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We know that this time of year can be both exciting for teams who are raising money and stressful for families who just don't think they can do it!

WE UNDERSTAND!

The amazing thing is that when we all work together and do a little, it goes a very long way.

We never charge a membership fee because we don't want anyone to feel like they cannot join The FOUNDATION. We offer most of our events for free or at a VERY reduced cost so families can benefit from all of our programming. We also almost ALWAYS offer scholarships to families who have limited means. We raise this money each year to make all of this possible! We want to keep giving, but it takes a village. The good news is - our village is growing!

Thankfully, there are families and corporate cup teams who do a lot and there are sponsors who believe in INCLUSION - but that doesn't get us to all the way to our $500,000 goal - we ALL need to do a little.



Did you know if every family that is signed up with

The FOUNDATION

donated only $25

would raise

$50,000?

*We just awarded $54,000+ in scholarships for January - April 2024.

If you don't have a team, one way you could help is to make a donation to a friend's team or the FRIENDS of The FOUNDATION Team. Donate an amount you feel is appropriate for what you receive from our organization.

We even offer an incentive to make it a little more fun!

Another way to help is to donate an auction item - it all adds up!

"Do you mean if I just donate $25, I could win this?" "YES! Exactly! AND you help support INCLUSION and your fellow members!"

So, for every $25 you donate between now and 2/7 to a Tour of Champions Bowling team you get a chance to win! ($100 = 4 chances) You can donate to the FRIENDS of The FOUNDATION Team or your own team!

You also get a whole year of more than 20 events a month, for virtually FREE! So, share this incentive with your friends and family - they can win, too! You just need to spread the word and ask for a one-time $25 donation. If you can do more, that's great - you'll help a friend - who we hope one day will pay it forward.

(Team Captains will get an entry for every $100 their team raises between 1/31 and 2/7.)

Sunday, February 18, 2024

1:30pm - 4:00pm

Boardwalk Bowl Entertainment Center 

10749 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32817

Can we do it?

YES! TOGETHER WE CAN!

$500,000

We have lots of tools to help! Click on the links below for our tutorial videos!

• How to start a Tour of Champions Bowl-a-Thon team
• How to send custom team fundraising emails
• How to link your Facebook fundraising
• How to set-up text giving

Want a social media highlight reel to promote your bowling team? It's not too late....

As we are getting ready to rock and bowl at our Tour of Champions Bowl-A-Thon, we want to invite our Lucky Littles to the Family Fun Zone for some added fun! There will be plenty of crafts and games to enjoy, along with a special princess meet-and-greet.

Bring your siblings and other family members along for the festivities!

Click on the image below for more information and to register.

Thursday, February 22 @ 12:30pm

We are so excited to offer another day at Orlando Family Stage! This opportunity is open to ALL FOUNDATION members. Going to a live show is a wonderful INCLUSION experience! We are charging families only $5 per ticket (cost is $15/ticket) and tickets are available for parents, your child with DS and his/her siblings.

Scholarships are available to anybody who would like to join us but needs some financial assistance. Please email camille.gardiner@dsfflorida.org for more information about receiving a scholarship--we are here to help.

Tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, February 7.

Get your tickets here.

Invitation for Young Explorers Meet-Up!

Hey there, Young Explorers! Come and join us for our February gathering, where you can meet other exciting members from first to sixth grade. This is a family-friendly event, and siblings are encouraged to come along.

We'll be at Victory Martial Arts in Oviedo on Saturday, February 24 from 1 pm to 2 pm. Their non-traditional approach to martial arts will get you moving, laughing, and striving to achieve more.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to have a blast while meeting new friends and families.

Click on the image below for more information and to register.

RSVP for DYHAM? here

What's better than a road trip with some gal pals? A road trip with the LUCKY FEW MAMAS! Guess what is in store for you this month? A trip to visit our friends in Auburndale, dinner and a make and take evening of charcuterie board fun!

We asked who wanted to host a MNO and Erica said, "ME!"

So, here we come!!!

JOIN US! We're going to show our gratitude for friends in Polk County who make the trip to Orlando all the time. Phone a friend or let us know on the FB Private Page or in the notes of the RSVP form if you're willing to drive or need a ride.

Let's have some carpool karaoke FUN on a Friday night!

RSVP for MNO here

PS If you'd like to host a night, email Robin.Longley@DSFFlorida.org and she will get you on the list to coordinate one of our events this year!

The Limitless! class is based on Rhythm Works methodology. The afternoon is structured with a warm-up, time spent working on rhythm, learning various dance moves and ends with a hip-hop-based dance that follows the latest trends.

Members will be encouraged to help choreograph and will leave with moves to use on the dance floor and impress a crowd.

Exercise can come in all forms - including FUN!

Come dressed to move and groove - we are going to ELEVATE your mood!

Click on the image to register!

The Down Syndrome Clinic for Adults is jointly hosted by the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida and Orlando Health. The clinic is designed for adults age birth - 18. All participants will have an opportunity to have a hearing evaluation by an audiologist and will receive a list of local medical providers. REGISTER today!

The following specialists will be available for a consultation:

• Behavior
• Cardiology 
• Dentist
• Dermatology
• Developmental Pediatrician
• Dietician
• Endocrinology
• ENT
• Gastroenterology
• Genetics
• Guardianship
• Occupational therapist
• Ophthalmology
• Orthopedics
• Physical therapist
• Pulmonology
• Speech Therapist
• Trisomy 21 Research Foundation (Nutrivene)
• More providers will be added - stay tuned!

The Down Syndrome Clinic for Children is FREE and will be held at Orlando Health's Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families at 601 W. Michigan Street in Orlando on Saturday, March 9th 9 am to 12:30 pm. Space is limited.

Click on the image below to register.

Have you opened your ABLE United account yet?

Now’s your chance!

Now until 3/31, anyone who completes enrollment online and uses the promo

code “DSFF50” will receive $50 in their new account. Open an account now: ableunited.com

Let's celebrate the Magic of INCLUSION!

Join The FOUNDATION to celebrate the MAGIC OF INCLUSION on World Down Syndrome Day, Thursday, March 21st, at the Kia Center as the Orlando Magic take on the New Orleans Pelicans.

We heard your request and have moved to a LOWER SECTION for the game this year!

The celebration includes The FOUNDATION's VIP pre-game WDSD celebration at the Michelob Ultra Lounge (at the Kia Center) from 5:00 pm-6:30 pm, the game (7 pm tip-off), 50 members on the court for a HIGH-FIVE Halftime Experience and a group photo and chance to thow a free shot on the court at the end of the evening. It will be a night to remember!

At halftime, we will also recognize the Inclusion Champion of the Year as part of our Down Syndrome Partners in Education Program.  

The $10 tickets are for members and their immediate family (parents and siblings) ONLY. Tickets purchased for extended family, friends, or teachers will not be in the same section as The FOUNDATION member's block. (Parking is not included. Scholarships are available for members.) 

Click here for more information and to buy your tickets today!

There are also discounted tickets available for your extended family, friends and classmates available here: Down Syndrome Foundation (fevo-enterprise.com)

The FOUNDATION is dedicated to nurturing a culture centered around learning and growth! Join our iCan! Work initiative, carefully crafted to equip your son/daughter with the necessary tools and resources for both personal and professional development. Gain access to success coaches, as well as engaging training and development sessions aimed at enhancing their skills and knowledge.

We are currently inviting individuals to become part of our Spring 2024 Orlando Health Cohort. Work in a location convenient for you within your chosen department, whether it's Food and Nutrition, Environmental Service, Transportation & Equipment, or Guest Services.

The iCan! Work program offers a 12-week PAID internship opportunity. Apply now for further details.

Last chance to be part of the Orlando Magic excitement this season!

Are you 18 years or older with Down syndrome?

Did you know that you can work at the Orlando Magic games and get paid?!

When: February - April 2024

Time: Various times

Location: Kia Center (Amway Arena)

(Click on the link below to see the Orlando Magic's upcoming dates and times)

You must attend a minimum of 16 games to be paid $12/hr.

You will be helping prep snacks and deliver food to the Club and VIP level.

If you are interested in working at the Kia Center (Amway Arena) and earning a paycheck please reach out to Caroline today: caroline.sanchez@dsfflorida.org.

Want to know what it takes for your loved one to have a job in the future? Consider becoming a volunteer for the iCan! Work program with The FOUNDATION!

This is an incredible opportunity to make a difference and have a great time volunteering!

By joining our amazing group of volunteers, you will be contributing to the success of this program and making a positive impact!

We look forward to having you join us and becoming a part of something truly magical!

Anyone 18 years old or older can volunteer and help our iCan! Work program at the Kia Center (Amway Arena)! (This includes members with T21 who are 18+ and cannot commit to 16 games - you can volunteer with a family member).

This is a great way to keep your membership with

The FOUNDATION active.

Click here to get started.

Help us celebrate the MAGIC OF INCLUSION

by nominating your Inclusion Champion!

This is your opportunity to honor that special person in your child's life who has provided them with INCLUSION opportunities. Each nominee will be celebrated with a certificate for their efforts in inclusion in the school setting. All nominations will be reviewed by a panel of Down Syndrome Partners of Education (DSPIE) representatives, community judges, and FOUNDATION employees to vote and award the Inclusion Champion of the Year!  

The winner of Inclusion Champion of the Year, their principal, the DSPIE representative from their school district, the student who the inclusion nomination is about, and one of their parents will be honored on March 21, 2024, at the Orlando Magic vs. New Orleans Pelicans game during halftime. The winner will also receive a cash award of $321 and a celebration at their school for their fantastic dedication to all students!

All nominees need to be the CURRENT school year employee (2023-2024). Click here to nominate your Inclusion Champion.

*Our first ten (10) nominees will receive a FREE ticket to the game.

*The first five (5) FOUNDATION members to nominate a CHAMPION will be able to participate in the halftime "High-Five Halftime Experience" (To participate you must have a ticket to the game.) Limit one "High-Five" experience per family.

*All nominees will be invited to the VIP FOUNDATION PRE-GAME EVENT at 5pm at the Kia Center. 

*Deadline for nominations: February 23, 2024

Let's get social!

Follow us on social media for more information and to stay up-to-date on our upcoming events.