Buddy Walk - Friends

Why You Should Come to the FRIENDS Buddy Walk® 💙💛

The FRIENDS Buddy Walk® isn’t just an event—it’s a celebration of love, inclusion, and community. Whether you’ve joined us before or this is your first time, the 25th Annual Buddy Walk® is one you won’t want to miss!

Here’s why:

✨ Celebrate a Milestone: 25 years of walking together for acceptance, awareness, and inclusion—it’s a momentous occasion, and we want YOU to be a part of it!

👟 Walk with Purpose: Every step supports individuals with Down syndrome and their families, raising awareness and vital funds to empower and uplift our FRIENDS community.

🫶 Form a Team & Fundraise: Participants are encouraged to create teams in honor of their loved one with Down syndrome and help raise funds to support FRIENDS programming all year long—from social events and educational resources to advocacy initiatives. Our 2025 goal is $40,000, and with your help, we’d love to surpass it!

🎉 Unforgettable Fun: From music and dancing to games, food, and inspiring stories, there’s something for everyone—kids, families, friends, and supporters of all ages.

🌟 Meet Our Grand Marshal: David DeSanctis—actor, advocate, and all-around inspiration—will be joining us to lead the walk and share his incredible story.

💬 Bonus Night of Connection: Don’t forget to join us Friday night for Dinner & Chat with David at The Gallery. It’s a special evening to connect, reflect, and get excited for Saturday’s celebration!

📚 Be Part of a National Movement: The Buddy Walk®, established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society, promotes awareness and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. To learn more about its history, development, and current impact, visit the National Down Syndrome Society website.

Come walk with us, laugh with us, and lift up voices that deserve to be heard. Let’s make this 25th anniversary the most impactful yet—because when we walk together, we grow stronger together. 💙💛

Buddy Walk Details

Saturday, November 15, 2025

ETSU CPA Front Yard
We will be holding the event in the intramural field next to the CPA on the ETSU campus. This is the complex behind Knight's Pizza and Bojangles. The half mile walk begins at 11:00 am.

Admission Prices

Buddy Walk Registration
Admission prices includes t-shirts and medals.
Free – Individual with Ds
$21 – Adult (ages 13 and up)
$12 – Youth (ages 3-12)
Free – Child 2 and under

$200 – Banners
$100 - Route Signs

$25 - Vendor (or free with product donation)

T-shirts

T-Shirt Pick up is the night before the Buddy Walk at the field from 4:30 to 6:00 pm. There will be additional pick up times announced through FaceBook in September.