TVDSA Step Up for Down Syndrome - 2026

Join us for the 24th Annual TVDSA Step Up for Down Syndrome walk! This event is a one mile walk along beautiful Indian Creek in downtown Caldwell, Idaho. The festivities begin at 10:00 am with entertainment and activities for the whole family. We will start our walk promptly at 11:00 am and end back at Indian Creek for more music, dancing and fun times! Remember, current TVDSA members with Down syndrome receive FREE registration. Contact walk@idahodownsyndrome.org for instructions.

NEW ARTWORK FOR 2026 "YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME" THEME TO BE UPDATED SOON!

Below is an example of the artwork that was submitted last year for "Rock Your Genes"

Ben Rosenkoetter

Caroline Blakley

Charles McConnel

Christopher Pugel

Evelyn Labrecque

Jiraiya

Joey

Katie R

Max Brinkerhoff

Max Gebert

Momona Hofuka

Sadie Little

Partnership makes it possible. Your support through sponsorship, in-kind gifts and donations makes it possible for the Treasure Valley Down Syndrome Association to continue to provide services to our families. Below is the list of sponsorship levels and the benefits for each. We would love for you to join our team of sponsors for this year's Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk!

For more information or to become a sponsor contact: walk@idahodownsyndrome.org

PRESENTING SPONSOR - $10,000

Event t-shirts / registrations included – 20

Company logo featured on Walk t-shirts (DEADLINE Sept 1)

Banner recognition as presenting sponsor on event stage (DEADLINE Sept 1)

Opportunity for sponsor representative to speak on stage for 2 minutes about their experience with the Down syndrome community (DEADLINE Sept 1)

Plaque presented on stage (DEADLINE Sept 1)

Logo featured on event website with click-thru feature to your home website (Registration closes Aug 23)

Recognition on sponsor banner carried during Walk (DEADLINE Sept 1)

Place promotional items (provided by sponsor) in event swag bags (DEADLINE Sept 1)

Vendor table at Walk to talk about your business with our participants (DEADLINE Sept 1)

Company name/logo on all event promotional materials (DEADLINE June 1)

Verbal recognition by speaker on event stage (DEADLINE Sept 1)

PLATINUM SPONSOR - $5,000
 
Event t-shirts / registrations included – 15
Opportunity for sponsor representative to speak on stage for 2 minutes about their experience with the Down syndrome community (DEADLINE Sept 1)
Plaque presented on stage (DEADLINE Sept 1)
Logo featured on event website with click-thru feature to your home website (Registration closes Aug 23)
Recognition on sponsor banner carried during Walk (DEADLINE Sept 1)
Place promotional items (provided by sponsor) in event swag bags (DEADLINE Sept 1)
Vendor table at Walk to talk about your business with our participants (DEADLINE Sept 1)
Company name/logo on all event promotional materials (DEADLINE June 1)
Verbal recognition by speaker on event stage (DEADLINE Sept 1)
 

GOLD SPONSOR - $2,500
 
Event t-shirts / registrations included – 8
Plaque presented on stage (DEADLINE Sept 1)
Logo featured on event website with click-thru feature to your home website (Registration closes Aug 23)
Recognition on sponsor banner carried during Walk (DEADLINE Sept 1)
Place promotional items (provided by sponsor) in event swag bags (DEADLINE Sept 1)
Vendor table at Walk to talk about your business with our participants (DEADLINE Sept 1)
Company name/logo on all event promotional materials (DEADLINE June 1)
Verbal recognition by speaker on event stage (DEADLINE Sept 1)

SILVER SPONSOR - $1,000
 
Event t-shirts / registrations included – 4
Recognition on sponsor banner carried during Walk (DEADLINE Sept 1)
Place promotional items (provided by sponsor) in event swag bags (DEADLINE Sept 1)
Vendor table at Walk to talk about your business with our participants (DEADLINE Sept 1)
Company name/logo on all event promotional materials (DEADLINE June 1)
Verbal recognition by speaker on event stage (DEADLINE Sept 1)

BRONZE SPONSOR - $500
 
Event t-shirts / registrations included – 2
Vendor table at Walk to talk about your business with our participants (DEADLINE Sept 1)
Company name/logo on all event promotional materials (DEADLINE June 1)
Verbal recognition by speaker on event stage (DEADLINE Sept 1)

For more information contact: walk@idahodownsyndrome.org

How do I register my family member with Down syndrome?

If you are a current paid member of TVDSA, your loved one with Down syndrome receives free registration for the TVDSA Step Up for Down syndrome. To receive the link to register, email walk@idahodownsyndrome.org.

Why does TVDSA host the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk?

This annual walk is our biggest fundraising event of the year! Proceeds all go to TVDSA so we can continue to provide services to our members such as social events, education, scholarships, and support. By walking through the community and inviting anyone to participate, we can raise awareness about Down syndrome so all may celebrate the joy we have found in knowing our loved ones with Down syndrome!

Should I create a team or join an existing team?

Attendees typically join a team that honors one specific individual with Down syndrome. You can join a team that has already been created for someone you know or start your own team for your special family member or friend. TVDSA offers prizes and incentives for teams that raise the most funds or have the most team members!

How do I choose which Registration button to use?

When you choose which Registration button, consider the size of the shirt you will be ordering, NOT the age of the participant. Even if you are over 18 but would prefer a child's large shirt, register using the Child Size Shirt button. Likewise, if you would like to order an adult size t-shirt for your older child, choose the Adult Size Shirt button. The cost of registration is determined by the cost and size of the t-shirt, not the age of the participant.

What do I receive with my registration?

Every walker will receive a t-shirt and participation in the walk. In addition, participants will enjoy live entertainment, fun family activities and be able to visit local vendor tables to learn more about services and opportunities for those with Down syndrome. This will be a fun filled, family friendly celebration!

How do I receive my T-shirt?

Team Captains will pick up all the shirts for their whole team on September 5th. They will then arrange to deliver shirts to their team members.

Can I customize my T-shirt?

Yes! Many teams choose to have their team name printed on the back of their t-shirts. In the past other teams have tie-dyed their shirts or customized them in other unique ways to celebrate their special loved one with Down syndrome. 

When should I arrive for the Walk?

The celebration will begin at 10:00 am. We will have music, activities and other special events the whole family can enjoy. The Walk will begin promptly at 11:00 am.

What if I don’t sign up before registration closes on August 9th?

The day of the event on-site registration will be available beginning at 9:15 am at the registration tent at Indian Creek Plaza. The day of cost for registration will be $25 for Adults (plus $2 for 2XL or 3XL) and $18 for Children. We will have a limited supply of shirts on hand for on-site registration and specific sizes are not guaranteed. Final registration will close at 10:30 am so our volunteers can meet up with their families and line up to walk. Be sure to sign up online before August 9th to be guaranteed the shirt size you want!

Do I have to register to participate?

The Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Treasure Valley Down Syndrome Association. By registering, you are supporting the many benefits members of TVDSA receive! And by attending the Walk wearing your Step Up t-shirt you are showing the community that you are joining with all the other walkers to shout the worth of all our loved ones with Down syndrome! While no one will be turned away from the celebration because they do not have a paid registration, we do encourage everyone to join in, support TVDSA by registering and wear their Step Up t-shirts throughout the celebration!

Can I bring my dog to walk with me?

No animals are permitted at Indian Creek Plaza except for service animals so please leave your four-footed friends at home!

WE'RE WORKING WITH THE SAME GREAT SHOPS FROM LAST YEAR TO OFFER DISCOUNTS AGAIN FOR 2026. SEE BELOW OUR FOOD VENDORS THAT SUPPORTED OUR WALK. PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THEM HERE IN THE TREASURE VALLEY.  THE LIST WILL BE UPDATED SOON FOR THE 2026 WALK!

There are plenty of food options around Indian Creek Plaza where you can get a coffee, breakfast, pastries, sandwiches, pizza, BBQ, gifts or other options for lunch during the Step Up for Down Syndrome celebration. The following vendors have special offers available just for Step Up participants. Click on the image of any vendors below to be directed to their websites.

Flying M Coffee - $1 off drinks

Chop Shop BBQ - 10% off your order

(Also offering limited "on the go" breakfast items the morning of the walk)

Extreme Pizza - 10% off your order

The Twisted Fig - 10% off your order

The Stil (Caldwell) - $1 off scoops of ice cream ONLY

Chippy Door - 20% off your order

Just wear your 2025 Rock Your Genes walk shirt and let them know you're participating in the TVDSA Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk! These offers are only good Saturday, September 13th at the Caldwell locations on Indian Creek Plaza. *For Extreme Pizza orders, call ahead at 11:00 am to help avoid a long wait for your order!

Registering a family member with Down syndrome:

Current TVDSA members, email walk@idahodownsyndrome.org to receive a URL to use to access free registration for your loved one with Down syndrome.

Registering and joining an existing team:

Click the Sign Up button

Choose who you are registering from the drop down menu (Me, 28+, Other Adult or Minor)

Enter contact information. (Date of birth and gender are optional)

Choose Registration Type base on the size shirt you want to order: Adult, Child, or Member with Down syndrome (any size)

If you are registering more friends or family members, click Add Another Registrant and enter information

Click Continue

Click Waiver Agreement for each participant

Click Continue

Choose T-Shirt size for each person registering

To join an existing team, either find the team in the drop down menu, or click Search Teams to find your team

Add any additional Donation amount you would like to add (optional)

Click Continue

Enter Payment Information

Click Confirm Payment

Registering and creating a new team:

Click the Sign Up button

Choose who you are registering from the drop down menu (Me, 28+, Other Adult or Minor)

Enter contact information. (Date of birth and gender are optional)

Choose Registration Type base on the size shirt you want to order: Adult, Child, or Member with Down syndrome (any size)

If you are registering more friends or family members, click Add Another Registrant and enter information

Click Continue

Click Waiver Agreement for each participant

Click Continue

Choose T-Shirt size for each person registering

Click the toggle for Create A Team to select YES

Enter your New Team Name and update your fundraising goal for your team. Dream big!!

Customize a Personal Message for others to see when they visit your fundraising page here. A default message is already in place.

Click Continue

Become a Team Captain

Set an individual fundraising goal for yourself (optional)

Enter your Tagline (for example, “Join Team 321 All Stars” or “Help Team 322 All Stars Reach Their Goal”) (optional)

Create your Custom Team Captain URL (for example, “team321allstars”) (optional)

Create a Personal Message for your Team Captain Message (a default message is already in place. You can customize or leave as is)

Enter Payment Information

Click Confirm Payment

Thank you so much for setting up a team for our Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk! As a Team Captain, you have the opportunity to build your team, raise funds and (in addition to bragging rights) earn either of the following prizes for our event:

Team with the Most Walkers (as of 8/23 when online registration closes)

Will receive a special gift for all team members AND their own reserved table close to the stage at Indian Creek Plaza the day of the event.

Team with the Most Funds Raised (as of 8/23 when online registration closes)

Will receive a special gift for the Team Captain AND their own reserved table close to the stage at Indian Creek Plaza the day of the event.

EVENT T-SHIRTS

Team Captains can pick up T-shirts for all their team members during the following times:

Saturday, September 5th  --  9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Storey Park, 205 E Franklin Rd, Meridian, ID

* Shirts can also be picked up at the Registration tent the day of the event beginning at 9:15 am.

BELOW IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE 2025 WALK ROUTE. THE 2026 ROUTE WILL BE UPDATED ONCE IT'S FULLY FINALIZED!

This year's Walk is an approximately one mile route along Indian Creek through downtown Caldwell. There are several places along the way where participants can shorten the route and return to Indian Creek Plaza to adapt the distance for all abilities.