Summer 2019
Can you believe that it's already August?! We kicked summer off two months ago with our Member Talent Show and have since packed in our first annual Fishing Derby, a Family Fun Run, Adaptive Water Ski Clinic, Buddy Up Tennis Summer Camp, and, one of our favorite events, the Member Summer Picnic. It's been great to see familiar face and so many new ones in attendance at all of these exciting programs. We are now just over a month away from our annual Step Up for Down Syndrome fundraiser and celebration. We hope to see you all on September 21st at Fifth Third Ballpark where we will be Rockin' an Extra Chromosome with live music, games and prizes, photos with the Whitecaps mascots, and a walk around the ball field!
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Celebrating an Extra Chromosome
Ruth Lee, Hudsonville
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Ruth Lee is mother to one of DSAWM's most outgoing and enthusiastic members, Jenna. As she reflects on the past 13 years of her daughter's life, Ruth poetically expresses the unique and rewarding journey of raising a child with Down syndrome.
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Summer Camp Fun
Maria Leestma, Grand Rapids
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Like many of our members, Maria Leestma is an active individual always searching for something new and fun to do. This summer she participated in several DSAWM programs and attended two camps hosted by Artists Creating Together and Young Life. Read more about her experiences below.
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Watch Out World, Here I Come
Allie Cowden, Lowell
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In May, the DSAWM staff said congratulations and goodbye to longtime intern Allie as she celebrated her college graduation. As she starts a new chapter of her life, Allie reflects on her time with DSAWM and her goals moving forward.
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Oh, Baby!
Sunday, August 10
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Step Up for Down Syndrome
Saturday, September 21
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DSAWM thanks our donors whose contributions allow us to expand our outreach and provide programming and services free of charge to our members. We could not do what we do without your support!
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General Donations
Bath Fitter
Bissell, Inc.
Cadillac Jeepers
Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids
Hooray Hoopla LLC
Samuel L Westerman Foundation
Tuff Cover
Walmart
Mr. & Mrs. Drew Boersma
Mr. & Mrs. Douglas and Margaret DeCamp
Mr. & Mrs. Steve and Brenda Heacock
Mr. & Mrs. Michael and Deecy Smith
Mr. & Mrs. Grant and Jeanne Vander Veer
Mr. & Mrs. Doug and Tracy Warsen
Sponsorships
Lugers Family Foundation
Baby Sign Language
Meijer
Cooking Capers
Richard and Judy Lacks
Moms' Night Out, Dads' Night Out
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Sponsorships continued
Jeff Bode of Bellabay Realty, Dan Vos Construction Company, Functional Kids Therapy Center, Hobart, King Milling, Richard & Judy Lacks, Lakewood Construction, Land & Company, MSU Federal Credit Union, Reeves Plastics, West Michigan Eyecare Associates
Step Up for Down Syndrome
BDO USA LLP, Bob Boylen, Derek & Melissa Burgess, Scott Dieleman, Cameron Dolbow of Edward Jones, DWH, Frattallone Wealth Management Group, Goldfish Swim School of Farmington Hills, Gordon Food Service, Todd & Melissa Hoefler, Mary Ann Keeler, King Milling, Lacks Enterprises, Lakewood Construction, Middleville Tool & Die, Miller Johnson, James & Mary Nelson, PADNOS, Paper Plane Therapies, Jim & Bonnie Scarlett, Silver Bullet Firearms, Aaron & Jodi Veldheer
Winners Cup
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These donors made gifts or sponsorship commitments of $500 or more to DSAWM since January 2019. Listing as of publication date.
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Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan
233 Fulton St E, Ste 124 | Grand Rapids, MI 49546
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