Monday, July 21, 2014

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!

Monday, July 7, 2014

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.”

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

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.