On Sunday, October 6th, MightyMeals was proud to participate in the 20th Anniversary DSANV (Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia) Buddy Walk® at the Workhouse Arts Center, an incredible event filled with community, fun, and unwavering support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

With nearly 600 attendees—100 of whom registered that morning!—the day was a heartwarming success. The event featured everything from pony rides, moon bounces, VR gaming, face painting, and caricatures to the energetic beats of a live DJ. It was a perfect day to celebrate, and the joy on everyone’s faces truly reflected the significance of the occasion. Volunteers worked tirelessly, ensuring that everything ran smoothly, from set-up to clean-up, and DSANV’s Board of Directors served up snacks and cold drinks at the “Board Bistro” to keep participants refreshed throughout the day.

The speeches from this year’s Grand Marshals were particularly inspiring, highlighting the importance of believing in yourself, reaching for your dreams, and the value of community support. Their heartfelt words were a reminder of why events like this are so crucial, not just for fundraising but for bringing people together and empowering individuals with Down syndrome to thrive.

MightyMeals’ Director of Operations, Angela Denovio, who helped coordinate our sponsorship, shared, “It was such an honor for MightyMeals to be a part of this year’s Buddy Walk®. Being able to support an organization like DSANV, which does so much for the community, is incredibly fulfilling. Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces and knowing that we’re helping to make a difference is what it’s all about.”