Families Exploring Down Syndrome (FEDS) of Brevard will host its 6th Annual Buddy Walk on October 25, 2008 at Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village. At last year’s event more than 500 children and adults walked to promote acceptance and awareness of people with Down syndrome, as well as raise funds for programs and services for FEDS of Brevard and the National Down Syndrome Society. 

The Buddy Walk is a one mile advocacy walk in which anyone can participate without special training.  The Buddy Walk was started by the National Down Syndrome Society and has grown from 17 events in 1995 to more than 275 events in 2008. Last year more than 225,000 individuals participated in all 50 states.  

FEDS of Brevard has set up a special fund (Buddy Funds) for the money raised through the Buddy Walk. Buddy Funds are used to assist people with Down syndrome to meet individual needs that are not met by existing community resources. This year Tuition assistance for Space Coast Early Intervention Center was awarded as well as assistance to pay for speech and behavior therapists and evaluations at the Hope Haven Down Syndrome Clinic in Jacksonville. In addition we were able to help families in Brevard County send their children to summer camp, fund Special Olympics events and assist family participation in community recreation such as gymnastics, horseback riding and bowling.

The Buddy Walk is the major fundraising and awareness event for the Buddy Funds. All of the money raised by the Buddy Walk is used for Brevard county residents with Down syndrome with the exception of a donation to the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to support their education, research, and advocacy efforts.

I am writing to ask for your support of this year’s Buddy Walk. Your tax-exempt contribution will support our ability to continue to help individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Your support will help all people with Down syndrome take steps for a brighter future. 

Attached is a list of sponsorship opportunities; each level entitles you to the corresponding sponsorship benefits.   Thank you very much for your consideration. 

Sincerely,

Theresa Mitchell
2008 Chairperson, Brevard Buddy Walk

BUDDY WALK SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Buddy Walk Presenting Sponsor, $3,000 *
Identification in Buddy Walk print advertising, T-shirts and signage. 
Recognition from the podium and introduction of presenting sponsor representatives on walk day.   

 Buddy Walk Patron Sponsor, $1,500 *
Identification on Buddy Walk T-shirts and some walk signage and recognition from the podium on walk day.

Buddy Walk Supporting Sponsor, $750 *
Your logo on Buddy Walk T-shirts and name on sponsorship sign at event.

Buddy Walk Supporting Sponsor, Level 2 $500
Your name on Buddy Walk T-shirts and sponsorship sign at event.

Friends of Buddy Walk Sponsor, $250
Your name on Buddy Walk T-shirts.

 Pride in our Strides Sponsor, $100 **
Similar to a hole sponsorship at a golf tournament.  Each sponsor has a sign which is displayed along the walking course.

*Please include camera ready art for company name and logo.
 ** Please provide exact wording for your sign.

 Please make checks payable to FEDS of Brevard, Inc.
24 River Falls Drive
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

 A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.