What is the Buddy Walk?

The Capital Region Buddy Walk is Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center at the Center for Disability Services' premier fundraiser. Our event celebrates inclusion & promotes acceptance. 2026 marks our 30th Anniversary! Join us on 9/27/26 at Schenectady’s Central Park. The walk itself is a one-mile stroll through beautiful Central Park. Our kick-off showcases music, games, facepainting, activities for kids, food trucks and more! Parking is free and each year we welcome over 2,000 participants to this event.

Why is the Buddy Walk important? What do the funds from Buddy Walk support?

This event provides about 35% of the resources needed for DASHRC to fulfill its mission throughout the year. With your help, we can continue to provide support, education and advocacy for children and adults with Down syndrome, their families and communities throughout the Capital Region. YOU are the most important part of this important event. Register today and form a Team. Set a goal for your team and get started raising funds to support people living in the Capital Region with Down Syndrome. Individual walkers are welcome as well, register here and set a personal fundraising goal! Help us reach our goal of $50,000 this year!

What happens at the Buddy Walk?

Are you ready to celebrate? The Capital Region Buddy Walk is a special day for everyone! The event begins at 10 am with kid’s activities, a vendor fair, treats and a silent auction. Opening ceremonies at 10 am and the walk kicks off at 11 am for a one-mile walk. Be sure to check back for more details as they become available.

Questions?

Contact Sue Williams at s_williams@cfdsny.org

The Buddy Walk® was created by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Since 1995, the Buddy Walk® has become the premier advocacy event for Down syndrome in the United States. It is also the world’s most widely recognized public awareness program for the Down syndrome community.

Since 1995 the walk has grown to over 275 walks, been attended by over 330,000 walkers and raised over $14.4 million towards national advocacy.