The Buddy Walk was established by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October. The Buddy Walk has three primary goals:

• To promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome;
• To raise funds locally and nationally for education, research and advocacy programs; and
• To enhance the position of the Down syndrome community, enabling us to positively influence local and national policy and practice.

The Buddy Walk has grown from 17 walks in 1995 to more than 260 in 2006 across the country and around the world. The 2008 Bakersfield Buddy Walk will be held at Golden Valley High School on October 4, 2008. Registration/Check–in begins at 12:00 PM, Walk begins at 2:00 PM. At least 250,000 people are expected to participate in more than 275 Buddy Walks this year. Since 1995, more than 1,750,000 people have participated in the Buddy Walk program.

Please download the pledge and registration form by clicking here. For more information contact Tracy Brown at 661.831.0951 or visit the Buddy Walk website at www.BuddyWalk.org.

H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection Family Resource Center invites you to join them at their Third Annual Bunko Tournament, to be held on September 20, 2008, at the Norris Road Veterans Hall, located at 400 West Norris Road in Oildale.

This fun event will include an entire evening of Bunko play, dinner, and door prizes for all ticket holders. The entry fee for this tournament is $25.00 which includes dinner. For more information, or to register contact H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection at 661.328.9055, and speak with either Vicki x282 or Susan x304. All proceeds from this event will benefit H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection Family Resource Center and Family Empowerment Center-Serving Families with Special Needs.

Purchase your tickets today via PayPal by clicking the "Add to Cart" button below. PayPal protects your privacy and security!