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Manasota BUDS Events & Announcements

Teen BUDS Art Class - Save the Date!

Saturday, July 9, 2022 from 2-4PM

More information to come soon!

Do you have a teenager with Down syndrome and want to get involved with planning fun activities for this group? You will be working with other parents/volunteers to make these activities fun and/or educational, socially inclusive and regularly/well attended both at our headquarters and within the community. Manasota BUDS administration is here to support the efforts and provide budget/board approval. The more you plan, the more we have the opportunity for grant & community funding to support the group's activities! Please email [email protected] for more information about how you can donate your time.

DADS Night Out

When:  Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at 7:00pm

Where:  Gecko's Grill & Pub, 351 N. Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota 34232

The Manasota BUDS chapter of DADS meets for a meal, cold drinks and good conversations, usually the second Wednesday of every month. RSVP now or sign up to receive DADS updates by emailing [email protected]

*Manasota BUDS will purchase food and soft drinks for those who RSVP via email or social media. Alcoholic beverages must be purchased separately by the consumer.

Buddy Walk Planning Committee Meeting and Volunteer Open House

Tuesday, August 2, 2022 from 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Manasota BUDS - 7267 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota FL 34241

Calling ALL VOLUNTEERS! We need your help this year more than ever. Not only are we pulling off a BRAND NEW and IMPROVED Buddy Walk in an all new location, we also have an amazing new office for volunteers to regularly have a place to obtain their school/educational required community service hours!

Please email [email protected] if you can attend the meeting and volunteer open house, or to arrange a time to discuss how you can volunteer with BUDS.

Manasota BUDS 20th Anniversary Buddy Walk

Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.

Grace Community Church, 8000 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241

We are excited for you to join us at our 20th Manasota BUDS Buddy Walk on October 29th! As always, the Buddy Walk will be a great event full of fun for the whole family. The day starts at 9:00 am with activities leading up to the Walk at 11am. Free activities for the kids, $1 Carnival games with prizes, Raffle and Silent Auction, a FREE raffle opportunity, music, food trucks and so much more! Back this year by popular demand, the "friendly competition" between Buddy Walk fundraising teams, including trophies and prizes for the team(s) with the "Most Team Members" and "Best Fundraisers".

We need your help to make this our best ever Buddy Walk - Sign up now to VOLUNTEER!

Manasota BUDS 20th Anniversary Buddy Walk

Donate directly in Honor of Lylah Bardwell

We see Lylah's grace and sparkle everywhere as Manasota BUDS continues to receive donations in her name. Our board of directors has allocated these funds specifically to providing life-saving swim and self-rescue lessons to individuals with Down syndrome in our community. Our love and thanks, always, to the Bardwell Family for sharing their story and helping us help the Down syndrome community.

https://www.manasotabuds.org/event/loveforlylah

Our organization is "Under Construction"

We are working behind the scenes and updates will be released periodically.

NEW!! Physical Location - 7267 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241

We have some exciting things in the works here at Manasota BUDS with the opening of our office and meeting space! Please continue to check our website for updates as we continue to add additional programs, events and activities for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Thank you for your continued support of Manasota BUDS and people with Down syndrome.

COVID-19 Disclaimer

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Manasota BUDS has encouraged families to use their best judgement when it comes to exposing your loved ones to others who may spread the illness. We are very aware that the youngest of our vulnerable population still has not been approved to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, should families decide it is right for them. Please be aware that Manasota BUDS social events and activities are at your own risk, and Manasota BUDS is not responsible for any spread of illness.

Programs & Services

Manasota BUDS