,
dramatically exceeding this year’s goal of $25,000.
This year there were seventeen
exhibitors representing local agencies, service
organizations, community groups, family support groups,
medical providers, research teams and local businesses.
The teen/young adult network
made its debut in a tent with displays of the art of Michael
Johnson, a Chicago portrait artist with Down Syndrome, the
B.U.G., a magazine for and by individuals with
disabilities, a self-advocacy booth, a poster display of
school activities from the exceptional Education students at
Sahuaro HS, some arts and craft materials for the
artistically oriented, musical instruments for the musically
inclined, and a good supply of address books for the young
folk to keep track of new friends. Two basketball hoops
were strategically located close by for the sports fans.
Entertainment was on hand for all
ages, graciously provided by Ronald McDonald, his
third appearance, Mariachi Juvenil San Juan who
returned this year with a riveting performance, and Hispanic
folk singer, Jose “Pepo” Saavedra, whose gentle tones
and stirring message accompanied the food. Smokey the
Bear, a Buddy Walk veteran, and his big green fire
truck courtesy of the Sabino Canyon Ranger Station,
were a favorite with the littlest walkers; and the Tucson
Garden Railway Society set up a wonderful model train
display geared for the young. Inflatable obstacle courses
and a train kept the little ones, hopping, and a team of
volunteers on their toes.
The University of Arizona provided
many of the volunteers including 26 members of the NROTC,
members of Youth Adventures, a university service
group, and members of Phi Alpha Delta, a pre law
organization. As well many individuals of all ages offered
their services to help out this year’s celebration and its
theme of community, ability and diversity. The volunteer
corps was, from top to bottom, outstanding, taking
initiative to jump in where needed, working tirelessly
throughout the event and visibly enjoying the experience.
This year the Southern Arizona Network
for Down Syndrome made its first presentation of the
SANDS Impact Awards to recognize those who have had a
positive impact on an individual with Down Syndrome. Awards
were granted in the four areas of professional, academic,
community and individual. The recipients were Sally
Breinig, Exceptional Physical Education Teacher at
Sahuaro High School, Karen Gemma, Amphi School
District, Brielle Hadley, older sister of Claire
Hadley, and Chuck and Bessie Ford, parents.
As well certificates of honor were
given to those whose presence has inspired their families
and friends to contribute significantly to Tucson Buddy
Walk.
Excellent food was provided by Eegees,
a long time sponsor of Tucson Buddy Walk, and El Guero
Canelo, a Tucson landmark and newcomer to the event with
whom we hope to have an enduring relationship, was
contracted to cater their famous Sonoran Hotdogs. Even
situated directly in the sun, an oversight that will be
remedied next year, the staff of El Guero Canelo cheerfully
and efficiently, served up hot dogs until the last hungry
person was fed.
This year Sponsors stepped forward
from all areas of the community: platinum sponsors -
($2,500) Desert Diamond Casino and Tucson Fire
Fighters’ Association; Gold Sponsors ($1,000) -
American Family Insurance; Silver Sponsors ($500) –
City of Tucson, Ward 6 courtesy of Council Member Nina
Trasoff, Ward V courtesy of Steve Leal, Ward 3 courtesy of
Karin Uhlich; Bashas’, SOS Exterminators, Wal*Mart,
Compass Bank and Tucson Medical Center. Gordons’ Jewelers,
Michael Hight, Jeweler, Borderlands, Westin-La Paloma,
Arizona Opera provided wonderful items for the silent
auction. Many more local businesses, as well as City of
Tucson, Mayor Walkup, and council members Carol West
and Shirley provided funds from $100 or items in kind
for the raffle. See Full List of Sponsors
Territorial Signs Co. owner, Bill
Fields, contributed many beautiful signs for this year’s
event, as he does every year for this and other worthy
enterprises, and Distinct Impressions owner, John
Wilhelmson, one of the original supports of Challenger
Baseball, and his graphic designer exceeded themselves with
this year’s Buddy Walk t-shirts featuring the traditional
blue logo backlit in red against the brilliant gold shirts.
At exactly 3:30, following a breathtaking demonstration and
original number created for this event by the Sahuaro
High School Cheerleaders, this diverse extended family
of all ages, sizes and abilities, walking, in strollers, in
wheelchairs, lead by banner holders from the Swanson
Family, became for a moment a single river of gold,
flowing around the ponds south of DeMeester and back up to
the amphitheater.
This simple four hour event was the
product of many people from different families and
backgrounds, all economic brackets, many different races,
cultures and faiths, from community businesses, local
government and schools – each one with a singular commitment
to a world in which each individual is recognized and valued
for his or her ability to contribute something unique to
family, community, country and planet.
We thank you all for your part in
making this vision a reality.
Caroline and Frank Ganz
Coordinators, Tucson Buddy Walk 2006
Platinum - $2,500 +:
Desert Diamond Casino $2,500
Tucson Fire Fighters Association $2,500
Gold - $1,000 +:
American Family Insurance
$1,000
Silver - $500.00 +:
Southwest Airlines
Tucson Medical Center
Michael Hight, Jeweler
Bashas’
Wal*Mart
Compass
Bank
City of Tucson Council members:
Nina J. Trasoff, Ward 6
Steve Leal, Ward 5
Karin Uhlich, Ward 3
Eegee’s drinks for 500
SOS Exterminators, Inc
Bronze - $100+ :
Jim Click
Oasis
Spa
Finley
Distributing
Albertson's (in-kind donation)
Frito-Lay (in-kind donation)
Sparkletts Water (in-kind donation)
City of
Tucson, Mayor Walkup,
Council
members:
Carol
West, Ward2,
Shirley
Scott, Ward 4,
Canyon
Ranch
Direct
Cntr for Independence
Anonymous
Gordon’s Jewelry: earrings, bracelet
and necklace set
Arizona Opera: Opera tickets
Other In kind
donations:
Trader Joe's: $40 worth of Hansen's
soda
Western Warehouse: 2 Gift Certificates
Eegee’s: food at half
price
Safeway: $25 G.C.
Arizona Inn: Brunch for Two G.C. ($60)
CostCo: $50 G.C.
Food City: $50 G.C.
Funtastics: 4 miniature golf
tickets
Old Tucson Studios: 2 admission
tickets
University of Arizona Athletic
Dept: BB Jersey,
Reddy Ice: 2 40 lb bags free, ½ price
thereafter
Invisible Theater: tickets ($50)
Peter Piper Pizza : Party for 15
certificate
Borderlands : Pewter Platter ($120)
Tucson Digital Print & Copy: free
copying and printing
Distinct Impressions: t-shirts at
reduced price
Territorial Signs: Buddy
Walk signs free
