Join Us: Support Local Down Syndrome Association at Pack the Zach

Zach Scott Theatre in Austin

If you’re looking to party for a cause, join us in two weeks at the recently renovated Zach Theatre, for Pack the Zach. This exciting annual event is the most important fundraiser of the year for the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas (DSACT).

We can’t wait to show our support for DSACT on May 2, 2013. The event runs from 7-10 PM, and a lot of worthwhile fun will be packed into three short hours!

What to Expect

There’s so much for you to expect this year’s Pack the Zach event. It’s definitely encouraging to see so many community businesses volunteer to show up, create a memorable evening, and make a difference for local families!

Did someone say East Side King? Yum!

Here’s a taste of what you’ll find (pun intended):

• Food (including dessert!) provided by East Side King, La Patisserie, Tiff’s Treats and Whole Foods
• Drinks, including chardonnay, cabernet and a red blend from Barefoot Wines of CA, and a specialty Treaty Oak Rum cocktail created by expert mixologist Rick Ryan, food and beverage manager at the Zach Theatre
• Music courtesy of Best DJs Texas
• Dancing!
• Gracie and Marshall Eudy will be guest speakers (Gracie is a 24 year old with Down Syndrome and her brother Marshall helps coordinate dsACT’s adult programs. Their parents were among the original families that formed dsACT 21 years ago.)
• Wine toss game
• Silent auction
• Prizes (take a peak at the raffle, wine toss and auction items here – includes donations from CinnaMan Cheesecakes, Rocket Electrics and Gusto)

You could win a gift certificate to try out the amazing electric bikes at Rocket Electrics

Why dsACT Matters to the Austin Community

The Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas is a non-profit that serves individuals with Down Syndrome and their families in Austin and the surrounding area.

Now PR Chair, Liz Jones-Dilworth attended her first DSACT event three years ago:

“I remember being impressed by two things: one was how little money it took to put a kid through art class, swim lessons, martial arts training, etc. I was so surprised at how many kids could attend classes for free from just a $50 donation. I remember thinking that an organization that does so much for so little was definitely a good place to donate.

DSACT Night with the Austin Outlaws, one of many events and programs to support local families

Liz isn’t the only who who’s surprised! For your $40 donation, one DSACT student can have swim lessons for three months. A $150 donation provides one year of learning program tuition and materials for one person. And this is only the beginning of the wonderful programs that the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas provides.

But the decision-makers at DSACT aren’t content with the services they’re already providing. They eagerly want to do more to help. DSACT is in the process of hiring a special education teacher who can help parents navigate the public school system and design the most effective educational programs possible for their children. DSACT is also launching a post-secondary school scholarship program, one of only eight post-secondary funding sources available nationally for individuals with Down Syndrome.

Allie McCann, one of the essential organizers for Pack the Zach 2013, has a three year old daughter with Down Syndrome named Stella. “The best thing about DSACT is getting connected with other parents,” says Allie, who has been able to take advantage of sign language classes, the running club and lectures with world-renowned educators…all for Stella.

We’ll See You May 2nd!

Pack the Zach will make a real difference in the lives of individuals with Down Syndrome and their families, and we hope you’re inspired to be involved! Get your ticket for the event online or at 512.323.0808. The ticket price is $100, and you’ll be making a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors in Central Texas.

If you’re unable to attend and still want to show your support for DSACT, you can donate here. Remember how far even $40 can go!

The Zach Scott Theatre is located at 202 S. Lamar, just south of the Lamar bridge. For event updates, follow the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas on Twitter and Facebook.

@QuasiBrit asks:

What local non-profits do you support?

Photos via DSACT and Flickr CC, courtesy of Mary Helen Leonard.