Buddy Walk Program. Buddy Walk by the Sea Sunday, July 26, 2015 Falmouth, MA. Buddy Walk & Harvest Fair Sunday, September 20, 2015 Uxbridge, MA

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1 Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress Buddy Walk Program FUNDRAISING TOOLKIT Three Walks Making a World of Difference Buddy Walk by the Sea Sunday, July 26, 2015 Falmouth, MA Buddy Walk & Harvest Fair Sunday, September 20, 2015 Uxbridge, MA Buddy Walk & Family Festival Sunday, October 11, 2015 Wakefield, MA Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress 20 Burlington Mall Road, Suite 261 Burlington, MA buddywalk@mdsc.org

2 Thank You! Thank you for participating in the MDSC Buddy Walk Program to help make a positive difference in the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families! Your dedication to raise awareness and critical funds for our programs and services helps us support over 3,500 families each year, giving them the resources and support they need for their loved ones to grow and excel every day of their lives. Our work would not be possible without you. You spread your compassion and share your story with new communities. You increase awareness of the truths about Down syndrome, eliminating stereotypes and other barriers. You tell others about what programs MDSC offers: the Parents First Call Program, Advocates in Motion, Self-Advocate Advisory Council, the Annual Conference, the Educators Forum, Allen C. Crocker Self Advocate Internship Program and our advocacy and public awareness initiatives. You raise important funds that support those programs. You embody our mission: to ensure individuals with Down syndrome in Massachusetts are valued, included, and given the opportunities to pursue fulfilling lives. The strength of community among MDSC members and our Buddy Walk participants is heartwarming and inspiring. We will continue to grow this community and hope you will continue your incredible efforts to expand our Buddy Walk Program so that we can reach more families across the Commonwealth and provide new services to our current members. The more resources we have, the more we can give back to those in need. The MDSC Fundraising Toolkit is a starting point for expansion and provides tips and ideas for you to meet and exceed your fundraising goals, as well as raise awareness in your local community. Every effort, both big and small, makes a difference in the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families. We encourage you to collaborate with your family, friends, and team members to try new ideas you ll be enthralled by what you can accomplish! Thank you again for your unwavering support of MDSC and the Down syndrome community. I look forward to seeing you at our Buddy Walks this year! Warmly, Becca Canavan Development Director

3 About the Buddy Walk 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. The MDSC Buddy Walk program is the state s largest public awareness platform to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. We host three established walks throughout Massachusetts and bring together over 4,500 people annually to celebrate the Down syndrome community. Your participation and fundraising efforts in these events directly impacts our programs and services that provide hope to new and expectant parents, training to medical professionals and students, best practices to educators, opportunities for teens and adults with Down syndrome, and a strong voice on Capitol Hill Buddy Walks 5th Annual Buddy Walk by the Sea Sunday, July 26, 2015 Falmouth Marine Park Falmouth, MA The Buddy Walk by the Sea is a sunny, summer walk along the shore in Falmouth that brings over 400 people together from the Cape, Islands, and South Shore communities. 3rd Annual Buddy Walk & Harvest Fair Sunday, September 20, 2015 River Bend Farm Uxbridge, MA The Buddy Walk & Harvest Fair is a fun, fall-themed day that takes place at a classic New England farm setting in Central Massachusetts and brings together over 500 people with Down syndrome and their family and friends. 19th Annual Buddy Walk & Family Festival Sunday, October 11, 2015 Lake Quannapowitt Wakefield, MA The Buddy Walk & Family Festival is MDSC s signature walk during National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Over 3,500 individuals with Down syndrome, families, and friends gather at the quaint Wakefield Town Common to promote acceptance and inclusion and to celebrate the Down syndrome community. Celebrities, news anchors, and local heroes help leverage awareness efforts by promoting the Buddy Walk and making live appearances!

4 The Impact of Fundraising You help create an inclusive community for people with Down syndrome Public Awareness: Your participation in MDSC s Buddy Walk Program promotes acceptance and inclusion for people with Down syndrome. It breaks down barriers and dispels negative stereotypes, fostering an inclusive environment for people with Down syndrome and enhancing their lives. You create hope and a support system for new and expectant families Parents First Call: This volunteer group of trained parent mentors is a comforting support system to hundreds of new and expectant parents in Massachusetts each year. They are available 24/7 to listen, share, answer questions, and provide valuable information to others who are beginning their journey through parenthood. You provide opportunities for young adults with Down syndrome Advocates in Motion: The AIM program hosts fun, inclusive, interactive events each month for teens and young adults ages 13 to 22, which enables them to build self-confidence, form meaningful relationships, and set and achieve goals. You give adults with Down syndrome the opportunity to be leaders Self-Advocate Advisory Council: SAAC empowers adults with Down syndrome ages 22+ and gives them an importance voice within the MDSC and the Commonwealth on topics that are important to them. You help ensure that medical professionals are sensitive and that their information is accurate Medical Outreach and Support: The MDSC works with obstetricians and pediatricians to improve the way they deliver a prenatal or postnatal diagnosis to expectant parents and to ensure that medical providers have up-to-date accurate information about Down syndrome to share with their patients. You bring our services to people in need across the nation Program Replication Trainings: The MDSC travels across the country to share our First Call Program with other Down syndrome organizations to provide them with the information and tools to start their own program to support new and expectant parents.

5 The Impact of Fundraising You help change legislation to enhance the lives of people with Down syndrome Legislative Advocacy: The MDSC is a statewide leader in the disability policy arena and an increasingly influential player nationally. Through partnerships with legislators, their constituents and other disability organizations, the MDSC is able to advance legislation and other policies that benefit people with Down syndrome and their families on a local and national level. Three of the Bills that MDSC championed for over the course of several years were passed by the legislature in These include the National Background Check Bill, the Real Lives Bill, and the ABLE Act. You give a variety of communities the opportunity to come together to celebrate the Down syndrome community and obtain new resources Annual Conference: Each spring, more than 600 people with Down syndrome, parents and siblings, health care professionals, and educators from across New England attend our Annual Conference on Down syndrome. Participants gather to hear the latest research findings and timely information from national and local experts on a range of topics related to Down syndrome and other disabilities. They also share stories, celebrate victories, advocate for acceptance and inclusion, and reunite with other MDSC families. You equip our region s educators with best practices Educational Conferences: Each November, the MDSC hosts the Educators Forum, which is designed for educators across New England to learn about best practices for educating students with Down syndrome in an inclusive classroom. The MDSC is proud to have published Meaningful Inclusion for Students with Down syndrome, a Resource Guide for Elementary Educators that provides a comprehensive look at the complex learning profile of students with Down syndrome. It also contains information around best practices and educational considerations that are based upon research-proven best practices. You make everything possible Your dedication and support helps MDSC accomplish our goals and fulfill our mission: to ensure individuals with Down syndrome in Massachusetts are valued, included, and given the opportunities to pursue fulfilling lives by providing information, networking opportunities, and advocacy for people with Down syndrome and their families, educators, health care professionals, and the community-at-large.

6 Fundraising Milestones Buddy Walk All-Stars* Individuals that reach the $500 fundraising milestone become Buddy Walk All-Stars. All-Stars will receive special signage on the walk route, recognition in our communications, and an invitation to the exclusive All-Star Luncheon the following spring. Team Fundraising Incentives* Down Syndrome Awareness Bracelets When teams collectively raise $1,000+ each of their team members will receive a Down syndrome Awareness bracelet to proudly wear at the Buddy Walk! Personalized Item At the $2,500 fundraising milestone, each team member will receive a personalized item with their team name and a picture of their loved one with Down syndrome. Previous items have included lanyards, buttons, and key chains. Team Tent This is the perfect place to hang out with your friends and family at the Buddy Walk! Wakefield The Top 5 Teams at the Buddy Walk & Family Festival (Wakefield) will receive a tent and banner with their team name as well as an MDSC picnic blanket. The top five teams will also receive a cooler with snacks and refreshments. All other teams who raise over $5,000 for the Wakefield Walk will be given a designated picnic area on the common for their team and an MDSC picnic blanket. These teams will also receive a cooler stocked with snacks and refreshments. Falmouth & Uxbridge All teams at the Buddy Walk by the Sea (Falmouth) or Buddy Walk & Harvest Fair (Uxbridge) who raise over $5,000 will receive team tents and banners. They will also receive an MDSC picnic blanket and a cooler with snacks and refreshments. MDSC Buddy Walk Fun Pack All Team Captains of teams who raise $5,000+ will receive an MDSC Buddy Walk Family Fun Pack with items such as games, sports balls, art projects and other fun items for team members to enjoy throughout the day. *Buddy Walk All-Stars and Team Milestones must be achieved by a certain date prior to the walk, specified on each Buddy Walk website and in communications to walkers.

7 Sample Solicitation Letter Dear Friends and Family, I will be participating in the MDSC Buddy Walk this year! It would mean a lot to me if you considered making a donation on my behalf to help me achieve my fundraising goal. The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress works to ensure all individuals with Down syndrome in Massachusetts are valued, included, and given the opportunities to pursue fulfilling lives by providing information, networking opportunities, and advocacy for people with Down syndrome and their families, educators, health care professionals, and the community-at-large. You can learn more about the MDSC at Your tax-deductible gift will make a difference in the lives of the more than 5,000 people with Down syndrome living in Massachusetts. It is faster and easier than ever to support this great cause - you can make your donation online by simply clicking on the link at the bottom of this message. Visit the Buddy Walk webpage to make a donation or learn more about the event and other ways to get involved, such as joining my team or starting your own team. Thank you so much for all of your support! Sincerely, Becca [link to your Buddy Walk fundraising page] TIP Bonus Fundraising Tip! Customize your letter using these suggestions: Write which Buddy Walk you will be attending and include the date and location of the walk Add a heartfelt message about why you are participating in this program, such as in honor of your child, friend, relative, or friend s child who has Down syndrome Attach or embed photos of your loved one with Down syndrome

8 The Fundraising Basics 1) Personalize your ask. People like helping their friends and family when they know how important the cause is to you. Let people know what MDSC means to you and share a story about your personal connection to Down syndrome, such as your child, friend, relative, or friend s child. 2) Make it simple for people to donate. Share your personal fundraising link in s and Facebook posts (or Twitter, LinkedIn, and other social media pages) so people can go directly to your page and make a donation. 3) Give thanks. This is a big one! It s important to acknowledge people for their contribution to your goal - this includes family, friends, co-workers, and anyone else who is helping you achieve your goal. No matter how much they donate, always give thanks. People appreciate being thanked at the time they make their donation as well as after the event is over, so you can share with them how much you accomplished and what a great time you had at the Buddy Walk! TIP Bonus Fundraising Tip! The age-old saying a picture is worth a thousand words is still relevant today. Include inspiring photos of your loved one with Down syndrome in your posts, s, and thank you letters to help people really connect to you and your cause. Kick-start Your Campaign in 7 Days! Use this plan to raise $500 in just one week! Day 1: Sponsor yourself for $25 Day 2: Ask 4 family members to sponsor you for $25 Day 3: Ask 5 friends to contribute $20 Day 4: Ask 5 coworkers to give $20 Day 5: Ask 5 neighbors to sponsor you for $20 Day 6: Ask your employer for a company gift of $50. Your company may also be able to match the amount you give in Day 1 through their matching gift program. Day 7: Ask 1 local business you patronize (your hairdresser, dry cleaner, favorite restaurant/take out place, etc.) to support you for $25 Bonus Fundraising Tip! TIP You can customize this plan based on your personal network, employer, and your fundraising goal. Aim high and you ll be amazed by how quickly you can achieve your goals!

9 Utilizing Your Online Fundraising Page Logging In to the Participant Center The Participant Center contains the tools participants will use to fundraise for the event. 1. Navigate to the event site and enter your username and password in the top right of the page. 2. Click Login button 3. Click Participant Center Button Sending s Directly from TeamRaiser 1. Once you are logged into the participant center, click on the tab. 2. Select Template. Three sample templates have already been created to simplify this process for you. You can select to send out the Join Team to recruit team members, the Support Participant to solicit donations, or the Thank You to your donors. You can also select the Blank Message to write your own message. 3. Click Next. 4. Set Recipients. Select and/or add contacts by either: i. Add Contact (button) this method will allow you to add contacts one at time ii. Import Contacts this will allow you to import contacts from gmail, yahoo, or csv file 5. Preview and Send *You may also copy and paste our message templates into your own system to send it directly from that service. Customize Your Personal Page or Team Page Personalize your webpage with your personal story and photos of your loved one with Down syndrome so that people can read more about it when they visit your page. All participants can customize their own Personal Page. If you registered as a Team Captain, you can also customize your Team s Page. Participants can upload pictures or video (only on personal page) and tell their story, which will be seen by potential donors. To modify the personal page or team page: 1. Once you are logged into the participant center, click the Personal Page tab or Team Page tab (only available to team captains) 2. Change the title and modify body if you would like to. 3. To change the photo within the right column select Photo/Video a. You may select to have either a photo or video i. For photo, browse to your desktop and select a photo 1. Add a Caption 2. Click Save/Upload ii. For video, first upload your video to YouTube 1. Copy and paste the video URL into the URL field 2. Click Save

10 Event Fundraisers and Mini Campaigns Events will be an important element to your portfolio of fundraising initiatives. You can be as simple or as creative as you want to with your events. Below is also a list of event suggestions and some ideas that other fundraisers have had success with in the past. Percent of Funds: Many restaurants or other stores are willing to donate a percentage of funds to your cause. Ask a chain or a local restaurant in your community if they would be willing to participate in this type of fundraiser. They will often give you a time period on a certain date, such as on Friday, July 24th, 10% of proceeds made from 3-6pm will be donated. Raffles: You can also ask local businesses to donate items, such as a restaurant gift card, golf course certificate, or certificate at a salon, and raffle the items off by selling tickets. 50/50 raffles are also great way to get people to donate who wouldn t love to win some extra cash?! 50/50 raffles work best as an additional option at another event, rather than suggesting to people that purchasing a 50/50 raffle ticket substitutes a general donation. Casual Dress Days: Employees can donate a specified amount to dress casually on a certain day. If you already have a casual dress policy at work, an alternative to this is to select a theme (USA, Hawaiian luau, superheroes, etc.). Make sure you check with your HR department about your work-place policies first. Host a Bowling night! Bowling venues may donate lanes for a certain number of people and include free shoe rentals. Charge per person to attend and increase the price if you are going to purchase additional appetizers or drinks. Collect your refundable cans & bottles and cash them in. Ask your close friends and neighbors to save theirs for you each week too. Saving all summer long can add up! Coordinate a bake sale or car wash this is a fun way to involve your children too! Host a game night, dinner party, ladies spa day, pancake breakfast, holiday party (whether it s the 4th of July, National Doughnut Day, or the First Day of Summer) or other themed party with set or suggested attendance donation. TIP Bonus Fundraising Tip! Always put a donation jar out at your events so people can make an additional contribution if they choose to.

11 Getting Other Communities Involved Below are some big and small ideas that other team captains have used to raise awareness and funds for their Buddy Walk team. Workplace Make sure you check with your HR department about company policies regarding fundraising. Host a disability awareness day and invite an MDSC Self-Advocate to come and speak Post information about the walk or your team in the office lunch room or lobby Write an article for your company s newsletter about Down syndrome or submit a Buddy Walk ad encouraging people to join or donate to your team Sign the MDSC up to be a part of your company s matching gift program (your donations and that of your colleagues can be doubled in some cases) Form a Corporate Buddy Walk Team Hold a Casual Dress Day, where people can pay a set or flexible amount to dress casually (all proceeds benefit your Buddy Walk team). School/Classroom Make sure you check with your school s policies regarding fundraising. Invite your child s classmates to join your Buddy Walk team (Example: Over 100 students from Winthrop High School joined Team Love for the 2013 Buddy Walk) Sell snacks or 50/50 raffles at your child s athletic games or afterschool program Organize a Buddy Bake Sale, Classroom Coin Drive, or other fun event that would go over well at your school Work with the Parent Teacher Association to hold a disability awareness day/social action project (Example: Sudbury s Loring Elementary School holds an Annual Accept the Challenge event to increase awareness about Down syndrome and the Buddy Walk) TIP Bonus Fundraising Tip! Let us know about your fundraising or awareness events ahead of time! If they are open to the public we can promote them on our Facebook page and Upside Weekly Newsletter. We can also provide you with MDSC materials to use at your event. buddywalk@mdsc.org for more information.

12 Raising Awareness Raising awareness is equally as important as raising funds. Get the word out in your community by downloading our press release template*, adding a few personal touches, and sending it to the editor of your local paper. Make sure you attach a high-resolution photo of your Buddy Walk team or loved one with Down syndrome when you send it to the press. Not only will it raise awareness about Down syndrome, it will help you get your community behind you! To access the template: 1) Go to 2) Hover your curser over the About Us tab 3) Click on PRESS RELEASES beneath Press Room 4) Select More>> beneath the Buddy Walk press release for the Walk you are attending 5) Select Save As to save the document to your computer so you can personalize it *Press releases for each walk will be available a few weeks prior to the walk If you have additional ideas to involve the media, please us at buddywalk@mdsc.org. We Want to Hear From You! buddywalk@mdsc.org with success stories and photos from your events and campaigns!