Event Details

Event T-Shirts

  • T-shirts are available for optional purchase during registration. Join us in uniting to support our friends with Down syndrome by repping one of our 2020 shirts! Register by August 28, 2020 to be guaranteed a t-shirt by Walk Day. T-shirts will be shipped directly to the address you provide. They are $10 each plus shipping.

Challenges & Drawings

  • In June-September, join us on the MADSS Facebook page every Friday at 2pm for a live video or post with challenge updates and winners! Each week, we will update you on the following week's challenge, highlight winners from the current week's challenge, and do giveaways for participants who are registered for our Walks! Check out the DSAW Facebook page every Friday at 2pm see self-advocates, staff, and sponsors introducing fun challenges that YOU can participate in to win! Make sure to follow the MADSS and DSAW Facebook pages for the latest updates and use #MADSSVirtualWalk to stay connected.

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Fundraising Ideas

  • Now more than ever, your support of MADSS is crucial. The majority of our programs and events are fully funded by fundraising that takes place at this annual Awareness Walk. We need YOU to come out strong at this Walk, more than ever before. And we have some fun ideas of how to fundraise!
    • Host Zoom Trivia with your friends 
    • Donate your talents! If you are a yoga instructor (or another fitness coach), or have an artsy hobby that you can teach people (knitting, painting, cooking a dish) offer a virtual class for a donation 
    • "If I raise $____ for MADSS in the next week, I will..."
      • Share a video of my kid throwing a pie in my face
      • Participate in a viral Tik Tok dance challenge with my kids
      • Do 21 minutes of live stand-up comedy on Facebook
      • Have my kid give me a quarantine hair cut
    • "If you donate $___ to my Walk team, I will go one mile in any way you choose!"
    • The sky is the limit! If you have other fundraising ideas or use one of these, share with us #MADSSVirtualWalk and tag @madsswi

September Challenge!

  • In the month of September, each day will be a new challenge for you and your families! We will prove that MADSS is virtually inseparable as you share your lives with us. We'll have exercise challenges, costume contests, creativity competitions, spirit days, and more!! Stay tuned for more info.

Virtual Auction

  • We know you all like to win things! In the week leading up to the walk (September 21-27), we will have an online silent auction and buy now items. Featuring huge raffle baskets, gift cards, and more! MADSS staff will either deliver or ship items to auction winners. Our virtual auction website will launch closer to Walk Day.

Walk Day - Sunday, September 27

  • MADSS families from across the entire state will come together to raise awareness and acceptance of our loved ones on Sunday, September 27. Tune in to our virtual, statewide pre-walk program and celebration (starting at 10am) and stay tuned!
  • Potential In-Person Opportunities
    • We are examining exciting meet up opportunities on Walk Day such as a giant car parade or physically distant Awareness Walk as long as things are safe! We will continue to evaluate in-person opportunities as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds.
    • We will NOT be meeting or hosting a family festival, but we are hopeful we will get to see you in person in some fashion on September 27! 

Fundraising Incentives & Prizes

  • More information on incentives and prizes coming soon!
  • August 31 is an important deadline for fundraising prizes. If your team raises at least $1,000 by August 31, you will be entered into a drawing to win an iPad! If your team raises at least $2,000 by August 31, your team captain will receive a MADSS yard sign featuring a picture of their loved one to help raise awareness and acceptance in their community! If your team raises at least $3,500 by August 31, you will win a chance to have your loved one featured on our 2021 Walk materials! 
  • The cut-off for donations that qualify for the Top Five Fundraising Prizes is 11:59PM on Saturday, September 26. All cash and check donations must arrive at the MADSS PO box noon on Friday, September 25 to qualify. We have fantastic prizes for our top five teams! 
  • There are chances to win for everyone! We will be doing drawings and prizes for fundraising, team size, and more throughout the coming months.

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