The Down Syndrome Association of Central New Jersey will celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by hosting a fundraiser that will knock your socks off.
The Rock Your Socks Off Dance Party will be held Saturday, March 23 at Rho Waterfront in Trenton from noon to 4 p.m.
The event will celebrate people with Down syndrome as well as the upcoming upcoming grand opening of an enrichment center, Club DREAMS. The Ewing-based center will offer free socialization, enrichment, academic support, job skill training and career opportunities to people with Down syndrome in the region.
The March 23 event will feature non-stop dancing, free caricatures, a photo booth and a buffet lunch. There will also be a free children’s raffle and a silent auction.
The money raised from the event will go towards DSACNJ’s efforts to support and educate friends, families and professionals in their communities, spread awareness of how similar those with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) are to their peers and expand the opportunities for social inclusion by sponsoring events.
“We are a point of contact for information and support for families who have received the diagnosis either during pregnancy or after birth of their child,” Melissa Burgos president of DSACNJ said in a statement. “In addition, we educate our community at large about Down Syndrome with the hopes of breaking down barriers, eliminating misconceptions, and promoting inclusion for those with Down syndrome.”
March 21 marks the 14th annual World Down Syndrome Day. Celebrated on the 21st day of the third month of the year, the date is symbolic of the third copy of the 21st chromosome that characterizes Down syndrome.
World Down Syndrome Day was established in 2006 by Down Syndrome International, with the goal of raising awareness and mobilizing support and recognition of the value, dignity, rights and well-being of people with Down syndrome across the world.
Tickets are $21, but free admission is offered to those with Trisomy 21. For more information about the Rock Your Socks Off Dance Party, visit ryso.eventbrite.com.
Trenton Thunder’s mascot Boomer, pictured here with 4-year-old Lee Burgos, will make an appearance at the Rock Your Socks Off Dance Party.,
