Hello Team Captain!

THANK YOU for creating a Buddy Walk team for the 1st Annual F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Down Syndrome Tampa Buddy Walk and becoming a team captain! This year’s Buddy Walk will be held on Saturday, October 1st, from 9am-1pm, at the Raymond James Stadium. Registration is $15/person. Children 12 and under do not need a registration unless you would like to order him/her a t-shirt. Enclosed you will find your team packet that is full of information to help you make the best of your participation in the walk. As we celebrate our 1st Annual F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Down Syndrome Tampa Buddy Walk, we are asking that you fundraise and help us reach our goal of $50,000 which will allow FDST to continue to provide the valuable programs offered to our members and their families. Your involvement in the Buddy Walk, either by walking with us or by donating will make a brighter tomorrow for all individuals with Down Syndrome. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions. Looking forward to seeing you at the Buddy Walk! Craig Woodard, Sr. Buddy Walk Organizer F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Vice President (814) 882-9191

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA P.O. BOX 677 BRANDON FL 33509 www.friendssupport.org (813) 245-2782

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A TEAM CAPTAIN DESIGN  Register Online  Customize your Team Page  Recruit Team Members  Set a goal PUBLISH  Team page email to friends and family.  Spread the word on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.  Email reminders of your team until Buddy Walk. MANAGE  Maintain team member information.  Keep people involved with fundraising goal.  Encourage team members to recruit others.  Fundraise – ask for donations and sponsorship.  Set a goal for yourself and your team.  Push all team members to reach this goal. MARK YOUR CALENDAR! August 15th – Deadline for Free T-shirt w/bracelet Registration September - T-shirt pickup at Teams can submit donations at this time

from 12-5pm

September T-shirt pickup at Teams can submit donations at this time

from 12-5pm

September T-shirt pickup at from 12-5pm Teams can submit donations at this time September Deadline for teams to submit money to qualify for fundraising prizes and deadline for team registrations to qualify for “Most Walkers” prize.

Welcome to the Wonderful World of the Buddy Walk! We are so excited to finally bring the Buddy Walk to Tampa!! Gather up your family and friends to take part in this wonderful walk to raise awareness about Down Syndrome. This is going to be the main fundraiser that FDST will use each year, it will help us continue to allow us growth in our programs and services that we provide to our families. We hope that everyone can help us reach our goal of $50,000 by raising donations for their team. Signing up is easy… You can access the Buddy Walk through FDST at www.friendssupport.org and click on the Buddy Walk tab. Once you have created your team, you will have your own TEAM PAGE. You can edit this page and add a personal note as to why you are walking, and upload your favorite pictures. This page can be emailed to your family and friends inviting them to join your team, and it’s easy to share on Facebook! THANK YOU for helping us carry out the FDST mission… to provide all encompassing educational and support services to families who have been impacted by Down Syndrome; while promoting complete community integration of those impacted by Down Syndrome.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA P.O. BOX 677 BRANDON FL 33509 www.friendssupport.org (813) 245-2782

TEAM CAPTAIN REGISTRATION FORM I would like to place a team in the F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA 1ST ANNUAL BUDDY WALK and participate as a Team Captain. The name of my Team will be

My name and address is ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ We would like to raise/donate the following $________________. We understand that all proceeds will benefit F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA and the National Down Syndrome Society and that both are non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call FDST Vice President Craig Woodard, Sr. (813) 882-9191.

Please scan and email your registration for to [email protected]

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA P.O. BOX 677 BRANDON FL 33509 www.friendssupport.org (813) 245-2782

2016 F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA BUDDY WALK Schedule of Events: DATE: October 1, 2016

7a.m.- 9:00am

Set Up

9:00 a.m.

On-Site Registration for those who did not pre-register. Buddy Walk Tailgate Party Begins!!

10:00 a.m.

Buddy Walk Begins; Welcoming Announcements

12:00 p.m.

Raffle Winners; Team awards; Announcements

1:00 p.m.

Buddy Walk Ends and Clean up Begins

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA P.O. BOX 677 BRANDON FL 33509 www.friendssupport.org (813) 245-2782

2016 BUDDY WALK TEAM PRIZES

$500-999

$1,000-$1499

$1,500-$2,999

$3,000-$4,999

$5000 + Team with the “Most Walkers” – Top Fundraising Team –

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA P.O. BOX 677 BRANDON FL 33509 www.friendssupport.org (813) 245-2782

BUDDY WALK FUNDRAISING TIPS! How to Raise $500 in a Week: Amount Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Sponsor yourself for $25 Ask three family members for $25 Ask five friends to donate $15 Ask five co-workers to sponsor you for $10 Email 15 contacts and ask for $10 Ask your company for a $75 contribution Ask two businesses you frequent for $25 Total

$25 $75 $75 $50 $150 $75 $50 $500

MORE IDEAS!        

Put out a collection bin at school, church, or a local business. Encourage all team members to contact their Human Resources Department at work and ask about their matching program. Hold car washes, dog washes, bake sales, a Dress Down for Down Syndrome Awareness at work. Work with local stores and restaurants to see if they will donate a portion of their proceeds to your team. (Dine out for Down Syndrome). Organize a neighborhood block party. Sell raffle tickets and hold a drawing. Host a party (Tupperware, Scentsy, etc…) Facebook and Twitter are great ways to get your message out to family and friends.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA P.O. BOX 677 BRANDON FL 33509 www.friendssupport.org (813) 245-2782

TIPS ON USING SOCIAL MEDIA FOR THE BUDDY WALK       

Use #FDSTBuddyWalk when posting about FDST BUDDY WALK on social media sites. Create a Facebook Group for your team where you can share important information about the walk and donations, as well as day to day information for your friends. Create a buzz and excitement. Post daily about what your goals are and where you stand. State your purpose clearly about why you are fundraising. Ask for a specific amount on specific days “Help us hit our goal of $200, only $60 to go…” Make sure you respond to all posts and thank everyone who participates.

“TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK”

2016 FUNDRAISING GOAL $50,000 F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA P.O. BOX 677 BRANDON FL 33509 www.friendssupport.org (813) 245-2782

Sample Letter to Send to Family and Friends:

Dear________________ F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA is holding its very 1st Buddy Walk, Saturday October 1, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. Please walk with our team, TEAM NAME, as we join FDST in raising awareness about Down Syndrome. Enjoy the walk around Buccaneer’s Field, enjoy food, drinks, games, music, dancing, face painting, cheerleaders, Superhero’s and Princesses from the MUCH Foundation, Stormtroopers from the 501st Legion, and the awesome Ghostbusters with their cool car!! Photos will be captured by Julie Hirsch Photography. Register to walk with TEAM NAME on the FDST website www.friendssupport.org. The registration is $15/person. Be sure to register by August 15th to receive a free Buddy Walk T-shirt and Down Syndrome Awareness Bracelet! If you are unable to join us at the walk, please consider supporting TEAM NAME by making a donation online or by mailing a check to me made payable to F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA. Any donation, big or small, really will make a difference. We hope to see you at the Buddy Walk!

TEAM CAPTAIN NAME Team Captain of TEAM NAME

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA P.O. BOX 677 BRANDON FL 33509 www.friendssupport.org (813) 245-2782

INTRODUCTION Thank you for registering your team for the 2016 F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA BUDDY WALK! We are very excited that your team will be joining us on Saturday, October 1, 2016 for a day full of fun and excitement. Remind your friends and family to mark their calendars. This Toolkit will provide you with all the tools and information necessary to achieve your fundraising goal! First thing first, upload a photo of your buddy and a quick story of your buddy to your team’s page. After you customized your page, encourage your friends and family to go to www.friendssupport.org and register to walk with your team or make a donation. You can do this with phone calls, emails, and social media posts. We encourage you to read through this toolkit to make sure that you are aware of deadlines, standards, and tips to be successful. If you have any questions over the next few months, please do not hesitate to call me by phone (814) 882-9191. You can also reach me by email [email protected]. Best of luck and thank you for all that you do!

Craig Woodard, Sr. Vice President FDST

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA P.O. BOX 677 BRANDON FL 33509 www.friendssupport.org (813) 245-2782

WHERE THE MONEY GOES F.R.I.E.N.D.S. was established in 2008, as F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Support, Inc. and has been an organization made up of people of all ages with Down Syndrome, parents of children with Down Syndrome, professionals, and health care providers – all working together to ensure that all individuals in our community living with Down Syndrome have every opportunity.

YOUR DONATIONS GO TO: NEW & EXPECTANT PARENTS   

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. PARENT PACKETS PARENT LIASIONS BABY’S WITH DOWN SYNDROME “A PARENTS GUIDE” BOOK

MISC T-SHIRTS, PRINTING, & OFFICE SUPPLIES

SCHOLARSHIPS TO:     

DOWN SYNDROME CONFERENCE FAMILY CAFÉ CONFERENCE NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME CONFERENCE HARDSHIP PROGRAM THERAPY SCHOLARSHIPS

SUPPORT/ACTIVTY GROUPS   

BABY F.R.I.E.N.D.S. PLAYGROUP TWEEN F.R.I.E.N.D.S. PLAYDATE F.R.I.E.N.D.S. SOCIAL CLUB

AWARENESS & SOCIAL EVENTS       

MARCH DOWN SYNDROME DAY PICNIC FACEBOOK WEBSITE NEWSLETTERS JULY POOL & PICNIC BUDDY WALK CHRISTMAS POTLUCK & COOKIE SWAP PARTY

IN THE FUTURE: ROTARY FDST 4 DAY SUMMER CAMP DAD’S DS AWARENESS PROGRAM STIDER BIKE CAMP A DOWN SYNDROME CLINIC A DOWN SYNDROME CONFERENCE

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA P.O. BOX 677 BRANDON FL 33509 www.friendssupport.org (813) 245-2782

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA MISSION & GOALS The Mission of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA is to provide all encompassing educational and support services to families who have been impacted by Down Syndrome; while promoting complete community integration of those impacted by Down Syndrome. Our Goals are to provide broad reaching educational services for families impacted by Down Syndrome in the Florida Tampa Bay Area. To provide financial and social service support for families impacted by Down Syndrome. To provide outreach to the Tampa Bay Area community in education and community integration for families impacted by Down Syndrome. We serve the following counties: Hillsborough, Pinellas, & Pasco County.

WHAT IS F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA? As a 501(c)(3) non-profit private organizing foundation, we are committed to providing support, assistance and education to individuals with Down Syndrome and their families. We are run by dedicated group of volunteers who donate their time to promote our mission. We believe that providing information, and caring support, we can help families and the community gain a better understanding of Down Syndrome. With over 250,000 people in the United States with Down Syndrome, we strive to provide the tools and opportunities to promote awareness, acceptance and inclusion in our communities.

WHAT COUNTIES DO WE SERVE? Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT www.friendssupport.org F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA P.O. BOX 677 BRANDON FL 33509 www.friendssupport.org (813) 245-2782

BUDDY WALK The Buddy Walk was developed 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.

The Buddy Walk has grown from 17 walks in 1995 to 300 walks planned for 2016 worldwide. Nearly $14 million was raised nationwide to benefit local programs and services as well as the national advocacy and public awareness initiatives of NDSS that will benefit all individuals of Down syndrome.

In 2015, 254 Buddy Walk events were held across the country and around the world. More than 335,000 people participated in the Buddy Walk, collectively raising nearly $14,000,000.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA P.O. BOX 677 BRANDON FL 33509 www.friendssupport.org (813) 245-2782

COMPANY MATCHING QUESTIONS I THINK MY COMPANY MATCHES. HOW DO I GET STARTED? 

Every company handles its own matching gift program differently. Please contact your company’s Human Resources department for instructions on how to double your fundraising efforts though matching gifts. Please be aware that some matching gifts take up to six months to receive, so please plan accordingly.

WHERE DO I SEND MY MATHING GIFT FORM? 

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA P.O. Box 677, Brandon, FL 33509

I SUMBITTED A FORM FOR MATCHING GIFTS BUT DO NOT SEE THE DONATION ON MY PAGE, WHERE IS IT? 

FDST cannot post a matching gift until the corporation involved approves it. If you have questions regarding your matching gift, please contact your company to see if the donation has indeed been matched.

DONATION INFORMATION ARE DONATIONS TAX DEDUCTIBLE? 

Your gift is tax deductible to the fullest extend allowed by the law. F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA is a registered 501 (c)(3) private organizing foundation, EIN# is 651261646.

WHERE DO I GET DONATIONS FORMS? 

A donation form is enclosed in this packet; you may also print additional donation forms from the Team Captains section.

WHO SHOULD FDST BUDDY WALK CHECKS BE MADE PAYABLE TO? 



For tax purposes, please make the checks payable to F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA. Checks should not be written to Buddy Walk teams, team captains, or individual participants. Please ask donors to submit their corresponding donation forms with their checks so your team will be properly credited for your fundraising efforts. If this is not possible, please ask donors to indicate which walk team they are supporting and your name on the memo section of the check.

DO I HAVE TO SEND IN MY DONATIONS? CAN I BRING THEM TO THE WALK? CAN I CONTINUE TO COLLECT THEM AFTER THE WALK? WHAT IF MY DONORS DON’T WANT TO DONATE ONLINE? WHERE DO I SEND MY CHECKS? 

While you can always bring your donations to the walk, it is preferable that you mail them as soon as you can to the address below. You may enter your donations on your Team Fundraising Page before you send them in. Once FDST receives your checks, we can approve the submissions. You can mail your donations to:

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDOME TAMPA P.O. BOX 677 BRANDON, FL 33509

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE BEFORE THE CHECKS I MAILED SHOW UP ON MY PAGE? 

Please allow four weeks for your donations to be deposited, processed and approved by FDST.

WHAT IF PEOPLE WANT TO GIVE ME CASH? 

It is safest and best for record keeping, that you convert your cash received into a check or money order. If that is not possible, you can also bring the cash donations and the appropriate forms to the walk.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHAT IS THE REGISTRATION FEE? 

The registration fee is $15/person. It includes a Buddy Walk T-shirt and Down Syndrome Awareness Bracelet.

SHOULD I REGISTER MY KIDS? 

Yes, please register everyone who will be attending, those 12 and under are free and will not receive a T-shirt unless you purchase one for them.

I HAVE A FAMILY MEMBER UNABLE TO WALK, CAN THEY STILL JOIN MY TEAM? 

Of course, even if they are unable to attend.

WHAT IS THE CUT-OFF TO JOIN A TEAM? 

You can register online up to the day of the event. Please have everyone registered by August 15th to give us a good headcount. Registrants after the August 15th deadline may not receive their desired t-shirt size.

SOME OF MY FAMILY WOULD LIKE TO COME, BUT NOT WALK, DO THEY NEED TO REGISTER? 

We encourage every participant to register by August 15th. A limited number of t-shirts will be available for purchase the day of the walk, but we cannot guarantee the t-shirt size. Only those that register and pay the registration fee will receive a free t-shirt.

IS IT BETTER TO REGISTER ONLINE OR THE DAY OF THE WALK? 

There are many advantages to registering before the walk, knowing how many people to expect will better help us plan for the event. FDST, event sponsors and vendors order items based on how many people we have pre-registered. Plus, you can skip the registration lines the day of the walk. Each individual and team will receive a webpage within the FDST website to give friends and family a place to go where they can donate directly to your online.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA P.O. BOX 677 BRANDON FL 33509 www.friendssupport.org (813) 245-2782

PERMISSION TO FUNDRAISE FORM The below form may be downloaded and printed directly from the FDST Buddy Walk website. Some business or organizations may ask you to show this as you begin fundraising for your team. Complete the form and print out a few copies so you may have some to spare. You may also need to show the FDST 501 (c)(3) status letter, this too can be downloaded from FDST website.

This document gives _____________________________________permission to serve as an agent to solicit donations on behalf of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA (FDST) in conjunction with their 1st Annual F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME BUDDY WALK, held on October 1, 2016, at Raymond James Stadium. F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA is a 501 (c)(3) private operating foundation with the tax ID # 65-1261646. You may request a W-9 by calling (813)245-2782. PROHIBITED FUNDRAISING PRACTICES       

Use of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA (FDST) name at the direct point-of-purchase for the sale of alcoholic or tobacco products. Use of the F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA (FDST) name in any relation to any business that cannot guarantee full accounting for funds generated. Customer prospect campaigns conducted by independent contractors. Promotions to attract new patients to any form of medical treatment. Promotions related to the delivery of professional services. Online fundraising must have prior written approval. Use of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA (FDST) name in any form of political fundraising.

The Mission of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA is to provide all encompassing educational and support services to families who have been impacted by Down Syndrome; while promoting complete community integration of those impacted by Down Syndrome. Our Goals are to provide broad reaching educational services for families impacted by Down Syndrome in the Florida Tampa Bay Area. To provide financial and social service support for families impacted by Down Syndrome. To provide outreach to the Tampa Bay Area community in education and community integration for families impacted by Down Syndrome. We serve the following counties: Hillsborough, Pinellas, & Pasco County.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME TAMPA P.O. BOX 677 BRANDON FL 33509 www.friendssupport.org (813) 245-2782