Nothing like taking out "the bike" for a warm fall day ride.

Luke is now hooked on "the ride" thanks to Joe Blando and Linda Spencer who held a chili cookoff at their home to help us increase sign-ups for Luke's Skywalkers this year.  Their generosity and the generosity of their friends from Warrensberg really paid it forward for the Walk.

But we still need your help in keeping our largest team position for the fourth year in a row.  Call your relatives, friends and neighbors to get the ball rolling and keep Luke's team #1 in Walkers. 

The Walk and Luke's Skywalkers need your help this year more than ever.  Everyone knows what the unemployment issues are; not to mention the reductions in public support for families that have a loved one with Down syndrome.    However, we know that the DSG and these kids can count on us to come through to make sure today's children and adults with Down syndrome get the support needed to reach their full potential.  They want nothing more than to succeed in school and in their careers after school.  Please ask your friends, co-workers, and family to join you this year at the Walk so the difference in public funding can be made up by us, their families, friends and neighbors.

Will you be there to help us cross the finish line this year?

• Bring your kids and grandkids.  There's lots of rides and games they'll enjoy and always teriffic food.
• Talk to members of your church, community organization and work associates to come experience one of the most exciting events in all of KC.
• Call Grandpa at 816 550 9402 and he'll gladly help you sign up or start your own team.  Luke would give you his number but Mom gets upset when he ties up the phone.  Imagine that...........

 Your participation in the walk shows you support inclusion and acceptance for people with Down syndrome and recognize their many gifts, talents and contributions to society. We envision a bright future with your help.

It would be wrong for us to close without recognizing the incredible staff that makes DSG of Kansas City, one of the finest programs of its type in the nation.  Under the leadership of Amy Allison, Executive Director, the programs expand the acceptance of all of those with Down syndrome to be accepted into their community as school age children and working adults; adults who are contributing to our community and paying taxes.

View DSG's Programs & Services Brochure, 2010 Annual Report and 2010 Year in Review Video to learn more about how the funds you raise are used to improve the lives of people with Down syndrome.

Never forget that your fundraising efforts truly change lives. If you can't make the walk, making a donation to the team is simple; just click on the "Donation to the Luke's Skywalkers" link.

We thank you for your generous support of Luke's Skywalkers and look forward to seeing you Saturday, October 29, 2011 at the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk & Festival!.  Seeing you at the Walk is Luke's favorite time of the year.

As always, if there is anything Luke and I can do to help you to join our team or assist you in any fund raising effort please call us at (816) 550 9402.  We'll be happy to do whatever it takes.  Besides it keeps Grammy happy, it gets Grampa out of the house.