More than 2,000 people joined NDSS on the Great Hill in Central Park at the 18th Annual New York City Buddy Walk on September 22. Together, almost $200,000 was raised from 3,500 donors and supporters from across the country and around the world.
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NDSS Media Ambassador and WCBS Co-Anchor Chris Wragge welcomed thecrowd and introduced 2012 Self-Advocate Ambassador Frankie Scarfone, who is a 4th degree black belt in Tai Kwon Do and has been inducted in the International Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Frankie and his karate master, Rico dos Anjos, put on a martial arts display for the crowd. Also during the opening ceremony, NDSS Goodwill Ambassador, Chris Burke, presented the Dan Piper Award to Keith Tepas of Williamsville, New York. The Dan Piper Award was established to commemorate Self-Advocate Dan Piper's life by celebrating an individual with Down syndrome who, through everyday activities, brings about a greater public awareness and understanding of people with Down syndrome.
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After a one-mile walk through Central Park, we were once again thrilled to welcome National Buddy Walk Partner, Signing Time. Rachel Coleman performed a 45-minute set that featured all of her greatest hits. Immediately following, Self-Advocate Joey Agostino hosted a lively dance party with music provided by DJ Amber Valentine. Chris Burke’s band closed out the event.
Some of our favorite highlights of the day include:
- Team Hoboken Buddies received a cake donation from Buddy the Cake Boss that featured their team name and the Buddy Walk logo.
- Team Braveheart was recognized as the team with the most walkers. They recruited 75 team members, most of whom traveled across the country to honor Self-Advocate Samuel Kulma.
- Elvis lives! Self-Advocate Elvis impersonator, Mickey Pagnotta, shook his hips and shook hands with fellow walkers all day long.
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Additional recognition goes out to the 500 people from far and wide that joined us for the annual Times Square Video presentation that was shown on New Corp’s Sony screen. For those who were unable to join us, we invite you to view the 2012 Times Square Video on the NDSS YouTube channel. You can also order a copy on DVD.
NDSS thanks and recognizes the support of our national and local sponsors and partners:
National Buddy Walk Partners: Imagination Movers, Regal Entertainment Group and Signing Time
New York City Buddy Walk Sponsors: Aggreko, The Clarke’s Group, DASANI, Golf For Life, News Corporation, PartnerRe, Thomas’, and Wuhl Shafman Lieberman Corporation
New York City Buddy Walk Supporters: Aardvark Amusements, Commercial Cooling Service, Inc., Cosi, Eli & Ali’s, Good to Go Organics, Magical Memories Entertainment, Meg’s Melodies and WeeZee World
The New York City Buddy Walk is a beautiful representation of a culture that fully accepts and includes all people with Down syndrome. The group that gathered this year was diverse, friendly, energetic and welcoming. We are already counting down the days until next year…!
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