Upcoming Events & Announcements

Now it’s even easier to stay updated!

Manasota BUDS Events & Announcements

Buddy Walk - October 21, 2017

Registration is now open for the Manasota BUDS 16th Annual Buddy Walk on Saturday, October 21, 2017! Register your team, family and friends and start raising awareness and funds for individuals with Down syndrome!

Register online now!

Manasota BUDS 16th Annual Buddy Walk will be held at Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival. Every registered walker will be given FREE entry into the Pumpkin Festival following the Buddy Walk.

$15 per walker, FREE for individuals with Down Syndrome and children under 3. Register prior to September 30, 2017 to confirm this year's t-shirt in your size!

Check out our Sponsorship opportunities ranging from $250 to $5000. For more information, please email: kbarry@manasotabuds.org

Did you know you can email your friends, family and coworkers directly from your ManasotaBUDS account? Once you've registered for Buddy Walk, you can use your "Dashboard" to update your fundraising page, add personalization to your team page, and request donations or ask people to join your team! If you need assistance using these features, please email: kbarry@manasotabuds.org

Buddy Walk Volunteers Needed!

We need your help in making this year's Buddy Walk a success! We have volunteer opportunities available for set-up on Friday, 10/20 and during the event on 10/21.

SIGN-UP GENIUS - VOLUNTEER SIGN UP FOR BUDDY WALK

Monthly Meetings

1st Thursday of every month at Living Lord Lutheran Church (11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch 34202). Dinner and childcare with Music Therapy session provided at no cost to BUDS families.

Upcoming meetings:

Thursday, October 5, 2017, 6:00 p.m. - Jessica Moody from Florida Family Network on Disabilities will be speaking to BUDS families about their programs and services.

Thursday, November 2, 2017, 6:00 p.m.- Lindsey Breffle from Camelot Community Care will be speaking to BUDS families regarding the current need in our community for therapeutic foster parents.

D.A.D.S. Night Out

Wednesday, October 11th from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

*Gecko's Grill & Pub, 351 N. Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232 (Fruitville/Cattlemen)

ALL Dads are invited and welcome at this monthly event. Dadsnightout@manasotabuds.org

Moms' Night Out

We're taking a short break and will resume BUDS Moms' Night Out in November!

Martial Arts Classes - (Ongoing)

Manasota BUDS is sponsoring Martial Arts classes for individuals with Down syndrome (age 6 years-old and up). The classes will be held at Bostocks Martial Arts in Bradenton on Fridays from 6:00 - 6:45 p.m.

There is no cost to registered Manasota BUDS families. For more information or to register your child for BUDS Martial Arts, please email: info@manasotabuds.org

Dance Classes - (New Session!)

Manasota BUDS has partnered with Stage Door Studios in Sarasota to provide 2 dance classes for girls and boys with Down syndrome.

Class 1: Beginning Experiences with Dance, Wednesdays from 4:15-5:00pm

Ages 5-7

Performance in June (optional)

Students need to be able to follow basic instructions with parent intervention as needed. Very kind teacher and helper are great in encouraging compliance & participation in a kind environment.

Class 2: Intermediate Dance, Thursdays 4:15-5:00pm

Ages 8-16

Performance in June (optional)

Students need to show interest and basic motivation in dance.

Very kind teacher and helper are great in encouraging participation in a kind environment.

Once you are registered you may begin the week of August 28th.

Registration begins now and ends September 25, 2017. Registration will open again in January to fill any available slots.

Step 1: Contact Brooke Olivieri at bolivieri@manasotabuds.org to be put on the list.

Step 2: Register online with Stage Door Studios at www.stagedoorstudios.com

The costs associated with the class with be covered by Manasota Buds. Please ensure that if you sign up you give your best diligent efforts to attend classes regularly.

Little Buddies Support and Playgroup

Little Buddies Support and Playgroup is offered at different times and locations. Be sure to check our Facebook page and sign up for our E-newsletters for updates!

Buddy Up Tennis & Braden River TOP Soccer

Due to Hurricane Irma - Tennis will start 9/23/17. (9/16 - CXLD)

Programs & Services

Group Meetings & Events

Connect with other families, learn more about current support systems and get involved! We offer guest speakers and time to network with other families. We also invite you to join in our Buddy Walk to socialize, connect and raise awareness about the BUDS mission.

Meetings are held the 1st Thursday of every month at 6:00 p.m. at Living Lord Lutheran Church, 11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202. Food and drinks provided.

New & Expectant Parent Kits

Kits include books and inspirational essays, local contact names and phone numbers, and information about Manasota BUDS, NDSS, and NDSC. All materials are compiled and approved by Manasota BUDS parents, with families in mind.

Small Group Activities

Join our youth community!
Little Buddies - age birth to five
BUDS Kids - age 6 to 10
Teen BUDS - age 11 to 18
YADS - Young adults with Down syndrome, age 18+