Alexander’s Angels Second Long Island Buddy Walk took place on October 4, 2008. Over 1,000 people participated. (Go to Events for more information and go to  Financial Information for an updated report. We thank all who participated, and those who contributed either with funds, merchandise, or time to its success.

Without the help of the Association of Children with Down Syndrome (ACDS) whose insurance covered the event, Alexander's Angels Long Island Buddy Walks would not have been possible the past two years.  Thank you  Michael Smith, Cecilia Barry, and Leslie Granger for your unconditional support. We were very happy to see so many of your residents have fun at the event.

The Buddy Walk was kept alive throughout the day by the music provided by DJ Danny Walsh of Party Up Productions.  When  St. Joseph’s College Dance Club finished its very enjoyable performance, they pulled many people into the DJ Zone to dance and have fun.  Thank you St. Joseph’s Dance Club and Danny Walsh for a great time.

Our gratitude also goes to Elite Party Tents.  Great weather and  two large pavilions at Heckscher Park lightened up your job this year.  We are still amazed at your determination to provide us with tents and the work you performed under deplorable weather conditions last year.  Thank you for making sure we had all the tables neded this year. 

Thank you Jellybean Entertainment for your very popular moon-bouncer.  This year’s weather made up for your offer last year when the donation had to be cancelled due to adverse weather.  A steady line of children required our timing them in the bouncy so they could all get a chance.  The majority made several repeat visits throughout the day!

The “budywalkers” thank Whole Foods, Taco Bell, Edy’s Ice Cream and Coca-Cola for greeting them with a delicious lunch after the Walk.   As you may all recall this was a repeat performance for Whole Foods.  Thank you Chris Ivers for your support and attendance to our Buddy Walk.

Heckscher State Park Director Joe Montuori and his assistant David made sure all of our needs were met.  Thank you Joe and David.

A special thank-you goes to the members of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (A.R.E.S.) of Suffolk County for coordinating the communication among different areas of the park.

We are very grateful to Professor Mary Lou Bensy of Hofstra University and to all her students for their participation and help--names of students will be included below at a later date.

Thank you Professor Kathleen Feeley of Long Island University/C. W. Post for providing the large signs used in the pavilions.

Thank you Jacqueline Naughton of Briarcliffe College for your incredible support and for providing the much needed bullhorn!

We also want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi for the beautiful Citation presented to Alexander's Angels for the second year in a row by Jim Dolan of the Nassau County Department of Mental Health, Chemical Dependency, and Developmental Disabilities Services. 

Thank you to the wonderful ladies of  DDI--Starting Early for the wonderful donation of Face Painting.  Judging by the number of children and adults caught on camera displaying your beautiful designs, you had a busy day.

Our gratitude also goes to the American Physical Therapy Association  Section on Pediatrics for your support and hard work.