Coastal BUDS hosts celebration ahead of World Down Syndrome Day

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington nonprofit Coastal Brining Up Down Syndrome (BUDS) a held a celebration at Highwater Brewing on Saturday in anticipation of World Down Syndrome Day. The event boasted live music, games, face painting, and more.

Laura Rowland, Programs and Outreach Coordinator for Coastal Buds, expressed gratitude for the community’s support of the nonprofit.

“It means a lot, it helps us get our awareness out. There may be people who could use our services that are not aware of us, so that helps us get our awareness out,” Rowland said.

World Down Syndrome Day falls on March 21, symbolizing the three copies of the 21st chromosome associated with Down syndrome. The celebration aims to raise awareness and promote inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome.