We need volunteers for the walk & picnic

Committee Member #1 – Public Relations
• Responsible for creating a Save the Date card and brochure;
• Contact media sources about the event;
• Distribute PSAs to local media outlets;
• Create media kits for the day of event and
...• Schedule interviews for radio, TV and newspapers;
• Report on media coverage to committee

Committee Member #2 – Sponsorship/Donations
• Responsible for developing sponsorship proposals;
Highlight successes of last year’s event and be well versed in the event’s goals and missions so that they can speak on behalf of the organization to secure product donation/financial contributions.

Committee Member #3 – Community Outreach
• Create and distribute posters and flyers;
• Set-up appointments with schools, local disability organizations and corporations to promote team participation and hospitals or other social service centers.

Committee Member #4– Volunteer Coordinator
• Responsible for writing up where volunteers are needed and descriptions of tasks;
• Recruiting volunteers;
• Hosting a volunteer orientation:
• Assign specific volunteer responsibilities;
• Manage volunteers the day of the event.

DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS WALK & PICNIC

PODS Angels is a Down syndrome not for profit family support group supplying newborn packets to all the local hospitals free of charge, on line and in person support, mini conferences and supportive events with the annual Holiday party a huge success.
The walk has a registration fee per family or per person Early registration recommended.

Cape Coral’s newest neighborhood park is 3 acres and features a large pavilion with BBQ grill..., basketball courts, covered playground area, and perimeter pathway for walking, exercising, etc. Extensive landscaping, including the only remaining banyan tree in Cape Coral, makes this an excellent place to stop and enjoy the great outdoors.

Walk details:

Early T-shirt Pick-up
All pre-registered walkers may pick up their t-shirt on Saturday, October 16th from 10 am to 3 pm at the event site.
Register by September 15th and save $5! Plus be guaranteed a t-shirt.

DAY OF WALK
If you are pre-registered, go directly to registration to check-in and pick up your t-shirt.
If you are registering on event day, please bring your completed registration form and payment to the registration tent. T-shirts will be distributed on a first-come first-served basis as supplies last

Saturday, October 23, 2010 at Paul Sanborn Park, Cape Coral, Florida.
SW FL PODS Angels; Step Up 4 DOWN SYNDROME Walk is a wheel-friendly 1-mile pledge walk to increase public awareness and acceptance, and raise funds to support programs and services for people in our community with Down syndrome.

Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does or just want to show your support, come and join the Walk. Anyone can be a buddy! This is what it's all about! Meet your Buddy (person with Down syndrome) or team in front of the pavilion at 9:40 am for the opening ceremony, then walk.
During the walk, teams will be judged on spirit. So create motivational signs or banners with your Buddy or team name to show off during the walk. Spirit judges will be located in the park around the track to select the winning teams or Buddies. Return to the pavilion at 12:00 pm for the presentation of the 2010 Spirit Award winners.


Please join us so we can reach our goal for this year's walk – $10,000.00! Support the STEP UP 4 DOWN SYNDROME Walk – a special celebration of life, love, and the full potential of all within our community.


Event Details
8th Annual SW Florida Walk
Click Here for Event Details PDF
Location:
2310 SE 3rd Street
Cape Coral, Florida 33990 mapquest

Parking available at the Park

Day of Event Schedule:

Time Event
9:00 a.m. Registration and Pre-Walk activities
9:40 a.m. Opening Ceremonies
9:50 a.m. Warm-up
10:00 a.m. Walkers will head off onto course
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Post Event Activities


Planned course:
Travel approximately one mile around park course. Our wheel-friendly course at the park is perfect for family and friends! Pre-Event and Post-Event activities will take place throughout the park.

(insert map)

Registration:
Registration is necessary! You can register as an individual, family or as part of a team that you can start yourself or join another. Register Here and feel free to contact the SW FL PODS Angels at 239-872-4778 if you have any questions or need assistance.

Entertainment:
Inflatables
mascott ??? costume
???
???
and much much more

Event Reminders:
The STEP UP 4 DOWN SYNDORME Walk will take place rain or shine! Sorry, no refunds will be given.
Registration Forms must be postmarked by October 07, 2010

Free activities for toddlers to teenagers including: carnival games, crafts, face painting, young athletes’ area, obstacle course, karaoke, a dance party and more. Food and beverage will also be available for purchase.
Dance Party 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Dance …Dance ….Dance…..Dance your shoes off in front of the stage or try your voice at karaoke. If dancing or singing is not your thing…sit back, relax and be prepared to be entertained.

Silent Auction and Raffles 11:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Silent auction and raffle items include team baskets of varying themes, tickets to shows and sporting events, memorabilia, baskets of cheer, and more. Raffle tickets are 1 for $2 or an arm's length for $10. Auctions and raffles close at 12:30pm. Winners will be posted at 12:45 and are welcome to pick up their prizes at that time.
Donations of silent auction items and raffle baskets are always welcome. Contact swflpodsangels@msn.com to donate.

BE INCLUDED... BE INVOLVED... BE INSPIRED!

www.AtlantaDSAA.org CONFERENCE

The Downsed Conference in Atlanta September 9-11, 2010. Please share this information with your clients and staff. This conference will provide high quality, evidence - based guidance and information for professionals and families and is relevant for students with who are visual learners as well as those who have Down Syndrome.



As a parent of a small child with Down Syndrome who already attended this conference, I cannot convey enough what a positive and informative opportunity this was for me. We hope that you, your staff and parents will take advantage of this Easy Coast conference and join us in September. Spaces are limited and discount rates are in effect until July 1st. Visit our website to register today @ the Downsed Conference in Atlanta September 9-11, 2010. Please share this information with your clients and staff. This conference will provide high quality, evidence - based guidance and information for professionals and families and is relevant for students with who are visual learners as well as those who have Down Syndrome.



I am happy to answer any questions and can be reached at mmcnichols@comcast.net



Thank you for your assistance!



Fondly,



Mary McNichols

.

For all our families.....this hangs in my home

SPECIAL ANGEL
(Down Syndrome Birth)

by Sandy Eakle


As beautiful angels wings were
flying over the streets of gold,
the baby angels could only
watch since they weren't very old.

Then one day God stopped to
talk to a little one without wings,
He said, "your day has come.......
just listen to the angels sing".

Confused yet excited the little
one said to the Lord,
"But I'm different from the others
God and not a miracle to behold".

"Oh, but yes you are," He said
with a hug and smile on his face.
"You're the greatest gift I can give
and a loving home you will grace".

You mean, tho I'm different and
will never be beautiful or smart
Someone will want me and give
me a place in their heart?"

"Gee God.....that person must be
special to be glad to have me,
Cause most folks would frown
and upset they would be."

God said, "your little heart was
filled with more love than most.
Cause I knew this family would
love you and hold you real close.

So go my little angel and take
the greatest gift I can bestow.
You're that "special" angel few
people have the honor to know."

Successful Day in Naples (May monthly meeting)

The meeting in Naples was a success much to the efforts of our hosting Mom, Holly. She located a spot perfect off Rt 41 and the setting was great. She had lunch items with a huge cake celebrating the many new births of children having Down syndrome.

Kelle Hampton spoke of her journey in a way we all felt compelled to enter her life through her words on how she turned the key of life and learned how wonderful having her Baby girl join their home/family... check out her blog as it is so empowering to hear her speak, read her words. amazing photos to hold you captive.

Elaina gave a perfect overview of Early steps and how the program helped her with her two children who both have Down syndrome. She also shared her story of how having baby number two also having Down syndrome took her life into unmeasurable miracles she shared some personal moments and gave light to how normal our life's really are.

Nancy captured the older parents as they hug on for education tips as their baby's who had everything handed to them in the zero to three ages seems to be a "black hole" in the 3 to 5 year old phase. She shared how a typical child care setting not set in a special way for special needs was her salvation for her daughter 11 and a half years ago. How she took opportunities like horse therapy for her daughter when she was only 2 years old to gain therapy experiences like non other. A wealth of information we plan to re-visit over time. The key is to document all our children CAN DO, as so many reports from school age years tell us what they can not do.... all great advice.

I enjoyed seeing all the new baby's and Young children with their mommies and especially to see the "nursing" of our baby's is amazing..THANK YOU MOMS! My heart is always filled after these touching moments. The day ended with an overnight in a Naples hotel with Nancy and her children. Great interactions with other hotel guests brought much awareness.

See you at June's meeting which is being held in South Ft Myers, Carl Drew's Center.

Saturday May 8th, monthly support meeting

MAY 2010 DOWN SYNDROME

Southwest Florida

support group meeting



Subject: Learning your child has Down syndrome

AND where you go from there thru transition; 3-5 yrs old



Location:

Fellowship Hall

Grace Lutheran Church

860 Banyan Blvd

Naples, Florida 34102

SPEAKERS
Kelle Hampton, Blogger/Mom
Eliana Tardio, Author/Mom
Nancy Harris, Advocate/Mom

May 8th 2010

3:00 to 5:00 PM



Please join us, social networking built into the meeting

20!! TWENTY!! yes, 20 new parent packets to Hospitals