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.

Jacksonville Automobile Dealership Assocation recognized the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville as their charity of the year.

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.

Her father, Jeffery, says it’s crucial that she gets the COVID-19 vaccine. “There isn’t a day that goes by that we’re not a little nervous,” Jeffery Leach said. And it’s critically important that our community has that option to get the vaccine,” Jeffery Leach said. To get the state’s attention, he said members of the Down syndrome community created a campaign called #AShotAtTheShot. According to Jeffery Leach, there are about 1,500 people in Jacksonville that are diagnosed with Down syndrome.

“There isn’t a day that goes by that we’re not a little nervous,” Jeffery Leach said. And it’s critically important that our community has that option to get the vaccine,” Jeffery Leach said. To get the state’s attention, he said members of the Down syndrome community created a campaign called #AShotAtTheShot. According to Jeffery Leach, there are about 1,500 people in Jacksonville that are diagnosed with Down syndrome. Those in high-risk populations can call a hospital and book a vaccine appointment, but some hospitals are waiting for more shipments of the vaccine.