By WARREN DILLAWAY
ASHTABULA TOWNSHIP — More than 100 people gathered Sunday afternoon to help support special people with special needs.
Inez Gaumer, co-chairwoman with Terry Mate, said the fifth annual Buddy Walk was a success as people of all ages were lining up to walk a mile through Lake Shore Park.
“The march is to raise awareness of Down Syndrome. They are people first,” Gaumer said of the educational awareness of the many things people with Down Syndrome are capable of doing.
Organizers honored individuals and families who raised the most money by allowing them to help lead the walk. The Sundquist family raised $900 and Claude Gaumer $509.
Gaumer said the final tabulation of how much was raised would not be completed until mid-week.
Maria Kovacs of Ashtabula joined the walk because of a family connection. “My little sister has Down Syndrome,” Kovacs said while starting the walk with dozens of similarly clad walkers in their white and blue tee shirts.
Forgiven, an Ashtabula County Christian Motorcyclist Association, coordinated a ride that raised $500, said club president Jim Short.
Gaumer said proceeds from the event will help a developmentally disabled support group fund a variety of projects at Happy Hearts School and AshCraft.
She said the group sends kids to camp, conducts dances, purchases equipment and provides workshops for parents and staff.
The National Down Syndrome Association coordinates similar walks across the country. A lot of local sponsors helped make the event possible, she said.
