16th-annual Fun Coast Buddy Walk raises about $20,000, halfway to its goal

'Our goal is to make the community aware that people with Down syndrome are like everyone else,' says founder Paula Wilburn.

By Lydia Hamel
| 3:00 p.m. October 18, 2021

16th Annual Fun Coast Buddy Walk. Courtesy photo

Paula Wilburn and her son, Keaton. 16th Annual Fun Coast Buddy Walk.

Matanzas High School football team and students. 16th Annual Fun Coast Buddy Walk. Courtesy photo

16th Annual Fun Coast Buddy Walk. Courtesy photo

Palm Coast Observer
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The 16th-annual Fun Coast Buddy Walk raised awareness for people with Down syndrome — and raised about $20,000, halfway to its goal, on Oct. 9, at Central Park in Palm Coast. The funds will help support the Fun Coast Down Syndrome Association Center, located at 3601 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell, provide programming such as cooking classes, game nights and crafts.

Paula Wilburn and her son, Keaton. 16th Annual Fun Coast Buddy Walk.

The association, serving Flagler and Volusia counties, was started in October 2002 by Paula Wilburn, for her son. Keaton, 22, has Down syndrome and was the VIP of this year's 2021 Fun Coast Buddy Walk.

“Our goal is to make the community aware that people with Down syndrome are like everyone else,” Paula Wilburn said. “We want to enrich the lives of everyone who needs them.”

The event attracted a large crowd and included concessions, bounce houses, face paint, raffle tickets and even pirate re-enactors, The Krewe of the 13.

Bunnell Elementary School Principal Marcus Sanfilippo and Assistant Principal Donelle Evensen attended the event with their team of Bullpups. Their team raised over $2,075 for the Fun Coast’s annual funds.

To donate, visit https://www.funcoastdownsyndrome.com/.