NONPROFITS & COMMUNITY
F.R.I.E.N.D.S.
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he Family Resource, Information & Education Network for Down Syndrome (F.R.I.E.N.D.S.) is 501(c)3 nonprofit re-formed in 2000 that acts as a support group and social network for families in the tristate area. “We’re strong advocates for the Down syndrome community as a whole,” said Dennis Weikert, a F.R.I.E.N.D.S. founder, board member and treasurer. “Whether a newborn or someone in their 70s, we’re trying to protect their rights and provide a better lifestyle for them through advocacy and awareness within our communities.” F.R.I.E.N.D.S. holds several awareness-building events, such as an annual conference designed to give teachers new techniques and skills for helping students with Down syndrome in the general education classroom; a bike camp to teach children with special needs how to ride; and a Buddy Walk with entertainment at Baker Park. F.R.I.E.N.D.S. will celebrate its 15th annual walk in September. “The idea behind the Buddy Walk is to raise awareness in our community about Down syndrome,
“Whether a newborn or someone in their 70s, we’re trying to protect their rights and provide a better lifestyle...”
and it has become our primary fundraiser as well,” Weikert said. “We try to get the information out and engage the community, and it helps raise the money for us to continue our programs.” As a member of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, one of the nonprofit’s goals is to identify employment opportunities, open doors to employers and encourage them to hire people with Down syndrome. “We’re just not an organization that sits back and just acts as a social club,” he said. “We’re a nonprofit that tries to be very active in the community. Our mission is to establish a better life for our kids and adults.” For more information about F.R.I.E.N.D.S., please visit us at friendsoffredco.org. P.O. 641, Middletown 21769 301-676-4420 friendsoffredco.org GuideStar listed since 2007
American Diabetes Association, Maryland Chapter
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he American Diabetes Association, Maryland Chapter, along with Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal’s Frederick Division, rally hard against the disease with the annual fundraiser Step Out Frederick. “In Frederick County, 16,000 people have diabetes,” said Rachel Guzman, ADA spokesperson. “Step Out Frederick is one of Frederick’s largest fundraising events, raising a quarter of a million dollars for education, research and advocacy. The Frederick walk has been around since 1999.” “Step Out participants commit to walk and raise money in this inspirational event not only because nearly 30 million people in the United States have diabetes, but because they more
than likely know someone who is living with the everyday challenges of diabetes,” according to ADA’s Step Out website. “Kalkreuth, an exterior envelope contractor, has a few people impacted personally by having diabetes. I’m one of them,” said David Hesse, Kalkreuth vice president. “We were looking to be involved [in fundraising]
in a corporate way and thought the ADA walk would be a great cause to support,” he said. “We’ve enjoyed a great relationship along the way with the ADA and raised $3,500 last year in a few short weeks with their help.” This year’s walk is Oct. 9. Interested in forming a team in your company? Contact Rachel Guzman at rguzman@diabetes.org. 2002 Clipper Park Road, Suite 110 Baltimore 21211 410-265-0075 diabetes.org diabetes.org/stepoutfrederick
A p u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e F r e d e r i c k C o u n t y C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e a n d T h e F r e d e r i c k N e w s - Po s t
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