Hi everyone!  It’s me, Matthew.  Yes, it’s been almost a year and I’m back once again asking for your help in soliciting donations to benefit this wonderful organization that my family is a part of – the Flower City Down Syndrome Network.

The FCDSN’s 13^th Annual Buddy Walk is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2009 ~ and the fundraising has begun.

Last year, mom set a goal of raising $2,500.  What was she thinking?  We raised over $6,000!!!   We were, by far, the winners!!! 

Pledges came from not only the Rochester area, but Corning, Albany, New York City, New Jersey, Florida, Las Vegas, Michigan, California and even as far as Canada!!!  I’m told that the total income for the entire event was approximately $40,000!

I sure do have generous family and friends!!!

Mom says that almost 90 people showed up just for me - walked the one-mile stretch - all proudly wearing my picture on their t-shirts (the ones from the first Buddy Walk that mom had made) and ALSO buttons with my face on them (made for last year’s Walk).  I wonder what she has in store for this year?  I hope you can join us to find out.

Because we raised the most $$$$ last year, we were the Banner Family and I got to proudly lead my friends/family on the relaxed one-mile stroll along the Pond.   It was so relaxing that I fell asleep!  NOT THIS YEAR!  My feet go pretty quickly these days (just ask my mom) and I’m WALKING THE WHOLE WALK!!  Please join me, it will be fun.

FOR ALL THE IMPORTANT WALK DETAILS ~ Registration, T-Shirts, Food, etc. ~ please go to www.fcdsn.com

This year the competition is on and people are already on their way to getting generous donations.  Won’t you please help me – and the FCDSN - win!!!

My mom has seen firsthand the importance of this all volunteer organization, the hard work that people put into its success and positive impact it has had on our family and the community.

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support our fundraising efforts.

Thank you so much …. My mom and big sister, Christina, thank you too!