What Have We Been Up To?
World Down Syndrome Day Lights Event
On World Down Syndrome Day, groups of families gathered at the corner of Franklin Street and Kennedy in front of the Old City Hall building. Why? To watch as the city illuminated the building in blue and yellow to celebrate the holiday! Fox 13 also came out to cover the event, with our president Craig Woodard Sr. taking part in the interviews. In addition to Old City Hall, the Truist building, Kennedy Bridge, Riverwalk, the Ziggurat, and Raymond James Stadium were also lit up in blue and yellow. Friend’s President Ashley Piazza Odom pulled this illumination event off and we could not be more thankful for her and her efforts. This event was only the second time the board of directors from the Down Syndrome Association of Tampa Bay, Friends – Down syndrome/Special needs, GiGi’s Playhouse, and the Bucalo Family Foundation were together at the same time. United we stood and plan to stand as we all came together as a community to celebrate ThisAbility! Check out the Fox 13 news clip below!
Down Right Perfect Fashion Show at Lamb Elementary School
For the second year in a row Lamb Elementary hosted the Down Right Perfect Fashion Show on World Down Syndrome Day, put on by DSATB Board Member, Chè Counce-Maida. This time around, Renee Warmack, the director of the documentary Because of Sam, spoke alongside Sam Piazza and our president, Craig Woodard Sr. Sam spoke about his inspiring story and Craig Sr. spoke to students all about Down syndrome. After everyone spoke, Lamb’s dance team put on a special performance before two of Lamb’s students blessed with Down syndrome, Karter and Craig Woodard Jr., walked the runway. Bay News 9 covered the event, interviewing both Chè Counce-Maida and Craig Woodard Sr. The school also raised funds for DSATB by selling buttons, wristbands, and shirts.
2024 Rise-Up for Down Syndrome Gala
The third Rise-Up for Down syndrome Gala was presented by Union Park Charter Academy and was held at The Vault in Downtown Tampa on March 9, 2024. Over $10,000 was raised during the fundraiser.
We had a blast celebrating with a photo booth from We Poppin’ Events and lots of dancing to music played by BASH Entertainment. Socially Funded also hosted our silent auction!
Six outstanding individuals in the community were presented with awards. Tampa city counselman Luis Viera received the Leadership Impact Award. Shelbea Houston received the Above and Beyond Award. The CEO of Pinchasers, Anthony Perrone, received the Executive Choice Award. Buddy Baseball executive director Russ Oberbroeckling received the Limelight Award. Wild 94.1 program director Orlando Davis received the Community Advocacy Award. MJ Morning Show co-host Roxanne Wilder received the DSATB Lifetime Emcee Award. Congratulations, everyone!
Down to Bowl III
On 03/02/2024, our Vice President, Drew Garabo, co-host of Drew Garabo Live on 102.5 The Bone, hosted Down to Bowl III. The event was held at Pin Chasers Midtown and $25,000 was raised for DSATB. We would like to give a huge shout out to Achieva Credit Union for once again being our title sponsor!
Attendees had a blast bowling for a great cause!
Socially Funded also ran a silent auction for us, with one of the items being a guitar autographed by Taylor Swift. We also had a raffle, with attendees taking home items such as a $500 gift certificate to The Gold and Diamond Source and several different concert tickets.
Many, many thanks to everyone who came out and to Drew Garabo and the entire crew at 102.5 The Bone for being so kind and gracious and continuing to support us year after year!