Step Up Walk and Family Picnic
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View and download event photos here |
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This annual event brings the community together for a day of fun activities, inspirational walkers and record-breaking fundraising.
The best part of this event is when we loudly and proudly recognize our members with Down syndrome
and their accomplishments at the finish line.
Enjoy the fun-filled day with Lawn Games, Face Painting, Character Appearances, Family Picnics,
Team Photo Opportunities and more!
Nothing fills our hearts more than the walk day celebration!
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YOUR SUPPORT ALLOWS THE DOWN SYNDROME CONNECTION OF THE BAY AREA TO:
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- Connect families to resources and other families
- Provide one-of-a-kind programs for all ages
- Continue essential support services for the entire family
- Bring opportunities for empowerment and growth through education.
- Develop strategic alliances with education, medical and mental health communities.
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Support Programs
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As a supporter you have an awesome opportunity to make a significant impact on people's lives.
The DSCBA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Danville. Our tax ID is 91-1904304
Previous Step Up Events
2024 Recap
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DSCBA kicked off Down Syndrome Awareness Month early by holding the annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk & Family Picnic on September 28th at the beautiful Oak Hill Park in Danville. Over 725 participants came out to walk the ¼ mile path and celebrate the amazing abilities and accomplishments of DSCBA members. We appreciate the support from Friend Sponsor, John Muir Health, as well as all the other generous sponsors listed below, many of whom return year after year. These sponsors, with 85 team captains and more than 700 donors together raised over $117k! |
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As one of DSCBA’s largest fundraisers, this financial support allows us to:
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The event kicked off with dynamic performances by Carondelet High School’s Cheer and Dance Teams. DSCBA Executive Director, Teresa DeVincenzi, then welcomed attendees and thanked event sponsors and donors.
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Teresa recognized four community members who inspire us with their dedicated and exemplary service to individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Award winners include:
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In addition, these top five fundraising teams were recognized and awarded certificates and gift baskets. Congratulations to:
With 69 members, Team Shya received the Largest Team Award. |
Afterwards the top fundraising team, Avery’s Amazing Advocates, earned the opportunity to lead the walk. The scenic path circled a beautiful pond and moved towards everyone’s favorite part, the finish line, where we proudly cheered for our members, and recognized one of their big milestones. Huge thanks to announcer, Mike Cannon, who helps make this a special moment each year. Individuals with Down syndrome were also awarded a medal and an official Certificate of Recognition from the California State Assembly provided by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan's office.
Activities throughout the day included an array of lawn games, mini golf, and face painting. We were lucky to have special character appearances by Rebel Legion Endor Base, 501st Golden Gate Garrison and West Coast Avengers. Thank you to the Town of Danville for the help in securing this beautiful park and for providing amenities, supplies, and corn hole games.
Everyone enjoyed picnic lunches or Hazy BBQ catered meals; a Mister Softee Ice Cream truck and Ice Barbers Shaved Ice were also on hand for sweet treats!
We were happy to have representatives from Project CAPE-abilities in attendance who shared a new research participation opportunity. The study being conducted by UCSF and Charlie’s Clinic at BCHO will focus on how young children with Down syndrome communicate and play.
A real firetruck exhibit offered attendees the chance to meet safety personnel and sit inside the vehicle for a fun photo op! Thank you to San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District for stopping by!
We are grateful for the crew of over 75 volunteers who helped set up and staff the event including groups from National Charity League, Boys Team Charity, Community Presbyterian Church of Danville, Pledge to Humanity and many other individuals who gave their time. Special thanks to our favorite photographers Fred and Ginger Stambaugh for capturing the day.
THANK YOU TO THESE GENEROUS 2024 WALK SPONSORS:
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MATCHING GRANT
FRIEND SPONSOR - $2,500+
FINISH LINE SPONSORS - $500
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EVENT DONORS
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View photos from the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk HERE
We hope you will plan to join us next time!
2023 Recap
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The 2023 annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk & Family Picnic was held on October 7th at the beautiful Oak Hill Park in Danville. Over 600 participants came out to walk the ¼ mile path and celebrate the vast abilities and accomplishments of DSCBA members. The walk is traditionally held in October during National Down Syndrome Awareness Month to promote inclusion and awareness. We are grateful for the incredible sponsors and 88 team captains who together raised over $171k. This is DSCBA’s largest fundraiser of the year which allows us to:
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We appreciate the support from Annual Empire Sponsor, CHEVRON, and Annual Friend Sponsor, JOHN MUIR HEALTH, as well as the other generous sponsors listed below, many of whom return year after year. And we are thankful for the hundreds of donors who stepped up to give generously to the DSCBA!
The event started with a welcome ceremony that included a performance by Carondelet High School’s Cheer and Dance Teams led by Suzanne Smith and Erin Reid. DSCBA Executive Director, Teresa DeVincenzi, then welcomed attendees and thanked the generous event sponsors. Teresa introduced Assembly member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan who stayed to congratulate each walker with DS at the finish line and award them with an official Certificate of Recognition from the CA State Assembly.
The top five fundraising teams were recognized and awarded certificates and gift baskets which included chocolates donated by See’s Candies.
Congratulations to:
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- Avery’s Amazing Advocates
- Glam Grace
- Team Drucker
- Team Tempra
- Team Perera
As the top team, Avery’s Amazing Advocates earned the opportunity to lead the walk accompanied by San Jose Earthquakes Soccer Mascot, “Q”. The scenic walk path circled a beautiful pond and moved towards everyone’s favorite part, the finish line, where we proudly cheered for our members, and recognized one of their big milestones. Thank you to announcer, Mike Cannon, who helps make this a special moment each year.
Event activities included an array of lawn games, mini golf, giant Jenga, balloon twisters and face painting. We were lucky to have special character appearances by Rebel Legion Endor Base, 501st Golden Gate Garrison and Avengers Initiatives. Thank you to the Town of Danville for the help in securing this beautiful park and for providing amenities, supplies, and games.
Everyone enjoyed picnic lunches, hot dogs or Hazy BBQ catered meals; a Mister Softee Ice Cream truck was on hand for sweet treats!
We were happy to have Mary Kate Vandemark from Global Down Syndrome Foundation in attendance with information about the organization.
New this year: A real firetruck and police car exhibit offered attendees the chance to meet safety personnel and sit inside the vehicles for a fun photo op! Our Safety Booth also provided important info and tips about fire and emergency preparedness, personal safety and more. A huge thank you to Marianne Iversen, Director of Teen and Adult Services, for coordinating this through the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District (Danielle Belle, Emergency Coordinator) and Police (Community Services & Crime Prevention Coordinator, Lindsay Ortiz).
Thank you to the crew of over 75 volunteers who helped set up and staff the event including groups from National Charity League, Boys Team Charity, Northgate High School Leadership, Pledge to Humanity and many other individuals who gave their time. Special thanks to photographers Fred and Ginger Stambaugh and Sam Benavidez for capturing the day.
A BIG THANK YOU TO THESE 2023 SPONSORS
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25TH ANNIVERSARY ANNUAL EMPOWER SPONSOR
FRIEND & WATER EVENT SPONSOR
ANNUAL FRIEND SPONSOR
FRIEND EVENT SPONSOR
25TH ANNIVERSARY SPONSORS
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ICE CREAM SPONSOR
CARNIVAL GAMES SPONSOR
HOT DOG SPONSOR
STEP UP SPONSOR
EVENT DONORS
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View and download free photos from the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk HERE. We hope you will plan to join us next time
Our Mission
To empower, inspire and support people with Down Syndrome, their families and the community that serves them, while fostering awareness and acceptance in all areas of life.
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