Upcoming Events & Announcements
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Manasota BUDS Events & Announcements
Monthly Meetings
1st Thursday of every month at Living Lord Lutheran Church (11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch 34202). Dinner and childcare with Yoga for the Special Child session provided at no cost to BUDS families.
Upcoming meetings:
Thursday, September 5, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. - A representative from Whole Child Manatee will be in attendance to inform families of their services. Also, a BUDS family delegate who attended the NDSS National Convention will be sharing some of resources with BUDS families.
Thursday, October 3, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. - TBA
D.A.D.S. Night Out
Wednesday, September 11th at 7:00pm
*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
Thursday, August 29, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
*Kona Grill, University Town Center (I-75 and University Parkway
RSVP to kbarry@manasotabuds.org
18th Annual Buddy Walk 
The Manasota BUDS 18th Annual Buddy Walk will be held Saturday, October 19th at Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival. The online registration and fundraising website is now open!
Register your family, create your team and use your fundraising page to invite family, friends and coworkers to participate and donate to help us reach our fundraising goal of $100,000 in 2019!
To register and for all Buddy Walk information, CLICK HERE!
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 classes beginning August 2019
Manasota BUDS has partnered with Stage Door Studios in Sarasota to provide 2 dance classes for girls and boys with Down syndrome. Please contact Brooke Olivieri to register your child by emailing bolivieri@manasotabuds.org
Ages 5 - 8: Wednesdays at 4:15pm
Ages 9 and up: Thursdays at 4:15pm
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+
