Buddy Walk to aid Down Syndrome efforts

The Wichita Down Syndrome Society is hosting the 2012 National Buddy Walk from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Heartspring, 8700 E. 29th St. The event is a free family-friendly one-mile walk to support the organization.

The event will include games, music, face painting, moonwalks, clowns and an obstacle course. Raffle tickets will be available for $1 each or six for $5. A drawing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. Participants also can register early at dsswichita.org. For more information or to make a donation, call 316-617-9102.

Organizers hope to raise $82,000. Proceeds from the Buddy Walk are used to distribute information packets to parents and doctors. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the National Down Syndrome Society to support Down Syndrome efforts nationwide.