NEO Buddy Walk Monthly Fundraising Incentives

Each month, a new fundraising incentive will be announced, giving participants fresh opportunities to stay engaged, earn rewards, and make an even greater impact. Be sure to check back regularly so you don’t miss out on the latest ways to get involved!

June Incentive: June 1-21

Add five (5) new team members to an existing Buddy Walk team, or create a new team and have five (5) team members join by June 21, and the team captain will earn one entry to win an outdoor mini family (or team!) photo session with a local Northeast Ohio photographer. Multiple winners will be selected!

Each photo session will:

• Be held outdoors at a mutually agreed-upon location. Winners will be matched with a photographer located as close to them as possible.
• Last a minimum of 30–45 minutes.
• Include at least eight (8) digital images. Individual photographers may also choose to offer additional images, prints, or package options at no cost or for purchase.
• Be scheduled directly with your assigned photographer at a date and time that works for both of you. Some sessions may have a redemption deadline determined by the photographer.

Please note: The photo session is intended to celebrate your buddy, so they must be included in the session.

NEO Buddy Walk Team Fundraising Incentives

Gather your team, fundraise together, and unlock special rewards along the way. Each milestone brings new ways to celebrate your Buddy and show your team spirit.

Register on March 21

Register your team on World Down Syndrome Day (March 21).

Team Captain Receives
• Team sign to hold at the Buddy Walk

Team Receives
• Early Bird badge on the fundraising page
• Social media shoutout from DSANEO

Raise $321

Team Receives
• Custom Fathead of your Buddy (Prize qualification deadline: September 13, 2026)
• $321 fundraising badge on the team page

Raise $500

Team Receives
• Custom 2' x 4' Buddy Walk team banner (Prize qualification deadline: September 13, 2026)
• $500 fundraising badge on the team page

Raise $1,000

Team Receives
• Team Spirit Bundle for Walk Day
• Includes Buddy Buttons and fun spirit items
• $1,000 fundraising badge on the team page

Raise $2,500

Team Receives
• $321 DSANEO merchandise credit
• Access to a one-of-a-kind custom merch design
• $2,500 fundraising badge on the team page

Raise $3,500

Team Receives
• Team name on the back of the official Buddy Walk t-shirt (Prize qualification deadline: September 13, 2026)
• Entry into a surprise team drawing in October
• $3,500 fundraising badge on the team page

Raise $6,000

Team Receives
• Access to the VIP Team Captain Corner on Walk Day (Prize qualification deadline: September 13, 2026)
• Covered tent area
• Tables and chairs
• Sunburst Snacks treats
• Water and refreshments
• $6,000 fundraising badge on the team page

Raise $10,000

Details coming soon for our highest fundraising teams.

Special Recognition

Top Fundraising Team by October 20

• Leads the Northeast Ohio Buddy Walk on Walk Day
• Recognition from the stage during the event

Past Monthly Fundraising Incentives

May Incentive: May 9-31

The team that raises the most between May 9-31 will receive a certificate from Madison Graphics for 24 premium t-shirts with a custom design of your choice.

April Incentive: April 9-30

Raise $100

Individual Receives

Every registered Buddy Walk participant who individually raises $100 during this incentive period will earn one (1) entry to win a Suite Experience with the Akron RubberDucks on May 30th including:

• Twenty (20) game tickets and $150 of catered food
• One (1) first pitch experience
• Access to kids autograph area (kids only) with game ball and pen for autographs
• An Akron RubberDucks bobblehead from a previous season
• Early access to the ball park prior to general admission
• Stay and enjoy the post game fireworks!

*The winner of the drawing will be contacted via email and announced on the DSANEO social media pages by May 1st.