Over $70,000 Raised At Bolingbrook Down Syndrome Walk

BOLINGBROOK, IL — Over $70,000 was raised for Down Syndrome Support by thousands of community members at the 17th annual Chicagoland Buddy Walk in Bolingbrook. The money raised at the event will go towards helping families of those with Down syndrome.

The Chicagoland Buddy walk was held Sunday, Oct. 13 at Bolingbrook Golf Club. It was attended by 2,500 participants, who walked the one-mile course and help raise $72,000 for the charity Down Syndrome Support. Participants enjoyed live music, a raffle and kids activities at the event. The event's special guest was Sean McElwee, a star of A&E's Emmy-winning "Born This Way," and an individual with Down syndrome.

"It's so great to see the community getting involved and seeing all the families connect with each other," Buddy Walk chairperson Jennifer Paganessi said in a statement. "In our 17th year, some of these families have watched each others children grow up together and we're alwasy welcoming new families."

The National Buddy Walk was started in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.