Holiday Concert Series Featuring Oleta Adams, Chris Mann & The Kansas City Symphony

It's that time of year again: baking cookies, buying gifts, and throwing parties are just a small bunch of activities on your to-do list this season. Take a break from all the hard work the holidays can bring to just relax and celebrate the season. The Kauffman Center and First Downs for Down Syndrome bring you one such event to get you in the holiday spirit.


Known for his success on The Voice, Chris Mann will work his vocal magic at the 4th Annual Holiday Concert Series. Along with Mann, soulful vocalist Oleta Adams will come together with the Kansas City Symphony tonight to perform Holiday classics in honor of First Downs for Down Syndrome. Don't miss this unique combination of artists in support of a worthy cause.

See you tonight, and Happy Holidays!

#Giving Tuesday

To celebrate #GivingTuesday we invite you to think about GIVING to those in need. Sometimes this is not always a family member or friend, but an organization like ours that thrives on your support and involvement. We invite you to donate money to First Downs for Down Syndrome this holiday season. Pledge to advocate, volunteer or donate. 

What is #GivingTuesday?

First came Black Friday. Next came Cyber Monday. Finally, #GivingTuesday. Christmas and Thanksgiving are meant to spend with loved ones. They’re meant to celebrate the love and gratitude in all of our lives, but sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the gifts and parties. During this time #GivingTuesday comes to the rescue, a day dedicated to giving to those truly in need. Giving can mean three different things: advocating, donating, or volunteering. #GivingTuesday transformed into a globally recognized campaign and tradition two years ago, and this year will come to life again on December 2, 2014. 

We invite you to participate in #GivingTuesday by donating to First Downs for Down Syndrome. Remember, we are only around because of caring people like you. For over 22 years, your contributions goes directly to local Kansas City families. We cannot exist without your support, and we are so thankful for you.

Talk #Giving Tuesday with us on:

• Pinterest
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram

Thank you for all you do for First Downs. Donate now through our site OR through RAZ Mobile.

Lexi Loves the Olathe East Hawks

Our friend Lexi got a little surprise at the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk at Arrowhead Stadium last week. Lexi is a huge Olathe East Hawks fan.

Lexi made her way to an Olathe East football game this season to support her favorite team.
A friend of FDFDS, Lexi loves her hawks. Running into the boys at the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk at Arrowhead made her day!

Thank you for sharing your story and being a part of First Downs! Don't forget that October is Down Syndrome Awareness month so keep that celebration going until Halloween!

Candid KC Photo Booth Works Their Magic at Arrowhead with First Downs

Thanks to you guys last Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium brought in thousands of people from around Kansas and Missouri. We raised over $400,000 and we spread Down Syndrome Awareness and love all day long. Complete with face paint, a moon bounce, plenty of food and KC Wolf the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk was one of our most successful and fun events yet.

We could not have hosted such a uniquely different event without all of you, the loving supporters of Down Syndrome. To see all our candids from the event, see the full Step Up for Down Syndrome album on our Facebook.

Our friends from Candid KC Photo Booth also did their thing as they do at a prop filled photo booth. Kids, families, and just plain adults all wanted in on the photo booth action. How could you not? Candid KC supplied oversized sunglasses, signs, mustaches and even a crown (#TakeTheCrown) for everyone getting their photo-op to hold up! The photos? Hilarious, adorable, worth a thousand + words.

Like them on Facebook to tag you and your friends in their photos. Even book 'em for your next event! Their enthusiasm and plain silliness makes every event special, but don't take it from us; the prints don't lie!

To check out all the photos and click here, and don't forget to like them on Facebook!
We are already ready for our close-up again, Candid KC Photo Booth! Thank you for coming out and supporting First Downs!

Come Support First Downs at the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk

October marks Down Syndrome Awareness month and the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk at Arrowhead Stadium. Does life get much better? 

On October 19th, we invite you, your families and friends to come down to Arrowhead and change the way people see Down Syndrome. This year we want to walk to ONE MILLION steps, and we need your help. 

Get a team or a partner secured, and register here.

We won’t just be walking; entertainment, food, and games will all be part of this year’s festival! Bonus: We will give away prizes for winning teams!

Come support Down Syndrome with us!

Don't forget to follow First Downs on Instagram + Twitter for a little bit of daily cuteness, inspiration, and pictures from our events!

Now You Can Subscribe to First Downs on YouTube

We have a lot of fun at First Downs for Down Syndrome. If you've been to one of our many annual events, you know we are not just saying that. However, for all of you who might of missed an event or want to know a little bit more about what we do, here is a little teaser in video form.

Watch this video from our annual First Downs Golf Tournament + Huddle Time Sports Auction. Thank you to all who came to support! We raised over $175K thanks to all of your kindness and support.

We laughed. We walked. We auctioned. And we got it all on video. Check out all of our videos and subscribe to our YouTube channel for all the behind the scenes action at First Downs for Down Syndrome.

18th Annual Huddle Time Sports Auction--Let the Countdown Begin!

Huddle Time is Back. Our 18th annual Sports Auction is on!

Details:

September 15, 2014

Shadow Glen Golf Club

26000 Shadow Glen St, Olathe, KS 66061

Get your tickets here!

Last year Jimmy Nielson handed over a signed signature pink jersey of his. The former Sporting KC goalie made an appearance along with Chiefs players, past and present.

This year, Bid on one of these special featured items:

Sporting KC tickets and autographed team jersey & team ball,

Chiefs tickets for December 28- Chiefs vs. Chargers,

Ski trip to Mt. Solitude, Utah for four with airfare included,

Game worn items from current Chiefs players,

Chiefs Tailgate and Tickets

Check out the complete list of auction items.

Current and former Chiefs players will also attend the sports auction. Spot your favorite teammates and get pumped for a winning season! Win. Win.

For updates on one of our favorite events of the year follow the hashtag #FirstDowns4DS and #HuddleTime in the upcoming weeks.

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for all the First Downs action, inspiring stories, and updates on local families we love!

Back to School: Elli Starts College at UCM

We checked in with Elli and her mom Sharon back in May when she had made the big decision to head off to college, a major step in anyone’s life. Elli was thrilled about beginning college at the University of Central Missouri to pursue a career in child development. Already working with kids at her church and in her community, she sees spending her life with children as the obvious choice.

Fast forward three months, and August has arrived. Summer has come and gone (although the heat has definitely remained!).  Uniforms, classes, and caffeine have returned for the  Back to School Season. We checked back in with Elli, after classes started on Tuesday, August 26 at UCM.

Sharon, Elli's proud mama explains,  

"Elli is absolutely thrilled with her new college life!  She is embracing friends, schedules, online homework, doing laundry, really everything! She has asked for help when needed and learned that she needs to not stay up late! Elli is so proud as she knows this is a real accomplishment and amazing opportunity."

Elli’s classes include Freshman seminar, literacy, technology, health & fitness, and an audited UCM class called Valuing Differences. Her classes will take place mostly in the School of Education, Lovinger Hall, and the Rec Center.  

Elli is attending UCM as part of their THRIVE program. UCM created THRIVE as a program especially for intellectually challenged young adults, who make up an integral part of the UCM community, just like “athletics or the band [does].”  Elli’s doing the whole college experience, dorm and all. All of the THRIVE students stay in the same hall of the dorm.  She will live with a second year student and share a bath with 2 other girls. We are so proud of Elli embarking on her college experience! Remember those days?

Sharon continues:

"My feelings the past week have been those of overwhelming gratitude!  I am so grateful for the many dedicated teachers, mentors, friends, family and community members that have helped Elli to be in this wonderful place. I'm grateful to the EXCEL parent group for spearheading this post-high school experience.  I'm grateful to the University of Central Missouri for embracing the challenge and those that work with THRIVE to implement the program.  I'm grateful that Elli was willing to trust me that she would be ready for college, and supported when she got there.  I'm so filled with gratitude that there isn't space to be sad.  Technology helps too!" 

The mother and daughter duo still keep in touch regularly too, so there is no time to miss each other too much. "[We] facetime and text!," Sharon shared 

Check back in with Elli and others that are part of the First Downs community right here on the blog.

Best of luck Elli!

Blue Valley Northwest Players + Coaches Share Why They Support First Downs

We asked a couple football players and coaches at Blue Valley Northwest what they think of being a part of FDFDS. Here is what they said…

We chatted with: Coach Mike Zegunis, Miles Alexander, Caleb Hughes, Zack Zegunis, and Dalton Schoen

How Did You First Learn About First Downs for Down Syndrome? 

Caleb: Through Coach Zegunis and the football team.

Coach Zegunis: As an assisstant coach at Olathe East about fifteen years ago.

What is Your Favorite Part About Supporting FDFDS?

Caleb: Knowing that its going to such a great cause.

Miles: Helping out those who are affected by Down Syndrome

Coach Zegunis: I can show my players that being a leader is about serving and helping out others and FDFDS is an easy example of how to help others out.

Other than the CHIEFS, who is the team you’ll be watching this season?

Caleb: The Jayhawks and the Seahawks

Why Should Other Schools/Football Teams Participate in the High School Fundraising Program?

Miles: It’s a good cause, and it isn’t hard to participate in.

Coach Zegunis: It not only is a great way to help others out – but you can also help yourself (your team) out by raising money for your program.

What Makes You a Proud Coach/Player?

Coach Zegunis: Knowing that my players are learning life-long lessons and creating memories and habits that will last forever.  

As Practice Starts Up Again, Give Us A ‘PRO’ Tip to Help with Fitness, Health or Game Strategy/Planning:

Caleb: Listen to your body.

Miles: Strategy and Planning. Staying Hydrated. 

Zach: The more prepared you are, the less worried you’ll be.

Why You Are Passionate About Helping Those With Down Syndrome? 

Zach: I love seeing the smiling and happy faces of the people who I come in contact with who have down syndrome, and I love thinking and feeling that I am helping out. 

Coach Zegunis : I love the fact that we can help out financially families and individuals that are affected by Down Syndrome.  I am also glad to bring awareness and recognition to these individuals.  

Final Thoughts:

Go Huskies!

A Little Bit About Down Syndrome

Why We Do What We Do.

In 1992 Gene Stallings, best known for his coaching and assistant coaching career with Texas A&M and Dallas Cowboys, had a baby with Down’s. He felt inspired to partner and help local families struggling with some of the obstacles that came along with Down Syndrome and to celebrate their special miracles as well.

When Is Money Raised?

For the last 18 years FDFDS has carried out this message and raised money for local families affected by Downs Syndrome along with Children’s Mercy Hospital through a handful of big events every year. We are proud to host the Annual Wine Auction,

Upcoming Events

Sept. 15: Golf Tournament and Huddle Time. Two big events taking place all in one jam packed and fun filled day this year at Shadow Glen Golf Club

Oct. 19: Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk 

Our Biggest Event of the Year will take place at Arrowhead Stadium Sunday, October 19.  Get your team together. Register here (www.stepupfordownsyndromekc.org ) and walk around the stadium to support First Downs!

Dec. 12: Holiday Concert Series Chris Mann from NBC's The Voice and Oleta Adams, Kansas City native, pair with the Kansas City Symphony for a soulful and uplifting evening of wonderful music.

A couple throwback pictures of BVNW working with FDFDS :) We love our players and coaches there! Thank you for the support!

Golf Tournament, Sept. 15th

It’s that time of year. Well into Golf Season and the summer heat, we are getting ready to put on our annual golf tournament. Come September, the annual Golf Tournament will raise much needed funds for kids and their families affected by Down Syndrome in the Kansas City area.

The tournament is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 15 at Shadow Glen Golf Club.
The four man shot gun scramble will tee off at Noon with registration, browsing the gift salon and BBQ lunch 10:30am.

Players will enjoy: 

• Valet car & bag service upon arrival
• Car detailing while golfing
• Opportunity to win a car from Aristocrat Motors
• Holes contests with great prizes
• Meeting & playing against celebrity golfers
• Food & drinks throughout the day
• Putting contest
• Awards cocktail ceremony with Huddle Time to follow

Want to sponsor the tournament? Click here to view the sponsorship levels, and click here to fill out the sponsorship entry form.

We are so excited for this fun event and looking forward to seeing you there!

Community Member Spotlight: Zach Neff

This year the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City is celebrating its 30th Anniversary. In honor of how far the Guild has come, we spoke with one of the first families the organization ever served: Zach Neff and his mother Kathleen. 

It’s almost impossible to imagine what the Guild would look like without Zach coming into our offices, whether to participate in programming or just to volunteer. He’s made a big difference in the Down Syndrome Guild and both he and his mother can attest to the difference the Guild has made in their lives.

“I’m really proud of the adult he has become and grateful for the support from the Down Syndrome Guild and First Downs For Down Syndrome to get him to this point in his life,” Kathleen said. “I don’t know what we would do without either of them.”

Because of the love and support the Guild has shown Zach over the years, he continues to volunteer each week at our offices. He said, “I love working with them because they are a second family to me. They love me there.”

Zach is also a member of the Mission Project 2, a branch of the Mission Project, which “enables capable adults with developmental or cognitive disabilities to live independently and safely in community with minimal support.” The Mission Project 2 also provides lots of different programming to keep Zach and his friends busy, which is just perfect for Zach.

“He comes from a family of introverts, but he is a flaming extrovert. Zach is outgoing and friendly, and he enjoys his friendships very much,” Kathleen said. Activities at the Mission Project 2 include things like a movie club, a travel club where the participants plan trips, fitness classes and many more.

But Zach’s participation in these clubs is only skimming the surface. Not only is he an active member of his community, but he is also a college graduate and employed with Children’s Mercy Hospital.

Two years ago Zach graduated from the University of Central Missouri’s THRIVE program, which helps young adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities learn how to transition from home to living independently. 

For others considering the transition to college, Zach reminds them to not shy away from their dreams.

“[The program at UCM] was really good and fun,” he said. “I would say to [new students entering the program] just be yourself and go out there and do your own thing. Express your feelings and just keep going and work hard.”

Zach’s mom also has some advice for those parents who might be as scared as their children when it comes to change.

“Stating out on this journey, a child’s future can look like a black hole,” Kathleen said. “But the resources and support are there. We always told Zach that he could do anything. We told him he could go to college and he went to college. We told him he could have a job and he got a job. All of this came true with the help from the Down Syndrome Guild and First Downs for Down Syndrome.”

Have Fun, Win Prizes and Change Lives at Charity Bingo Night

Mark your calendars for 7pm on Tuesday, July 22 for a special night of Drag Queen Bingo at Hamburger Mary’s! Proceeds from the night will benefit the Down Syndrome Guild of Kansas City.

As you might have guessed, this isn’t your grandma’s bingo night. Attendees will play 10 bingo games hosted by your favorite Kansas City Drag Queens  – and every winner walks away with a prize. Plus there will be a chance for participants to purchase additional tickets for raffle prizes that will be awarded throughout the night.

It only costs $10 to play, but every penny will make a big impact on the Kansas City Down syndrome community. Be sure to RSVP to info@kcdsg.org or by calling 913-384-4848.

To learn more, please visit http://www.kcdsg.org/CharityBingo.php

Can’t make it? You can still help!

The Down Syndrome Guild welcomes almost 50 new babies each year to the Kansas City metro.  In June alone we welcomed 6 new members into the Guild. DSG provides all prenatally or postnatally diagnosed families with a “New Parent Welcome Basket” filled with new baby essentials and up-to-date information about Down syndrome to support parents. 

Consider hosting a basket drive or diaper/wipe drive over the summer to help fill these baskets with new baby items! 

Items to include:

• Diapers
• Wipes
• Baby lotion/shampoo
• Small toys/rattles/teething rings
• Baby outfits
• Quilts/blankets
• Bibs
• Bath time towels/wash cloths 

As always, all donations are tax deductible.

Off to College: Elli Walker to Attend University of Central Missouri Fall 2014

This time of year is full of change for many of our kids: graduations, commencements and plans for the future. Recent Broadmoor Technical Center graduate, Elli Walker, is no different.

This summer, Elli and her mom will be preparing for one of the biggest steps anyone can take: going off to college. Elli will be attending the University of Central Missouri, located in Warrensburg, starting in the fall. After speaking with Elli and her mom, Sharon, it’s clear that Elli and her whole family are very excited about this new change.

“I am absolutely thrilled for her,” Sharon said. “We couldn’t be more proud of her.”

“I’m really excited about the UCM program,” Elli said. She is also excited about pursuing a career working in child development.

“I would like to get ready for a job at a preschool or working with little children,” Elli said.

Elli has experience working with children at her church and with other community organizations. In addition to her passion for children, she is also a fan of art and coloring. In fact, she recently showed off some of her colored pencil designs during this month’s First Fridays events.

Although going off to college can be intimidating for anyone, Sharon knows Elli is ready.

“I know Elli will become more independent and confident, learn more about herself and other people, and gain skills to become employable. It’s the same with any post-high school experience.”

And when it comes to the post-high school experience, Elli and Sharon encourage others to follow their unique path.

Elli encouraged others that are headed to “go for your dreams and keep trying.”

Sharon added it’s important to “work at it one step at a time” and that getting feedback from teachers can be a big help.

“All children need roots and wings to be independent,” Sharon said. “Sometimes it’s difficult for parents of children with special needs to give them those wings to be independent, but we’ve tried to enable her to have both wings and roots.”

Rachel Mast At Thursday's Sporting Kansas City Game

Thanks to the Victory Project, one lucky Kansas City girl got to view the Sporting Kansas City vs Philadelphia game from the Victory Seat.

The 14-year-old, Rachel Mast, doesn't let Down syndrome get in the way of her living life to the fullest. Read our previous blog about Rachel or watch the video to see her at last Thursday's game!

Sporting Kansas City’s Victory Project to Honor Rachel Mast

Tonight during the Sporting Kansas City vs. Philadelphia game, the Victory Project will be honoring 14-year-old Rachel Mast from Olathe, KS. Among Rachel’s many talents, she loves playing soccer the most. She also happens to have Down syndrome.

The Victory Project is “a generosity movement that unites Sporting Kansas City team members, staff and fans to help children thrive through life’s challenges.” Even though Rachel’s life may have some challenges, she’s a perfect example of the way our kids live life to the fullest.

Rachel at Sporting Kansas City's practice for tonight's game. Photo tweeted by Jonathan Mast (@JonathanDMast)

Rachel is an eighth grader at Indian Trail Middle School and inspires everyone she meets. Besides loving soccer, she is also an actress in the Christian Youth Theater and one of Variety KC’s Champions. It’s hard not to be inspired by Rachel’s ambition and drive!

Thanks to the Victory Project for honoring Rachel tonight. We are so proud of all of her accomplishments and can’t wait to see where her beautiful attitude takes her!

Top 5 Celebrity Down Syndrome Advocates

1. Lauren Potter

Who doesn’t love Lauren Potter? Best known as the actress who plays Becky Jackson on the hit show Glee is one of the few actors with Down syndrome who has broken into Hollywood. Obviously that fact is reason enough to admire Lauren, but she doesn’t let her celebrity status go to waste. She uses her fame to help raise awareness about Down syndrome and end the R-word.

2. Eva Longoria

Eva is the founder of Eva’s Heroes, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to enriching the lives of those with intellectual special needs. Her advocacy stems from her love of her older sister, Elizabeth, who has Down syndrome. Eva’s Heroes, based in San Antonio, Texas, provides an inclusive environment based on “interact, grow, learn and love.” The organization helps teens and young adults integrate with and flourish in society.

3. John C. McGinley

As one of television’s favorite doctors, the actor who played Dr. Perry Cox on Scrubs has used his celebrity to advocate on behalf of his son with Down syndrome, Max. In 2011, John received the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award for his work related to people with Down syndrome and people with developmental disabilities in general. John is also a board member and international spokesperson for the foundation and advocates for the Special Olympics campaign “Spread the World to End the Word.”

4. Patricia Heaton

After discovering Reece’s Rainbow Adoption Ministry, Patricia developed a fierce passion for the organization and advocating for those with Down syndrome. The Everybody Loves Raymond actress started a Twitter campaign in 2011 promising $1 to Reece’s Rainbow for every new follower she received up to $10,000. The goal was reached in less than 48 hours! Patricia continues to use social media to spread awareness about Down syndrome.

5. Jamie Foxx

Actor, musician and comedian, Jamie Foxx, has used his voice to help raise money for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. The foundation also presented him with the 2012 Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Awrd. Jamie is continuously inspired by his sister DeOndra Dixon, who lives a rich and rewarding life with Down syndrome. Jamie is often seen with DeOndra at red carpet events!

Meet the Down Syndrome Guild's Prom King & Queen

For the past several years the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City’s (DSGKC) Prom King and Queen have joined us at our annual Wine Tasting and Auction. 2014 is no exception as we welcome back Chris and Carissa to our event on April 24.

Not only are Chris and Carissa DSGKC’s Prom King and Queen, but they are actually dating. Every year we welcome this sweet couple to our Wine Tasting and Auction to remind us all why we are here: To raise funds for the Kansas City Down syndrome community and to make prom dreams come true for hundreds of people with developmental disabilities in the Kansas City area.

Before we welcome you all to our special event, we’d like to introduce you to the wonderful couple that continue to inspire us year after year.

Prom Queen Carissa

Carissa is a vibrant young woman with a lot of personality. She is currently a hospitality assistant at Children’s Mercy Hospital’s Down Syndrome Clinic thanks to a special auction item at the First Downs for Down Syndrome event, Huddle Time. 

Because of Huddle Time, Carissa has been able to work at Children’s Mercy for the past two years. As a hospitality assistant, Carissa greets families, provides snacks and play activities to children, maintains the cleanliness and appearance of the clinic and play areas, and assist with clerical projects. We are so proud of Carissa!

Prom King Chris

After speaking with Chris, it’s clear that he has a huge heart because he is very caring and loving. Chris is also a Special Olympics champ. After traveling with Team USA in the 2011 Special Olympics in the 2011 World Summer Games in Athens, Greece, Chris came home with four medals after competing in four aquatic events.

Not to mention, Chris has been involved with Special Olympics for 12 years and also participates in basketball, golf and flag football. He has previously been named the Northwest Missouri Athlete of the Year. On top of his sports activities, Chris assists his mom in running the St. Joseph, Mo. Young Athlete Program.