The Buddy Walk is a one-mile walk that anyone can participate in without special training. The goal of the walk is to raise funds for education, research and advocacy programs while promoting awareness and inclusion for people with Down syndrome.

The 7th Annual Buddy Walk was held on August 25, 2009 at Lincoln Park in Grand Forks.

Matt Houska,a 23-year old young man with Down syndrome, led the walk along with Grand Forks Mayor Michael Brown. Houska, who despite a significant hearing loss, has become an accomplished musician, entertained the crowd by playing the piano, harmonica and guitar.

Matt, a natvive of Grafton ND, has performed in public hundreds of times and has recorded two music CDs. For more information about Matt, visit his website at www.matthouska.com.

Other event highlights included a performance by the Special Olympics Cheerleaders and music by Danceman Productions.

 

Top Fundraisers / Prize Winners

The Brady Bunch
$100 Scheels Gift Card &
$100 Mamma Maria’s Gift Card

The Adam Family
Hotel Stay and Water Park Passes at
Seven Clans Casino

Team Sunkist
$250 Gift Certificate to Chrisy Doyea Photography

Erin B.
U Dance Interactive Musical Game

Kim R.
Game Package:  Trivial Pursuit, Hannah Montana
& High School Musical 3

Mary Jo E..
$25 Texas Roadhouse Gift Certificate &
Two River Cinema movie passes

Matt Houska
Official Buddy Walk Blanket

2009 Buddy Walk Representative Matt Houska leads the walk with Grand Forks Mayor Michael Brown.

The Brady Bunch was the top fundraising team!  The recieved a $100 Scheels Gift Certificate and a $100 Mamma Maria’s Gift Certificate for their awesome fundraising efforts!

Thank You to our Prize Donors

Applebee’s
Big Sioux Travel Plaza
Culver’s of Grand Forks
Christy Doyea Photography
H&R Block
Mamma Maria’s Italian Restaurant
Paradiso
Plains Chiropractic & Acupuncture
River Cinema
Scheel’s All Sports
Seven Clans Casino
Shooting Star Casino
Texas Roadhouse
U.S. Foodservice
Valley Dairy

Special Thanks

Thank you to the volunteers who helped
make this event a success.

Hilda Briggs
Mary Dauksavage
Carla Hanson
Ali Karpenko
Wendy Mayer
Carson Muth
Carol Olimb

Matt Houska entertained the crowd by playing the piano, harmonica and guitar.

The Arc, Upper Valley
2500 DeMers Avenue   PO Box 12420
Grand Forks ND 58208
(701) 772-6191 Phone
(701) 772-2195 Fax