People have been asking how the Polar Bear Plunge was, and I really only have three words to describe it: COLD. CRAZY. FUN. Our awesome team ended up raising over $3,500 to contribute to the Special Olympics! Some of the donations will help support a new initiative known as the Young Athletes Program -- "an innovative 'play' program for children aged 2-7 that focuses on early intervention in the development of critical physical skills." Our little Vinnie is a part of that age group, and we're really looking forward to the future ahead of him. Next year we hope to have an even bigger team and raise even more money!! Oh, and in case you were wondering, that's Drew in the wig and Guns 'n Roses t-shirt :)

**CLICK HERE** to view the slideshow!

If any of you are in the area on January 26th and have nothing to do, come out to the MSP Polar Bear Plunge at Sandy Point State Park!  It's a HUGE event where hundreds of people jump into the freezing Chesapeake Bay to raise money for Special Olympics.  Drew, Lindsay, Heather, Anne, my brother-in-law Bill (B, you have to register!), and I are going to be participating.  Yes, we are crazy...but it's going to be a ridiculously fun time and it's all for a good cause (yay, Vinnie!)  Just check out the pictures from previous plunges in their slideshows and you'll see for yourself.  It's free for spectators. There's going to be a big winter festival in a heated tent with live music, food & drinks, stuff for kids, sand sculptures, and even pig racing(!)...where else can you cheer on a porker in the middle of winter?  If you're feeling a little crazy yourself and want to join our team, PLEASE DO!!  We need 4 more people!  And if you feel like making a small donation, you can visit our page - Team Holy Shivers!! (Heather gets all the credit for our awesome name :)  Thanks for your support! Hope to see you there!

 

Thank you so much to everyone who supported Team Vinnie at this year's Buddy Walk!! We were able to raise over $3,300 to contribute to the National Down Syndrome Society and the Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County. We're amazed and humbled by the kindness and generosity of others. We hope that with everyone's support, we can continue to raise awareness about Down Syndrome and help promote the importance of acceptance and inclusion. A special thanks to those who came out to walk with us! Can't wait for next year!! :) Click here to view the slideshow!

The Buddy Walk was a huge success!!  A large group came out on October 6th to show their support for my nephew, Vinnie... and the donations are still coming in!  We are so thankful for everyone's generosity to such a GREAT cause.  Pictures coming soon!  Here's one to start - our team pin (designed by Aimee)...

His mohawk and "Wild Child" t-shirt just kill me! :) -- Photo by Bill LaCosta.

Drew & I are participating in our second Down Syndrome Buddy Walk this October. As some of you know, my nephew Vinnie was born with Down Syndrome last March. He is the SWEETEST baby ever...I love him with every bone in my body. The money we raise will go to the National Down Syndrome Society and the Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County, and will help support programs for people with Down syndrome in our area. We want Vinnie and his friends to have the resources they need as they get older!

Please consider joining our team and walking with us (it's only a mile), or sponsoring us with a small tax-deductible donation. We would love your support!

Here's a link to the Team Vinnie page:
http://www.gifttool.com/athon/OurTeamPage?ID=1295&AID=98&TID=231

And here's a link to our personal fundraising page:
http://www.gifttool.com/athon/MyFundraisingPage?ID=1295&AID=98&PID=7882

Check out the fun we had at last year's Buddy Walk in Northern Virginia: