Gold Coast Down Syndrome Plans July 31 Wine Tasting

The Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization (GCDSO) will kick off its 19th annual Buddy Walk with a wine tasting Wednesday, July 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Wine Cellar at Renaissance Commons (1500 Gateway Blvd., Boynton Beach). Guests will enjoy a variety of wines and food. The organization serves Palm Beach County and helps children and adults with Down syndrome and their families.

“We are so excited to be bringing back ‘Buddy Walk… Uncorked’ again,” Chairwoman Jaymie Cabot said. “Last year, our inaugural event exceeded our expectations and we look forward to an even larger number of guests this year. The funds raised at the event will be used to support our resource center. We’ve been in the building for a little over a year, and because of our new location, we’ve been able to offer the most programs ever in our 33-year history.”

“Buddy Walk… Uncorked” is a fun opportunity to GCDSO members geared up for Buddy Walk fundraising, Cabot said. “We are very grateful to our sponsors, Estate Properties of Palm Beach and Sun Fabrics, for their generous support,” she added.

Working with Cabot on “Buddy Walk… Uncorked” are Janessa Gross, Cindy Calvagne and members of the 2013 Buddy Walk Committee.

Tickets cost $20 per person with reservations and $25 at the door, space permitting. All ticket proceeds and 30 percent of any wine purchased at the tasting will benefit the Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization Resource Center.

To purchase tickets online, visit www.buddywalk.kintera.org/winetasting. Attendees can also mail a check, with guest names, to: GCDSO, 915 S. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach, FL 33435.

The Buddy Walk, a family fun morning of walking followed by children’s activities and a silent auction and raffle, provides most of the funds for GCDSO operations.

This year’s walk will take place Sunday morning, Oct. 20, at John Prince Park in Lake Worth.

Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization is an educational resource, support and advocacy organization, which has been empowering individuals with Down syndrome and their families since 1980. The organization supports the inclusion of persons who have Down syndrome in all areas of life as contributing and valued members of society.

To learn more about Gold Coast and the Buddy Walk, visit www.goldcoastdownsyndrome.org or contact Anne at ad.gcdso@bellsouth.net or (561) 752-3383.

ABOVE: Buddy Walk Chair Cindy Calvagne joins Frank Harmon to toast “Buddy Walk… Uncorked.”