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Step Up Walk for Down syndrome

by ELLI GOLDMAN HILBERT
Staff Writer | August 21, 2021 1:00 AM

POST FALLS — Ds Connections Northwest will host the 12th annual "Step Up Walk" on Saturday, Aug. 28, raising funds and awareness for people with Down syndrome.

The Blazen Divaz will be on hand, a DJ will keep the music going and food, raffles and games will entertain after the walk.

It begins at 9 a.m. at The Fields at Real Life Ministries Church in Post Falls. Registration is $20 for adults, $12 for kids and participants with Down syndrome may walk for free.

Walkers can form teams or walk alone.

“It is only one mile, so that absolutely everyone can participate,” said Executive Director Kim Moline.

Ds Connections was conceived in 2009 by two mothers of children with Down syndrome.

Staffed primarily by volunteers, Ds Connections brings resources and a network of support to families across the Inland Northwest.

It is based in Hayden with extension offices serving Pullman, Moscow, Lewiston, Clarkston, Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry.

Moline said they expect around 400 walkers and are hoping for even more. They have sponsorships available and need more raffle donations and volunteers.

“But awareness is the biggest thing,” Moline said.

The COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected the work Ds Connections does. They had to be creative to keep the support going, Moline said.

“It is so important for these children and families to not be isolated,” Moline said.

The Step Up Walk in 2018 had over 800 walkers and raised close to $40,000.

Registration can be done online or on the day of the event. Info: www.DsConnectionsNW.org

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Photo courtesy of Ds Connections Northwest

"We'd love to have more walkers, and we have sponsorships available and need more raffle donations," said Kim Moline, executive director of Ds Connections Northwest.

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Photo courtesy of Kim Moline

Smiling during the 2019 Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk from left: Jordyn Andrade, Riley Kibbe and Doug Kempthorne; 2020 's event was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic and organizers are pleased to host the event live again this year