People came out Saturday morning to have fun and raise money during the annual “Buddy Walk."
LIMA, OHIO (WLIO) - A walk Saturday in Faurot Park raised awareness and support for people with Down Syndrome.
People came out Saturday morning to have fun and raise money during the annual “Buddy Walk." The event has been going on for over 12 years, and there were raffles and other fund-raising activities. The Lima Senior DECA group helped by hosting activities like pumpkin, rock, and face painting for people to get creative. Plus, they had food for people to enjoy during the event. The walk is part of the group’s “Joy Project,” which raises awareness and promotes inclusion of all people with disabilities.
“This event is really for a lot of people in the community to come together to have fun and share the experience. Just say like everybody is different in their own way, and I am just happy that a lot of people showed up, because it just shows that people care,” says Jasmine Walker, Joy Project Lead.
The Lima Senior DECA group helped by hosting activities like pumpkin, rock, and face painting for people to get creative.
“I am glad that all these people are here to bring in more support for everyone. There is a big community out there that is trying to help the Down Syndrome Society,” says Taylor Spicer, Joy Project Lead.
One person that had a lot of support during the event was this year’s grand marshal, Abby Conley, and she was glad to have Team Abby in her corner.
“That is really great that they are here to support me. I am the President of the “Just Do IT Crew." I have been doing it 5 years. I work at Lima Memorial. I work at Marimor too. A whole bunch of my friends are coming here to support me. I love it,” says Conley.
The Joy Project will continue to raise awareness and funds through other activities during the school year. This year’s theme for the Joy Project is “Strive for Excellence.”
