Annual Buddy Walk on DI raises spirits, $53K and counting
All Photos By Doug Pinkerton
Around 1,000 people of all ages and walks of life turned out for the 19th annual Buddy Walk on Daniel Island on Oct. 16. The event kicked off in Etiwan Park and the walk took participants through local neighborhoods. The Down Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry, established in 2007, is designed to provide an inclusive educational experience for students with intellectual disabilities and promote acceptance of people with Down syndrome and to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October.
This year’s Buddy Walk was held in-person after the past couple of events have been impacted by COVID-19. In 2020, the event was held virtually and in 2021 it was scaled back considerably. This year’s goal was to raise $40,000 and organizers ended up surpassing it by raising $53,000 and counting, according to DSAL President and mother Erica Chiovarou.
Donations will continue to be accepted by DSAL through the end of October at dsalowcountry.org.