Bobby Kern, professor of psychology and family studies, is encouraging the Oklahoma Christian community to walk to raise awareness for Down Syndrome for the 23rd annual Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma Festival and 5K.
On Saturday, Sept. 23, participants will walk around the Chickasaw Ball Park in downtown Oklahoma City wearing a Team Buggy Jo shirt to support Kern’s son, Josiah.
The walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. Afterwards, participants are invited to enjoy the Down Syndrome Awareness festival, meet the other families involved in the walk and sign up for volunteer opportunities throughout the year with the DSACO.
Festivities for this year’s event include raffles, moon bounces, a petting zoo, music and a variety of games open to all participants.
The festival and 5K is the major annual fundraising event for the DSACO. All money raised will benefit DSACO’s various activities and programs throughout the year.
As of Friday, Sept. 15, Kern reported due to the overwhelming support of the Oklahoma Christian community, Team Buggy Jo t-shirts had almost completely sold out. The following Tuesday, participants had the opportunity to dine-in at Alfredo’s to raise further financial support for the association.
Prior to the awareness walk, a 5K will kick off the event at 8 a.m. Registration for the 5K is $35, which includes a t-shirt and a ‘swag’ bag. Although online registration has closed, those wishing to participate can register beginning at 6 a.m. Saturday morning.
According to DSACO, the event has raised $136,140, with approximately $39,000 to go to meet their goal. Team Buggy Jo is among the top 10 teams with $6,711 raised.
Last year, 150 Oklahoma Christian students, staff, faculty and administration participated in the event for Team Buggy Jo. Over 6,000 are expected to participate in the entirety of this year’s festival and 5K.
For more information or details on the event, contact Bobby Kern.
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