2026 Recap

The event opened with an energetic performance by Carondelet High School Cheer & Dance Teams, who then invited attendees with Down syndrome to join them for a group cheer, complete with colorful pom-poms.

Danville Mayor Newell Arnerich addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of DSCBA’s work in the community and the meaningful difference it makes for local residents and beyond.

DSCBA Executive Director Michelle Slape welcomed attendees and announced this year’s Community Impact Award winners. Three longtime volunteers were recognized for their dedicated service and invaluable support with the organization's many events: Karen Lochner, Fred Stambaugh, and Ginger Stambaugh.

Michelle also shared a heartfelt tribute in loving memory of Christi Hockel-Davenport, founding member of DSCBA’s Self Advocate Advisory Board. A special plaque presented by fellow advisory board member and Christi’s fiancé to her mother, Judi, read “Your voice made a difference. Your voice changed lives. Your legacy will live on.”

What’s a fundraiser without a little friendly competition? Many teams went above and beyond to raise funds for DSCBA with these top five team captains earning well-deserved prizes: Team Eden, Lainey’s Lucky Crew, Walkin’ for Waylon, Happy Kids Love to Talk & Eat, and Clara’s Crew. Together, these teams raised more than $22,000! Team Shya took home the Largest Team Award with an impressive 53 members. Congratulations to all!

A dynamic warmup led by AdaptAbility Fitness got everyone moving, stretching, and ready for the official start. Participants then walked the ¼-mile scenic path and cheered on inspiring DSCBA members as their amazing abilities and accomplishments were celebrated and announced at the finish line by MC Mike Cannon.

Special thanks to SPK Associates for printing the team signs, and to Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan's office and the California State Assembly for providing official certificates for all the Step Up Walk Champions!

The day’s festivities continued as attendees enjoyed picnics, connecting with old and new friends, and taking part in a multitude of fun activities including balloon art, face painting, and lawn games. Black Oak Hot Dogs, Hazy BBQ, Mister Softee Ice Cream, and Kona Shaved Ice vendors kept everyone refreshed by offering delicious food and sweet treats. 
Guest appearances by Q, the San Jose Earthquakes soccer mascot, and a host of beloved costumed characters from Avengers and Star Wars delighted the crowd with lots of cool selfie opportunities. Other highlights included a friendly visit from Town of Danville Police Services and a giant red fire engine from the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District.
DSCBA’s Programs Team hosted an informative booth where attendees could learn more about the organization’s wide range of programs including Music Therapy, age-based programs, family support groups and more. The booth was also a popular stop for those eager to spin the prize wheel for a surprise gift!
Other sponsor engagement booths offered fun giveaways and relevant information about their products and services. Thank you to those vendors who also supported the event as Finish Line Sponsors: Adaptability Fitness, Boundless Readers, Cornerstone Down Syndrome Care, Diablo Carpet & Restoration, Feldman Law, Happy Kids Therapy, Marcel Orthodontics, and The ProAACtive SLP.
The day concluded with an energetic, hour-long dance party as DJ Brian from 21st Century Sound kept the music going while everyone danced, celebrated, and soaked up the sunshine!
Returning sponsors who played an important role in the success of the event included Support Sponsor FOR the Valley, Annual Event Sponsors, Project Zin and Mauritson Wines, and Friend Sponsors, John Muir Health and The Town of Danville. Quest Foundation also made a substantial matching grant.
The event benefited from the help of nearly 100 dedicated volunteers whose time and hard work helped create a memorable day for everyone in attendance. Thank you to Boys Team Charity, FOR The Valley, National Charity League, San Ramon Valley High Leadership, Walnut Creek TAPS, and many other friends and family of the DSCBA.
Thanks to the support of the community, sponsors, team captains, and individual donors, the event raised more than $95,000 which enables DSCBA to continue its mission which is to empower, inspire and support people with Down Syndrome, their families and the community that serves them, while fostering awareness and acceptance in all areas of life.

2025 Recap

		DSCBA kicked off Down Syndrome Awareness Month early by holding the annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk & Family Picnic on October 4th at the beautiful Oak Hill Park in Danville. Over 500 participants came out to walk the ¼ mile path and celebrate the amazing abilities and accomplishments of DSCBA members. What an incredible day of community, celebration, and inclusion! We are so grateful to everyone who registered, donated, sponsored, and walked with us
		While we didn’t quite reach our $150,000 goal, your generosity made a tremendous impact—and with the Quest Foundation’s match up every dollar donated still goes twice as far to support individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Your contributions help sustain vital programs like Communication Readiness, Bike Camp, Connection Groups, and our vibrant THRIVE program—ensuring children and adults with Down syndrome continue to have opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.

2024 Recap

		DSCBA kicked off Down Syndrome Awareness Month early by holding the annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk & Family Picnic on September 28th at the beautiful Oak Hill Park in Danville. Over 725 participants came out to walk the ¼ mile path and celebrate the amazing abilities and accomplishments of DSCBA members. We appreciate the support from Friend Sponsor, John Muir Health, as well as all the other generous sponsors listed below, many of whom return year after year. These sponsors, with 85 team captains and more than 700 donors together raised over $117k!
		As one of DSCBA’s largest fundraisers, this financial support allows us to: Connect families to resources and other families Provide one-of-a-kind programs for all ages Continue essential support services for the entire family Bring opportunities for empowerment and growth through education. Develop strategic alliances with education, medical and mental health communities.

The event kicked off with dynamic performances by Carondelet High School’s Cheer and Dance Teams. DSCBA Executive Director, Teresa DeVincenzi, then welcomed attendees and thanked event sponsors and donors.

Afterwards the top fundraising team, Avery’s Amazing Advocates, earned the opportunity to lead the walk. The scenic path circled a beautiful pond and moved towards everyone’s favorite part, the finish line, where we proudly cheered for our members, and recognized one of their big milestones. Huge thanks to announcer, Mike Cannon, who helps make this a special moment each year. Individuals with Down syndrome were also awarded a medal and an official Certificate of Recognition from the California State Assembly provided by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan's office.

Activities throughout the day included an array of lawn games, mini golf, and face painting. We were lucky to have special character appearances by Rebel Legion Endor Base, 501st Golden Gate Garrison and West Coast Avengers. Thank you to the Town of Danville for the help in securing this beautiful park and for providing amenities, supplies, and corn hole games.

Everyone enjoyed picnic lunches or Hazy BBQ catered meals; a Mister Softee Ice Cream truck and Ice Barbers Shaved Ice were also on hand for sweet treats!

We were happy to have representatives from Project CAPE-abilities in attendance who shared a new research participation opportunity. The study being conducted by UCSF and Charlie’s Clinic at BCHO will focus on how young children with Down syndrome communicate and play.

A real firetruck exhibit offered attendees the chance to meet safety personnel and sit inside the vehicle for a fun photo op! Thank you to San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District for stopping by!

We are grateful for the crew of over 75 volunteers who helped set up and staff the event including groups from National Charity League, Boys Team Charity, Community Presbyterian Church of Danville, Pledge to Humanity and many other individuals who gave their time. Special thanks to our favorite photographers Fred and Ginger Stambaugh for capturing the day.

THANK YOU TO THESE GENEROUS 2024 WALK SPONSORS:

View photos from the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk HERE

We hope you will plan to join us next time!