I thought I would give everybody an update on the Buddy Walk. Sorry it has taken so long to send an update.
It was kind of a rainy and dreary morning to start the day on October 24, but by 2:00 it was mostly clear in Columbia. My mom, dad, both my grandmothers, Aunt Cynthia, Uncle Roger, Ben, Aunt Wendy, Mary, Amanda, Joseph, David, Mr. Bill, Ryan, and Tyler, joined me on Team Jordan for the Buddy Walk. When we got to the walk site we received our t-shirts, walked around and played some games, and ate some food. I got to meet the Chick-Fil-A cow, which was really cool. I mooed at him, but he never mooed back, which I thought was a bit rude since grandma’s cows usually moo back. He was a cool cow anyway, and I frequently went back to spend time with him. I also got to meet Cocky. I liked Cocky and thought it was funny to stick my head in his beak. Dad enjoyed seeing me with Cocky, but warned me that supporting Cocky too much at such a young age could lead to a lot of heartbreak in my future. I have no idea what he was talking about.
At about 2:45 the Eau Clair band started playing drums, which was extremely cool so I danced a little. Everybody lined up and we began the walk route that led us around the State House and back to our starting point. I walked most of the way, but wanted to sit down a few times, so I got carried a bit. Dad even let me walk up some of the steps of the State House. Walking up the stepas made me laugh, but I got a lile upset when dad wouldn't let me climb all the way to the top. When we made it back to the starting point, the people with Family Connections took some group pictures, gave out some prizes to some of the top fundraisers, and talked a little about appreciation and inclusion of those of us with Down syndrome, and how Family Connections assists people.
After the walk was over, we went out to eat at Macaroni Grill, since pasta is my favorite food. I made a big mess of my shirt and face but really enjoyed the meal. After eating, mom, dad, and I headed back to Aiken. I fell asleep about five minutes after we started driving. I was tired from such a busy, but fun, day.
In addition to updating everyone on the event, I also wanted to thank everybody who contributed on my behalf to the Buddy Walk. By September 24 I had raised over $2,600. That placed me as the number three fundraiser for the Columbia Buddy Walk. I also received over $400 after September 24, which was gladly submitted to Family Connections, but was not counted as part of my total. For being one of the top three fundraisers I received a Buddy Walk sweat shirt and hat. Dad doesn’t like it, but I prefer to wear the hat sideways or backwards, he really needs to get with the times. I also received a neat engraved glass plaque with my name on it. Mom and dad tried to take a picture of me holding the plaque, but I thought the picture would be better if I sat on the plaque instead. They gave up on taking the picture, and wouldn’t let me sit on the plaque, I just don’t understand that.
While it is nice to get some recognition for myself, the most important thing is that we raised money to help others who also have Trisomy 21. The Columbia Buddy Walk had around 578 walkers, and SC had a total of around 1,000 when you add in the Anderson Buddy Walk. These walks were lead by about 41 team captains, who also have Down syndrome. In total we raised over $42,000, plus whatever was collected after September 24.
While everyone who gave is important to me I want to point out a few people who helped a bunch. Both of my grandmothers helped raise a lot of money. Also my great-aunt Debbie Fulmer and Anna Laura Hutto each raised over $250 apiece. The churches my grandmothers attend, Mt. Ebal Baptist Church (Batesburg) and St. Mark’s Catholic Church (Newberry), both donated at the Guardian Sponsorship Level. Also donating at the Guardian Sponsorship Level was Carolina First Bank (Aiken), Tyler Brothers Ace Hardware (Wagner), and Newberry OB_GYN (Newberry). Those donating at the Guardian Sponsorship Level had their name on the Buddy Walk t-shirt and also received recognition at the Buddy Walk. Donating at the Friend Sponsorship Level was Mark’s Automotive (Chapin), Morgan’s Pharmacy (Springfield and Gilbert), Robin’s Nest (Columbia), Strickland Insurance (Aiken), and Sunshine House (on the Bypass in Aiken). Some of my relatives from the Rodgers side of the family donated over $100. Those donating at the Friend Sponsorship Level received recognition at the Buddy Walk. If you donated money and have not received a receipt, please let me know, and I’ll have mom and dad send you one.
Again thanks to all of you who made a monetary donation. For those who were unable to make a monetary donation, I certainly appreciate all the moral support I have received from you. If any of you want to walk with me next year, Team Jordan will be glad to have you join us at the 2005 Buddy Walk.
I have attached a few pictures for you to see what a fun day I had.
Team Jordan
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Jordan, Mom, and Dad
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Jordan in a box of t-shirts
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Jordan and his cousin Mary with Cocky
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Jordan and his cousin Mary with the Chick-Fil-A cow
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