DSNetwork is proud to partner with NYPD for a Dough Raiser on November 10, 2009. Every one of NYPD’s TEN Valley Locations will be participating.  Click here to find the location closest to you!  You must present a DSN Dough Raiser flyer for DSN to receive credit for your purchase.  Hand them out at work, give to friends, family & neighbors!  Mangia!  Mangia!

STEP UP for DS is only days away.  Here are 12 tips for a super SUDS experience:

1.       Visit www.firstgiving.org/dsnetworkaz and register all of your walkers.  Each walker will have to have a separate email address in order to register and there is a waiver that must be electronically ‘signed’ by each walker or their parent/guardian if necessary.

2.       If you want, you can make your own fundraising page and send out emails asking for donations.  It’s easy peasy! To learn about fundraising prizes, please click here.

3.       There is no fundraising minimum but in order to receive a t-shirt and water bottle at the walk, you have to  register online.

4.       On Sat Oct 31, Check in begins at 8:30 am at the DSN SUDS tent located on the north side University between College & McAllister (west of the bridge).

5.       I strongly suggest taking the light rail to stop #22 Veteran’s Way/College and walk south to University.  It will save you a lot of hassle trying to negotiate closed roads (due to the Diabetes walk AND ASU Homecoming), find a place to park not to mention parking fees.  If you do drive, park in any available lot south of University or on city streets.  Be aware they are expecting 30,000 spectators for the parade and game and parking may be tough.

6.       Once you are checked in, walk west on University to Myrtle and then south on Myrtle until you find our EZUps.  (It sounds far but it’s not.  Maybe about 3 blocks.  We will have some activities set-up there (bean bag toss, face painting, balloons, etc.) while we are waiting for the parade to start.

7.       If you would like to dress up (it is Halloween after all) please feel free.  Let’s call it SUDS & DUDS!  (STEP UP and DRESS UP for DS).

8.       If you have anyone on your team who is mobility challenged and would like to ride on the float, please email me maureenmills@dsnetworkaz.org.

9.       When the parade starts, it will head north on Myrtle and then east on University.  It finishes just south of University on McAllister.  The total length of the parade is a little more than ½ mile.

10.   When you are finished walking in the parade, return to the DSN tent on UNIVERSITY and enjoy lunch courtesy of Chili’s.  To receive lunch, you just have to be wearing a SUDS t-shirt.

11.   Many of the ASU tents at the homecoming party are open to the public.  Several will be marked with a ‘trick or treat’ friendly sign where, if you’re in costume, you can visit for treats.  Pick up a blue DSN bag at our tent to collect your goodies!

12.   Visit with friends, make some new friends and enjoy the day.  We’ve got 30,000 people to show just how great folks with DS are.

Alpha Kappa Psi is recognized as the world’s premier co-ed professional business fraternity. The Iota Xi Chapter was founded in 1972 at Arizona State University and since then, has built a legacy and a name for Alpha Kappa Psi through service and leadership in the community.

This year, AKPsi has teamed up with DSNetwork to raise awareness of our organization and will donate all proceeds from the AKPsi Open to our cause.

Registration for the AKPsi Open is now open!  Click here to register.

Email sshott@asu.edu or laurachapnek@dsnetworkaz.org for sponsorship information.

Down syndrome awareness walk October 31, 2009 at ASU!

This year, DSNetwork has clearly stepped up its game.  In keeping with the momentum, we’ve changed the name of our annual walk to STEP UP for Down Syndrome.  The walk will still be held in conjunction with the ASU Homecoming parade and the date for this year’s walk  just happens to fall on October 31…Halloween!  So this year, let’s plan to STEP UP and DRESS UP for Down syndrome.

To make it even easier for you to register for the walk, we’ve partnered with Firstgiving.  Simply visit http://www.firstgiving.com/dsnetworkaz and click on the orange “Get Started” button.  Customize your very own page by uploading a picture and then send emails to your family, friends and colleagues encouraging them to support your efforts to support Down Syndrome awareness or better yet, join your team of walkers.  Did you know that last year, DSNetwork’s annual walk was seen by nearly 30,000 people? Now that’s what we call great exposure!  Show your pride for your loved one with Down syndrome and support the programs of Down Syndrome Network!  Our work is vital, and so is your support!  Register now!