More than 4,000 people are expected to attend the upcoming Buddy Walk in Jacksonville Beach to raise money for the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville (DSAJ) next Saturday.

The 19th annual Buddy Walk in Jax Beach wrapped up on Saturday. The event raised more than $300,000 to support the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville, which is a record for the nonprofit and above their intended goal of $255,000.

The Acosta Bridge will be lit in blue and yellow all week ahead of Saturday’s annual Buddy Walk to raise awareness about Down syndrome.

A local preschooler is not only melting hearts, he's making a splash in the Big Apple to raise awareness about the impacts of having a loved one with Down syndrome.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville hosted its 18th annual Buddy Walk Saturday. This years walk was socially distanced. Participants walked one mile at a location of their choice then could opt to attend small socially distanced gatherings. This year’s fundraising goal is $255,000. The Down Syndrome Association is asking the public for help reaching its fundraising goal by visiting DSAJ.org or text Extra2020 to 44-321.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville is challenging the community to help it raise money Monday during what it is calling the 21-Hour Blitz. So the significance of 21 is much greater for those with down syndrome," said Jeff Leach, board president of the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville. We’re really trying to put an effort into fundraising with the Buddy Walk and the Blitz is one of the ways we can do that," Leach said. All money raised Monday will go toward the group’s $250,000 fundraising goal for next month’s Buddy Walk. DONATE OR SIGN UP: dsaj.donordrive.comLeach said this year’s Buddy Walk will be reimagined because of the pandemic.