Fundraisers and Signature Events
When you participate in one of our fundraisers or community events, you’re not just offering financial support to DSAMn—you’re helping us raise awareness and rally allies in our larger community. See what’s coming up—and add these all-important events to your own calendar.
View All EventsAnnual Events
Step Up for Down Syndrome
Step Up for Down Syndrome is our signature fundraising and community building event, held every year on the fourth Sunday of September as a kickoff to Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October. Nearly 5,000 people join us each year at Como Park to celebrate our amazing community, raise awareness about issues facing our community, and to raise funds to further our mission. Sometimes how organizations raise their money is at odds with their inclusive mission. Step Up is the opposite. Everyone is invited. Registration is accessible to all at $5 per walker.
Step Up truly gives us the platform to live out our mission to EMPOWER. CONNECT. CELEBRATE.
Tee It Up for Down Syndrome
Our golf tournaments raise money to support our mission and programming, and is a great opportunity for families and supporters of DSAMn to get together and enjoy golfing for a great cause.
The event is first-come, first-serve and typically sell out 30 to 60 days prior to the event. Registration for the 2024 events will open in February.
Statewide Learning Conference
This 2-day conference is designed for individuals with Down syndrome, their parents, family members, caregivers and the professionals who support them. Attendees have an opportunity to learn from expert speakers and community leaders on a range of topics. Our conference offers a general track for parents, family members and providers; a teen and adult track for individuals with Down syndrome ages 13+; and kids’ camp, a unified camp experience for children ages 2 and up co-designed by Bethel University’s education, special education, early childhood education, and BUILD programs.
Click Here to learn about this year's event.
Summer Picnics
Every summer DSAMn hosts picnics throughout the state to celebrate and enjoy families.
Check back soon to see This Year's Picnic Dates and Locations
World Down Syndrome Day Celebration
World Down Syndrome Day occurs every year on March 21 to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome. The global awareness campaign was first observed in 2006 and has been officially recognized and observed by the United Nations since 2012. Each year DSAMN hosts a free family event in Bloomington to celebrate and promote awareness.
Click here to learn about all of the World Down Syndrome Day Activities
Other Events and Community Celebrations
New Family Breakfasts
Our New Family Breakfasts are hosted quarterly, specifically for new parents, grandparents or other extended family members or friends. The breakfasts are typically held at our DSAMN office in St. Paul. Attendees have a chance to ask questions, meet other parents who are also just beginning this new adventure; and meet DSAMN staff and board members.
First Birthday Bashes
Our First Birthday Bashes occur twice a year, in June and December, to celebrate your child’s first birthday. The location of each event varies. Siblings, family members and other friends are invited to celebrate with your child.
Summer Community Picnics
Each July and August we hit the road to bring our DSAMN family picnics to communities all across the state. Most events are held at accessible playgrounds and each includes either dinner or lunch. Join us to meet other families in your community.
Fall Pancake Breakfast
Each fall, DSAMN hosts a community pancake breakfast at the Knights of Columbus in Bloomington, MN. This open-house style event is a great place to meet friends, participate in crafts and games, and enjoy some great food. This event is a bit quieter and is sensory-friendly for our community members that have a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism, or those that just enjoy a little less stimulating environment.
