Welcomed 40 participants to in-person group programs

  • Hosted the Extraordinary Adventures Summer Camp

  • Delivered support to new and expectant parents

  • Provided grant support to families in the Fox Cities area

  • …and so much more!

This Walk is the heartbeat of our organization, funding the majority of our programs and services year-round. Your participation directly empowers individuals with Down syndrome and their families across the Fox Cities.

Event Schedule

10:20: Shuttle buses begin service from Appleton Alliance East parking lot
10:30 am – 12:30 pm: Event check-in & on-site registration
11:00 am – 2:00 pm: Bag lunches (hot dogs, chips, banana, fruit snacks, water)
All day: Fun, inclusive activities for all ages (free for registered walkers)
2:00 pm: Walk kick-off + announcement of top teams (1-mile, non-competitive walk on a trail)
2:30 pm: Raffle winners announced & posted (must be present for bucket raffle; not required for larger drawings)

So lace up your shoes, bring your friends and family, and help us make the 16th Annual Walk the best one yet. Together, we’re building a more inclusive world — one step at a time.

REGISTER

Registration Information

T-Shirt Deadline:
Register by Sunday, August 31 to guarantee your official Walk T-shirt.

Online Registration:
Closes - Friday, October 3 at 9:00 AM T-shirts not guaranteed for late registrants.

What’s Included with Registration:

  • Full access to all event activities

  • Entry in the Annual Awareness Walk

  • Official Walk T-shirt (if registered by August 31st)

  • Access to the Family Festival featuring:
    Bounce course, rock climbing wall, petting zoo, train rides, DJ, and more

  • Lunch for all registered attendees

Event Costs:

  • Walk Participant: $15 / $18 (based on shirt size)

  • Children 2 & under: Free

  • Individuals with Down syndrome: Free

  • Day-of Registration: Available on-site: $20 (T-shirt not guaranteed)

No Team? No Problem!

Register as a solo walker and enjoy the full event experience—we’re excited to have you!

Early T-Shirt Pickup:

Saturday, September 20 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: DSAW–Fox Cities | 526 W. Wisconsin Ave. 2W, Appleton

Day Of: T-shirts will also be available to be picked up at the walk on October 4th. T-shirt tables will be located in the registration tent. IF you register AFTER August 31st, we cannot guarantee your size will be available the day of the walk, please register early to ensure you receive your size.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Community Resource Table Request

Would you like to host a resource table at the DSAW Annual Awareness Walk?
Click HERE to request a table for your business or organization!

Resource tables are reserved for community partners whose services or products support DSAW participants and families. Space is limited and tables will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Raffle Basket Donations

Seeking donations for the basket raffle, we need your help to make it a success! Your generosity has been instrumental in creating amazing raffle prizes year after year. Here are a few donation ideas:

  • Handmade items: From home decor to jewelry, anything crafted by you, family, or friends.
  • Gift cards: Always a crowd-pleaser for restaurants, movies, stores, and more.
  • Themed gift baskets: Encourage family and friends to contribute items for themes like coffee lovers, game night, or spa day.
  • Tickets to shows, sports games, concerts, and more.

We are also in need of any baskets, bags, or boxes for packaging donations. We are happy to take single items and combine them with like items to create a basket, all donations are welcome!

If you have sporting event tickets; Packer, Badger, Brewer, or Bucks games to donate, they're highly sought after and appreciated!

Remember, all donations are tax deductible. 

Click HERE to fill out the raffle donation form.

AMAZON WISH LIST

We've created an Amazon Wish List for raffle basket items for the walk! Many people have expressed a desire to donate but can't put together an entire basket, so we hope this offers an easy solution. We've added (and will continue to add) items that can be combined to make baskets. Most items range from $10-$30, with some as little as $5. If you purchase an item, it will be shipped directly to the DSAW - Fox Cities office, where our volunteers will create amazing raffle baskets.

View the Amazon Wishlist HERE

 

Fundraising Incentives

NEW THIS YEAR!

We will be utilizing a tiered system of incentives, these are cumulative incentives, you will earn each incentive as your team total continues to grow. Physical incentives will be available for pick-up at the walk when you check in at registration. 

Every team raising $1500 or more will earn a yard sign. Once your team reaches $1,500 (or beyond!), please email a photo of your loved one to dsawfoxcities@dsaw.org with “Yard Sign” in the subject line. Deadline to reach this goal is Wednesday, Sepetmeber 24th.  

Every team* raising $2500 or more will be entered to win their very own walk billboard ahead of the 2026 walk. We will draw the winner live prior to the walk kickoff at 2:00PM on October 4th.

Every team raising $3210 will be entered in a drawing for a year membership to the Children's Museum, We will draw the winner live prior to the walk kickoff at 2:00PM on October 4th. They will also receive a pair of custom DSAW socks stuffed with 30 raffle tickets. 

Every team raising $5000 or more will have their loved one in a combined photo on a billboard leading up to WDSD. 

*$10,000 teams excluded

REMINDER!

  • The cut-off for donations that qualify for the Top Fundraising Prizes is 10 PM on Friday, October 3rd! 
  • All cash and check donations must arrive at the DSAW Fox Cities office by noon on Friday, October 3rd to qualify.  
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Introducing Team Spotlight!

We're thrilled to announce a new initiative for sharing your reasons for participating in the Annual Awareness Walk! After registering your team, you can join in by filling out the form HERE. 

Once completed, we will create a personalized social media post on Facebook, highlighting your loved one and your motivation for being part of the walk. You can then share this post on your own page and include a link to your walk team for easy sign-ups. 

Join us in spreading awareness and showcasing the amazing stories behind our community!

Donor Leaderboard

  • 1 Day Of Income $14,856.00
  • 2 Faith Technologies, Inc $5,000.00
  • 3 SCHEELS Appleton $4,000.00
  • 4 Sure Controls, Inc. $3,543.75
  • 5 Menasha Corporation Foundation $3,500.00
  • 6 James & Monita Gray $2,500.00
  • 7 Miron Construction $2,500.00
  • 8 Terri Handrich $1,800.00
  • 9 The Muller Family $1,200.00
  • 10 IVI, Incorporated $1,000.00
  • 11 Gail Hill $1,000.00
  • 12 Floors by Roberts $1,000.00
  • 13 PRN Home Health & Therapy $1,000.00
  • 14 Mary & Robert Kimble $1,000.00
  • 15 Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists of Green Bay SC $1,000.00
  • 16 Universal Insurance Advisors $1,000.00
  • 17 Valley Custom Fence $1,000.00
  • 18 Stoiched Automotive LLC $1,000.00
  • 19 Kwik Trip Inc $1,000.00
  • 20 Fox Communities Credit Union $1,000.00
View Full Leaderboard

About DSAW-Fox Cities

The vision of the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin - Fox Cities (DSAW-FC) is that we all understand the value of those with Down syndrome in our lives and our communities. We continually strive for full acceptance, full access, full life and full potential. Check out our website.

We are a chapter of:  The Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin

The Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin's mission is to provide support to Wisconsin families and individuals with Down syndrome and related disabilities through awareness, education, information, programs, services, and the exchange of ideas and experiences. We promote the value of those with Down syndrome in our lives and our communities. We continually strive toward full acceptance, full access, full potential and a full life to make Wisconsin the best supported state for people with Down syndrome and their loved ones. Visit our website to learn more.