DSAW Blog — Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin

Sign up for our email newsletter to stay up to date on all of our programs, services, and events! Click this banner to sign up.

Looking Back on March 2025

In March, we all honored World Down Syndrome Day together! Each chapter hosted their own events and welcomed in families from all over the state to celebrate our loved ones.

DSAW-Central

World Down Syndrome Day in Central WI rolled into the skating rink with a burst of joy! Skaters of all abilities, including a few new families, laced up and took to the floor, celebrating inclusion and friendship. It was a day of pure fun, proving that everyone shines on the rink. 

DSAW-Chippewa Valley

DSAW-Chippewa Valley celebrated World Down Syndrome Day at Action City and Trampoline Park. We jumped and played at the arcade center, celebrated with a pizza party and door prizes and finished the day at Chaos Waterpark! We had 210 people come out to help us celebrate our loved ones with Down syndrome! What an awesome day!

DSAW-Fox Cities

On Saturday, March 15th, DSAW-Fox Cities had a fantastic time celebrating World Down Syndrome Day at Funset Blvd! Eighty-five parents, kids, and advocates came together for a morning of games, rides, pizza, and fun, all in the spirit of celebrating inclusion, community, and the incredible individuals with Down syndrome who brighten our world.

DSAW-Green Bay

World Down Syndrome Day Celebration in Green Bay! The night was filled with dancing, photobooth, indoor playground, delicious food and a lot of fun! We Rocked our Socks at this year's celebration.  

DSAW-Greater La Crosse

DSAW-Southeastern Region

World Down Syndrome Day Celebrations in the Southeastern Region were a blast! The weekend was filled with swimming, skating, soccer and a lot of fun! We had an incredible time at this year's celebrations!

DSAW-Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties

On March 16th, Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties held their Annual Waterpark Celebration at Blue Harbor Resort! With 136 people coming to swim, we had a splashtastic time showing our support and celebrating our loved ones! We had a great afternoon with friends and families from all over Wisconsin.

DSAW-South Central

Thank you to our 212 guests, 14 volunteers, and DSAW staff who attended our annual Gallery 21 celebration and celebrated World Down Syndrome Day! It was a blast!

Looking Back on February 2025

DSAW-Central

The DSAW and DAWGS ice fishing event was a huge success, with perfect weather setting the stage for a fantastic day on the ice. Families from DSAW Central and students and faculty from the UW-Stevens Point SHAPER Club came together to enjoy the beautiful winter scenery—and the best part? Fish were caught! The excitement didn’t end there, as DSAW Central later brought their energy to the rink, cheering on the Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings in a thrilling game. The Riverkings' dominating win made for an electric night, creating unforgettable memories for all, especially the enthusiastic DSAW Central fans!

DSAW-Chippewa Valley

DSAW-Chippewa Valley hosted a private event at the Eau Claire Children's Museum. We got to experience the museum like never before as we explored its wonders after regular hours. This museum has so much going on and is fun for all ages!

DSAW-Fox Cities

February was an exciting month for DSAW Fox Cities, filled with fun and friendship!
We kicked things off with a fantastic morning at Luv2Play, where 19 energetic kiddos came out to explore the indoor playground. They climbed, jumped, swung, and slid through the big play area, while the little ones had a blast in the toddler zone with smaller swings and play structures.
Later in the month, we hosted our annual Valentine’s Dance, and the DSAW Den was alive with music, laughter, and celebration. Families enjoyed dancing, crafting, and delicious snacks while reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. Games and crafts kept everyone engaged, and at one point, we even had a lively conga line weaving through the room!
It was a month full of joy, community, and unforgettable moments. We can’t wait for more fun ahead!

DSAW-Green Bay

February was packed with excitement, connection, and fun for our DSAW community!

Self-advocates kicked things off with an amazing Dinner & Game Night at Rosati’s Pizzeria on Feb 15th, enjoying great food, fun games, and even better company. The energy continued with Fun Fit Friday on Feb 7th, where athletes pushed themselves with movement, motivation, and a whole lot of fun—huge thanks to GRIT920 for hosting!

Our athletes also hit the courts for Buddy Up Tennis, working on their volleys, hitting targets, and moving with confidence. And what better way to celebrate than with a dance party? Meanwhile, our youngest members brought smiles and laughter to The Little Gym Playgroup on Feb 21st, where families enjoyed quality time together in an engaging and playful environment.

Our DSAW Advisory Board members, Kari, Nicki, and Roxy, had a wonderful time connecting with families at the Syble Hopp Resource Fair on Feb 22nd, sharing resources, answering questions, and supporting our incredible community.

Finally, we wrapped up the month with an unforgettable ice fishing adventure on Shawano Lake on Feb 23rd! DSAW families enjoyed breathtaking views, warm camaraderie, and the thrill of reeling in great catches. A huge thank you to Shawano Specialty Papers (Little Rapids) for their incredible hospitality and for making this experience so special.

From games to fitness, sports to resource fairs, and outdoor adventures to family fun, February was a month to remember! 💙

DSAW-Southeastern Region

February in SEWI was filled with love, laughter, and all the sweetest things this Valentine's!!! We had a great turnout, around 300 people came and enjoyed SEWI Valentine's Dance, so much fun was had by all! 

DSAW-Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties

In February, Racers Hall in Plymouth hosted their Bingo Fundraiser, raising over $2,000 for our chapter! Even with the snowy weather, we had a great turnout, and some of our DSAW families even won prizes. We are so grateful for Racers Hall and their wonderful partnership.

On February 22nd, we hosted our first Teen Hangout Club of 2025! We had a fun afternoon of playing games and making our own bouncy balls. We are looking forward to moving our Hangout Club to our new location in April!

DSAW-South Central

DSAW-SC had a great February! We had a Valentine art project with Wendy from Set Apart Art in the Lake Mills Library. What a cute and fun project. We then headed to the westside of Madison for a Madison Capitols Hockey sensory friendly hockey game. Moms in SC had an overnight mini-retreat in Verona with crafts, games, prizes, community building, and a ton of fun. Thanks to Stacey S. who coordinated the Mom's Mini-Retreat!

Home and Community Based Services

Skill Training Academy and SPARK Connection - NE

From SPARK Connections, our teen participants wrapped up a class with one of their favorite games—Uno! Meanwhile, STA had an exciting visit to the Appleton Fire Station, where they showed their appreciation for the hardworking firefighters by bringing along the red AFD canvas bag, previously gifted to them, now filled with treats. To top it all off, our Adult DSAWellness Class got creative in the kitchen, making delicious air-fried sweet potato fries.

Community Life Skills Hub - Southeastern

Community Life Skills Hub - South Central

Looking Back on January 2025

DSAW-Central

Leaping into laughter! DSAW-Central bounced their way out of the winter blues at the trampoline park. We burned off some serious energy and had a blast escaping the cold! 

DSAW-Chippewa Valley

Thank you to the families that braved the cold and came out to the FABULOUS Stanley-Boyd pool! We were nice and warm and there were giant smiles all around!

DSAW-Fox Cities

In January, DSAW Fox Cities had a fantastic night of jumping at Xtreme Air! We were thrilled to welcome back many familiar faces and excited to see some new participants,  join us for an evening of fun and friendship. Everyone enjoyed jumping, playing basketball, and testing their skills on the obstacle course.  Additionally, we had the opportunity to offer tickets to the touring Broadway production of The Lion King. Braving the coldest night of the year, six families ventured out to experience this incredible show!

DSAW-Green Bay

From bouncing at Get Air to powering through Fun Fit Friday at GRIT920, our families and athletes had a blast! We also shared a heartwarming night at Whistler’s Run & Rescue, bonding with incredible animals. Meanwhile, our Buddy Up Tennis Winter 2025 season kicked off with energy and enthusiasm, building confidence, friendships, and inclusion.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us—we can’t wait for more fun ahead!

DSAW-Southeastern Region

THANK YOU to all the families and friends who joined us for two amazing events—bowling at Lanes on 20 in Racine on Saturday and tubing at Crystal Ridge last night! It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces and share such fun-filled moments together.

DSAW-Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties

The Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties Chapter rolled into the new year with our Bowling Celebration! Families enjoyed bowling, pizza, and great conversations.

DSAW-South Central

South Central had a great time partnering with GiGi's for a crisp and fun night of ice skating and hanging out together. 

Home and Community Based Services

Skill Training Academy and Social Skills - NE

The Northeastern region STA and Social Skills groups had a busy January! The Appleton Police and Fire Department visited our class to discuss safety and the importance of calling 911. Additionally, we volunteered at the Downtown Appleton YMCA, sanitizing workout machines as a thank-you for letting us use their gym the previous week—our participants had a fantastic time, did an excellent job, and even connected with Employment Services Staff and another DSAW Self-Advocate. DSAW also presented to the Fox West 50 for a Teen Club grant; while we didn’t receive the grant, we secured numerous donations, built valuable connections, and raised awareness about DSAW, all while our adults honed their public speaking, meeting etiquette, and self-advocacy skills. Lastly, our Social Skills Class for ages 12-17 is back as of 1/22 and will run until June—pictured here, participants are engaged in exciting "Minute to Win It" games. With strong past enrollment, we’re thrilled to see another great start!

Community Life Skills Hub - South Central

South Central Community Life Skills Hub have been enjoying getting some fresh air and exercise in at the Bolz Conservancy during these cold winter months. The CLSH group also enjoyed learning about and playing ukuleles with one of our awesome staff members, Allison.

Looking Back on December 2024

DSAW-Central

We had a jolly good time at DSAW Central's Santa's Workshop! Families gathered to create holiday magic, decorating cookies, crafting cards, and adorning ornaments. We even had a chance to shop for gifts for loved ones. And the icing on the cake? A surprise visit from Santa Claus himself! Thanks to everyone who joined us for a day of festive fun.

DSAW-Chippewa Valley

DSAW-Chippewa Valley had a GREAT turnout at this year's Holiday Party with almost 90 people! Through the generous donations earned at our annual Awareness Walk, DSAW was able to supply gifts for 46 children! We also had holiday arts and crafts projects to work on and a wonderfully delicious food buffet was enjoyed by all! It was SO COOL to see Santa and Mrs Clause (and their elves!), but the best part might have been seeing everyone enjoy the Holidays together!

DSAW-Fox Cities

In December, DSAW-Fox Cities celebrated the holiday season with two festive events! We strolled through the magical Fox Cities Festival of Lights, sipping hot cocoa and enjoying the company of friends. Later, we spent a cheerful Sunday afternoon at the theater, laughing through A Christmas Story in our own private screening, complete with plenty of popcorn. What a wonderful way to wrap up the year together!

DSAW-Green Bay

December was packed with festive fun and community connection! We kicked off with our first Fun Fit Friday on December 6, hosted by GRIT920, where energizing workouts and smiles set an inspiring tone for the month. On December 7, we celebrated the end of our Fall Buddy Up Tennis season with a special holiday party featuring festive activities and plenty of tennis. Finally, our Holiday Party on December 14 brought DSAW friends and family together for an afternoon of cookie decorating, crafts, snacks, games, and laughter—a perfect way to celebrate the season!

DSAW-Kenosha/Racine/Walworth

KRW families and friends had a wonderful time celebrating the season together with festive activities! From a magical Sleigh Ride at the Christmas Carnival of Lights, a true winter wonderland experience, to building Gingerbread Houses at the Kenosha Public Museum, joy and sweetness were shared by all. What a special way to enjoy the holiday season!

DSAW-Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties

The Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties Chapter had a great Holiday Party in December! Real Sportscards in Waupun opened up their beautiful space for us to decorate cookies, play fun games, make cute crafts, and enjoy each other’s company! This was an excellent way for us to kick off the holiday week.

DSAW-South Central

South Central has been having a GREAT December! On Saturday, December 7, we had a Glow Dance Party in Edgerton. The next day, December 8, we welcomed families to the holiday show at the House on the Rock in Spring Green. On Sunday, December 15, we had our annual holiday cookie decorating party! We're looking forward to a fun 2025!

Southeastern WI

Southeastern Wisconsin celebrated the season together at Milwaukee Zoo for Wild Lights. What a dazzling display of color, creating a truly magical experience! Lots of joy, presents and sweet treats were enjoyed by many.

Community Connections / Community Life Skills Hub - SE

Community Life Skills Hub - South Central

In December, our Community Life Skills Hub-South Central participants sponsored a local family, providing Christmas gifts and fulfilling the children’s wish lists, thanks to generous donations. They also enjoyed holiday painting, exploring music stores, arcade games, mall visits, making instruments, and learning about topics like tech safety, sustainability, and meal planning. Weekly volunteering at the Sunshine Place remained a highlight!

2024 Updates: Our Future Looks Bright!

DSAW Brand Refresh

Why the update?

Since 1990, DSAW has built a strong brand that carries equity throughout the entire state of Wisconsin—from philanthropic partnerships, chapters, and community organizations to the families, advocates, and people with disabilities in the communities we serve.

With the growth of our organization, new staff hires, and our programs expanding across the state, it only seemed right to update our brand image too.

DSAW turned to Epic Creative, the marketing firm that developed the Think Ability Wisconsin brand identity, to do the same for DSAW. Epic's recommendation was not to create a whole new logo but to stay true to the brand DSAW has developed since 1990 and to elevate the current design of our logo. The elevation of our brand identity both respects our legacy and reflects the evolution of the organization.

Epic's goals for the logo update were as follows:

The Process

DSAW Staff, Board Members, and Stakeholders from across the state were select to review (3) proposed logo updates presented by Epic Creative. After some minor revisions to the initial proposed logos, the final versions were voted on for approval. Epic Creative has developed a Brand Style Guide outlining messaging, logo color schemes, approved brand colors, logo rules, chapter logos, and a corporate font. You can take a look by clicking the button below.

New Corporate Office

We are very excited to announce that the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin will be moving its Headquarters to a new location! Starting in Winter 2024, all programs, services, and operations currently housed at our West Allis location (11709 W. Cleveland Ave) will prepare to move to a new space on the campus of the Carmelite Ministry of St. Teresa in the historic Village of Wauwatosa (1215 Dewey Ave).

Our new, extensive, and versatile space at “The Carmelite” will not only enhance existing opportunities for DSAW participants and families, but will also serve as a launchpad for a wide variety of new ways to meet the needs and ignite the dreams of the broader DSAW community.

Here are some of the exciting features of this new space:

  • A full-sized gym and basketball court

  • A separate workout room with workout equipment

  • Three sizeable classroom spaces with ample storage

  • A teaching kitchen with individual workstations

  • On-site laundry amenities to teach independent living skills

  • Versatile recreational space and cafe-style dining

  • Private conference rooms

  • A full building of administrative offices

  • A highly walkable community with nearby parks, shops, restaurants, libraries, and many other community resources

Looking Back on November 2024

DSAW-Central

In Central WI we gathered 'round the table for a Friendsgiving feast fit for a king! We feasted on turkey, stuffing, and all the fixings then indulged in some friendly competition with bingo and trivia. To top it all off, we got crafty and created some festive DIY decorations. It was a day of good food, good friends, and good times! 

DSAW-Chippewa Valley

DSAW - Chippewa Valley had a BLAST this month! We had two high energy fun events starting with our Family event at High Roller Skating and then our Social Hangout group met for a night of fun at Action City!

DSAW-Fox Cities

November was a month full of fun and connection for our DSAW-Fox Cities community! We started the month with an exciting evening at Xtreme Air. The trampolines were a hit, with participants of all ages bouncing, laughing, and having a blast together.

Later in the month, we came together for a heartwarming Friendsgiving gathering at the Building for Kids. Families shared a delicious meal, fostering connections and gratitude in the spirit of the season. Afterward, everyone had the chance to explore the museum, enjoying hands-on exhibits and playful adventures.

DSAW-Green Bay

What a fantastic month with the DSAW-Green Bay community! On Friday, November 1, we had a blast at the Gambler's game, where Self-Advocates enjoyed a fun night of hockey—huge thanks to everyone who joined us and to the Gamblers for making it such a memorable event! The following day, November 2, our Sensory Playgroup at Integrated Sensory was a hit as individuals had a great time climbing, running, exploring, and connecting with each other. We also want to give a special shoutout to the amazing DSAW moms who gathered at Rosati's on Friday, November 8, for a night full of laughter and fun—it was truly a blast! And lastly, our Buddy Up Tennis athletes continue to bring their A-game, with new friendships blossoming between athletes and buddies each week. It's been a week full of connection, fun, and growth—thank you to everyone who made it so special!

DSAW-Kenosha/Racine/Walworth

KRW DSAW families and friends got together on Saturday November 9th for Friendsgiving at River Bend Nature Center! We enjoyed a delicious brunch and  had a fun time playing games and decorating cookies. 

DSAW-Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties

In the beginning of November, Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties headed to Final Option Studio in Plymouth for our Annual Parkour/Ninja Party! Families were able to enjoy a fun afternoon of ninja training and a huge Nerf war!

On November 16th, our Teens got together for our last Teen Hang Out Club of the year! At this club, we made Holiday cards for a local nursing home and ended with some festive dancing. We are looking forward to our 2025 Teen Hang Out Club Program!

DSAW-South Central

South Central had an exciting November full of connection and growth! We started with an adult Adaptive Bike class, where participants tried 11 different bikes and learned about funding options. Then, we enjoyed a fun Sunday at Whitewater Aquatic Park before gathering for a Friendsgiving Potluck at the DSAW-SC Sun Prairie Center with food, crafts, and Thanksgiving bingo. Our Pillars of Success Relationship classes brought participants together to discuss topics like toxic relationships and meeting new friends. Lastly, our Grandparents Group met with Attorney Heather Wilson, who shared insights on setting up trusts and voting rights for individuals with Down syndrome. A month full of learning, laughter, and community!

Community Connections - SE

This past month was filled with community, connection, and adventure! At the Ability Center Open Gym, participants played wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, and adapted tennis, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie. We enjoyed crisp fall weather at the Milwaukee County Zoo, marveling at lions, giraffes, and other wildlife. A visit to the Milwaukee Art Museum immersed us in diverse art and live exhibits, while the Craft and Relic Holiday Market offered festive shopping and local treats. At the UW-Milwaukee Planetarium, we journeyed to ancient Athens and stargazed under a Grecian sky. A trip to the Waukesha Civic Theatre brought laughter and excitement as we watched a local production of Alice in Wonderland. We celebrated friendship and gratitude at a cozy Friendsgiving hosted by the Jewish Community Center. Finally, we kicked off the holidays with a magical performance of Cirque du Soleil’s 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, where dazzling acrobatics and festive storytelling brought the season to life.

Community Life Skills Hub - SE

We had a packed (and delicious!) November! First up, we whipped up some no-bake pumpkin pie. Next, we welcomed a wonderful group of students from the Nicolet Community Enrichment Transition Program for a lunch in our new Dining Room. It was such a joy to share a meal and some great conversation with these inspiring young people. And to top things off? We hit the pickleball court! With our brand-new paddles and balls in hand, we were sporting some serious pickleball fashion.

Community Life Skills Hub - South Central

Throughout the month of November, we participated in activities about voting rights, healthy eating, coping with stress, and making choices. Participants enjoyed working together to cook a healthy breakfast and make & deliver Veteran’s Day cards. Some of November’s favorite outings included Pizza Ranch, the Post Office, and new volunteering tasks at The Sunshine Place!

This month, participants worked with staff to develop an ongoing list of topics, activities, and outings that they’d like to see offered within our Community Life Skills Hub program. Participant-driven programming is important to us here at DSAW, and we are very thankful for input from participants and families!

Looking Back on October 2024

DSAW-Central

Witches, sharks, and superheroes of all ages gathered for our second annual Monster Mash on October 26th in Central Wisconsin! The event was a spooktacular success, filled with thrilling activities for the whole family. From DJ Buffet rocking the dance floor to piñatas bursting with candy and pumpkin painting , there was something for everyone to enjoy. We danced the night away, creating memories that will last long after Halloween.

DSAW-Chippewa Valley

DSAW-CV enjoyed the crisp, fall air with a spooky fun gathering at Outlaw Farms LLC! We had some fun fall snacks along with pumpkin arts & crafts and spent some time with all kinds of animals! It was great seeing the connections being made between the families!

DSAW-Fox Cities

October in the Fox Cities began with our annual awareness walk, where we welcomed over 1,000 participants and 100 volunteers. It was a beautiful day at our new venue in Grand Chute, filled with music, trampolines, rock wall climbing, a petting zoo, train rides, and more. We wrapped up the event with a 1-mile fun walk along the paved path.

To close out the month, we joined the annual Great Pumpkin Party, sponsored by the Autism Treatment Center. We handed out treats and trinkets to all the ghosts and goblins who visited the many sponsored stations.

DSAW-Green Bay

We had an incredible time tasting apples, petting the animals, playing yard games, enjoying the beautiful fall weather and treating ourselves to the caramel apple bar at Chicken Little Orchard. A few individuals were the lucky winners of the apple giveaway drawings. Thank you Chicken Little Orchard for hosting our event. 

Thank you DSAW families and local professionals for joining us at our behavior conference on October 12. Dr Stacy Taylor put on an inspiring session about the complex relationship between Down syndrome and behavior.

DSAW-Kenosha/Racine/Walworth

We had 70 people come out, our largest turnout for an event in our area to date. What a fun time we had together going on hayrides, feeding the animals and much much more.THANK YOU to all of the families and friends who came out to Jerry Smith Pumpkin Farm!

DSAW-Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties

The Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties held our pumpkin event at the Little Farmer in Fond du Lac on October 3rd! We were able to check out the animals, explore the farm, and get a pumpkin!

We were also invited to the Sheboygan North Football game on October 10th to accept an amazing donation from the football team. After that, we held our monthly Teen Hangout Club, where we decorated some pumpkins, played some fall minute-to-win-it games and ate some delicious caramel apples!

DSAW-South Central

October was a great month for South Central! We had our 23rd Annual Awareness Walk on October 6 with over 400 participants, 54 volunteers, and over 20 community partners. We completed 3 different hikes with the Ice Age trail Alliance in 3 different Ice Age Trail communities of Cross Plains, Milton, and Baraboo. Over 40 families enjoyed Schuster's Farm on a beautiful fall day.

DSAW-Southeastern WI

Our new Carmelite space came alive with Halloween spirit as we celebrated our combined Halloween Party and Walk event on October 26th! The energy was electric, the costumes were amazing, and the memories made were unforgettable. Besides celebrating Halloween with our families, we were able to do our favorite walk events - our 21 Showcase and our Top Team Awards!

Home and Community Based Services

Community Connections

Our October had so many fall-themed events! We had a great time exploring the community with DSAW, from bowling to Boo at the Zoo to Music Trivia! With so many unique experiences, we were able to create fun memories and build more connections with our peers.

DSAW Down Syndrome Awareness Month Photo Contest

Thank you to everyone who submitted their blue and yellow photos for our Down Syndrome Awareness Month Photo Contest!

Congratulations to our winners!

Caroline

Lucy

Maisy

Check out all of the awesome submissions we had!

DSAW-Statewide Awareness Walk / Halloween Celebration

October 26th 2024 | The Carmelite in Wauwautosa

For the first time in 28 years, DSAW had to cancel its Statewide Awareness Walk due to the lightning. No one was more disappointed than us! We still had to celebrate our awesome teams and families so we were able to move our celebration to our Annual Halloween Party on October 26th, 2024!

Our new Carmelite space came alive with Halloween spirit as we celebrated our combined Halloween Party and Walk event! The energy was electric, the costumes were amazing, and the memories made were unforgettable. Besides celebrating Halloween with our families, we were able to do our favorite walk events - our 21 Showcase and our Top Team Awards!

DSAW-Greater La Crosse Awareness Walk 2024

October 12th, 2024 | Myrick Park in La Crosse

On Saturday, October 12th, the DSAW-Greater La Crosse Chapter had an amazing day at their 22nd Annual Fall Festival and Awareness Walk! So many families—many new to DSAW—came out, along with neighbors, community members, and, most importantly, our friends and loved ones with Down syndrome and other unique abilities. Highlights of the day included very popular 3-2-1 Tacos for lunch, visits from our friend Brutus the TheraPiggy, face painting, balloon creations, horse-drawn carriage rides around the park, and delicious fresh cotton candy and snow cones!

Thank you to all of the fantastic families, volunteers, and sponsors of our Greater La Crosse DSAW Chapter!

DSAW- Fox Cities 15th Annual Awareness Walk 2024

October 5th, 2024 | Town Center Park in Grand Chute

On Saturday, October 5th, the Fox Cities chapter hosted the 15th Annual Awareness Walk at Town Center Park in Grand Chute, and it was a wonderful success! We were thrilled to welcome over 1,000 walkers, along with over 100 dedicated volunteers, numerous vendors, and community resource advocates. More than 100 raffle prizes were awarded, and together, we raised an incredible $114,000+ for DSAW-FC, which will help us continue expanding our programs, services, and events.

The weather was perfect, with sunshine and a light breeze (though a little less wind would have been nice!). Families and children had a blast meeting Star Wars characters, visiting the petting zoo, jumping on trampolines, climbing the rock wall, navigating the bounce obstacle course, riding the train, getting their faces painted, snapping fun photos in the photo booth, and enjoying time with friends and family.

This year’s event was a tremendous success at our new walk venue. Attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch of grilled hot dogs, thanks to the Appleton Elks, along with bananas and water generously donated by Festival Foods, and chips and fruit snacks. TerraVerde’s food truck provided coffee, and Easy Street Cookies offered tasty treats for purchase.

Thank you to everyone who made this day possible—we couldn't have done it without you!

Another huge thank you to Dream Lit Studios for taking amazing photos!

DSAW-South Central 23rd Annual Awareness Walk

October 6th, 2024 | DeForest’s Fireman’s Park

The DSAW-South Central had a beautiful and windy 23rd Annual Awareness Walk in South Central Wisconsin at DeForest's Fireman's Park on Sunday, October 6. We had over 425 participants, 54 volunteers, and 22 Community Partners. With the generosity of so many people, we reached our goal of $50,000. We had a day filled with bouncy houses, a rock climbing wall, DJ, great food, a petting farm, Disney princesses, and so much more! The highlight was our 21 Showcase program, celebrating and recognizing over 25 individuals with Down syndrome. We added an exercise component called Laps Without Limits: Community in Motion, where participants could go to different stations and participate in different activities, such as dance, yoga, basketball, soccer, and music. We had a GREAT day hanging out with friends, making new friends, and celebrating!

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported us in reaching our goal and creating a memorable event!

Looking Back on September 2024

DSAW-Central

September was a busy month for the Central chapter! We all got together and played a round of mini golf. Some were rockstars on the course getting a hole in one, while others didn't keep score! To end the month, Central hosted their 1st Darts For Down Syndrome fundraiser. 24 dart players from all over Central WI came out to throw darts for Down syndrome. We had so much fun that we decided to make this an annual event!

DSAW-Chippewa Valley

On Sunday, September 29th the Chippewa Valley chapter held their 18th Annual Awareness Walk. With beautiful weather and with over 500 people, this walk was a huge hit! This year they raised $43,000 for their chapter, WOW! Way to go Chippewa Valley!

DSAW-Fox Cities

Fox Cities Xtreme Air nights are back on for the fall & winter! Kids and parents had a great time jumping!

DSAW-Green Bay

September was a busy month for the Green Bay Chapter, with everything from race cars to Brewers games to dental experiences to Sign-N-Play and our amazing Awareness Walk! Families were able to enjoy so many new and fun experiences.

DSAW-Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties

The Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties 15th Annual Mini Golf and Awareness Walk was a huge success! With mini golf, princesses, balloons, the 21 Showcase, and more, our DSAW family members enjoyed the beautiful Sheboygan weather as they celebrated their self-advocates!

DSAW-South Central

South Central had its Pillars of Success Walking & Running Club in September! We had a lot of fun and we’re ready to go for the Ice Age Mammoth Challenge in October!

Home and Community Based Services

Community Connections

We had a lot of fun in our Community Connections program in September! We met up with Pets Helping People, who brought in some friends for us to meet! Next, we went to the Honey Creek Orchard in Cedarburg. Then, we played a friendly game of Pickleball with the Chaverim program and Friendship Circle. September wouldn’t be complete without some awesome parties—like our movie night, Packer party, and then heading to a Brewer game! We also went Mini Golfing and to the Milwaukee Harvest Fair!

DSAW-Chippewa Valley 18th Annual Awareness Walk 2024

September 29th, 2024 | Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls

The DSAW- Chippewa Valley Chapter held its 18th Annual Awareness Walk on September 29th! The weather was absolutely beautiful, and over 500 people attended! This year, families enjoyed a bounce house, face painters, an amazing 21 Showcase, and some fun raffles!

Thank you to everyone who supported and celebrated in Chippewa Valley! We would also like to thank all of the generous sponsors, raffle donors, and volunteers who made this event so special!

DSAW-Green Bay 16th Annual Awareness Walk 2024

September 28th, 2024 | Capital Credit Union Park in Ashwaubenon

The Green Bay Chapter held their 16th Annual Awareness Walk on September 28th. Their theme this year was "Can't Stop Us! 3-2-1... Go!" and they sure go! With 945 people registered and 53 walk teams, the Green Bay Chapter had an amazing 2024 Walk! With all of the amazing community members, families, and friends who support their walk, they were able to reach and surpass their $100,000 goal!

Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors!

DIAMOND - $5000

The Village Companies 


GOLD - $2500
American Foods Group 
Vos Electric
Humana/HumanaShares

SILVER - $1000
Alpha Automotive
Amerilux
Caroline's Crew
Dallaire Realty
Della Jewelry Co.
Engage Orthodontics
First Impressions
Furnitureland
Lux Life Chiropractic
Nelson Tactical
Skinkis Lawn & Landscape
Stanley Black & Decker
Stiegler Company
Thrivent (4- $250 gift cards)

BRONZE - $500
AON
Bath Concrete
Bay insurance
Best Enterprise
Black Sheep Pub & Grill 
Casco Lions 
DePere Christian Outreach 
Festival Foods (water/banana)
HJ Martin
Howard Fire Auxiliary 
IEI Contractors
KOS Realty
McKeefry & Sons
My Choice (state level)
Schneider
Tropical Smoothie
Village of Howard
VPC
Russ & Lavonne Sweger