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.”