Today, Down Syndrome Association of the Heartland (DSAH) announced that Give 270, an Elizabethtown, Kentucky-based nonprofit, will match all fundraising donations up to $2,100 from March 14 through March 21. The match gift ends on World Down Syndrome Day, a global awareness day that has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.
The amount was inspired by the Down syndrome marker, an extra copy of the 21st chromosome.
This is the second match for DSAH’s current fundraising campaign ahead of World Down Syndrome Day. The organization has set a $21,000 goal for the 21-day campaign.
“We successfully matched a gift from Candela Renewables recently, and we look forward to doing the same with Give 270,” said Tonya House, DSAH executive director. “We are grateful for our community’s excitement around our DSAH members and their families.”
Funds raised will be used to support individuals with Down syndrome - as well as their families, friends, caregivers, teachers, and coworkers - in Central Kentucky, including Hardin, Grayson, LaRue, Breckinridge, Meade, Nelson and Hart counties.
Funding will be used for the following services:
- Providing resources for families experiencing a new Down syndrome diagnosis.
- Offering weekly and monthly services for individuals with Down syndrome (ex. cooking class, art class, etc.).
- Supply regional classrooms with inclusive books.
- Raise awareness about Down syndrome in the region.
“Give 270 is always looking for opportunities to support nonprofits in our communities,” said Eric Clemens, Give 270 board chair. “We are fortunate to be able to support the individuals and families touched by Down syndrome in our region and encourage the community to support them as well.”
In order to take full advantage of the match, DSAH needs $2,100 in match donations from other individuals during the designated dates (March 14 - 21).
“Like last time, we need our communities to make this match possible,” House said. “We ask that our communities consider making a donation to help us raise $2,100 over the next seven days.”
To donate, individuals, organizations and businesses are encouraged to text TheLuckyFew to 269-89 or visit dsheartland.org.
DSAH supports individuals with Down syndrome and their loved ones through celebrating, educating, advocating and serving. This includes resources for families following a new Down syndrome diagnosis at birth as well as ongoing education opportunities such as cooking classes for young adults, art classes, group therapy opportunities and more. In addition to the classes, DSAH brings families together through events and ongoing support services.
The World Down Syndrome Day fundraising campaign generates operational funds to cover costs associated with classes, events and education. In addition to fundraising campaigns, DSAH generates funds through special events and corporate/private donations. DSAH is self-sustaining and all funds remain in the region.
