The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) has named John Cronin a Grand Marshal of the 23rd Annual Buddy Walk in New York City that will take place on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017 in two historic New York City locations - Times Square and Central Park. This event honors and celebrates individuals with Down syndrome and raises awareness, advocacy and funds for programs that benefit people with Down syndrome and their families.
John Cronin is a 21-year-old man with Down syndrome and co-founder of John’s Crazy Socks, the world’s fastest growing online sock store. Whether speaking to school groups, making a video for his business or helping pull orders, everyday John demonstrates what people with Down syndrome can do in the work place. John said, “I am so happy to be the Grand Marshal of the Buddy Walk. Down syndrome is part of who I am and never stops me from doing anything. I want everyone to know what’s possible when given an opportunity.”
John designed the world’s first Down Syndrome Awareness Socks and those socks help raise money for the National Down Syndrome Society.
The NYC Buddy Walk consists of a series of events. The highlights include:
- The annual NDSS Times Square Video shown on the jumbo screen in the heart of the Times Square in in Duffy Square (7th Avenue & West 47th Street), courtesy of Clear Channel Spectacolor, with almost 500 images of people with Down syndrome from all over the world.
- The annual Buddy Walk and other festivities will take place on the Great Hill (106th Street and Central Park West) in Central Park.
- The Opening Ceremonies with co-hosts Chris Wragge, co-anchor of CBS 2 News this Morning, and former NFL football player Zac Stacy. The Grand Marshal John Cronin of John’s Crazy Socks will be recognized, and the Dan Piper Award Winner Brandon Gruber will be announced. Special guests will include Mark and DeAnne Stidham of LuLaRoe, actress Jamie Brewer and Beachbody Celebrity Yoga Trainer Vytas Baskauska.
- The Buddy Walk will consist of a one-mile, non-competitive walk in Central Park.
- All day there will games and carnival attractions as well as a marketplace on the Great Hill in Central Park.
- The day will end with a self-advocate Dance Party.
The National Buddy Walk program has more than 250 events yearly with more than 325,000 participants across the globe. It has been ranked in the top 30 peer-to-peer fundraisers nationally since 2008 when records of the top fundraisers were being kept. Funds from the event directly support NDSS’ efforts to advocate for all individuals with Down syndrome (and their families) at the federal, state and local levels.
The National Down Syndrome Society
The National Down Syndrome Society is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome. NDSS provides state-of-the-art, comprehensive programming to all individuals with Down syndrome and their families with four main areas of programming which include: the National Advocacy & Policy Center, the National Inclusive Health & Sports Program featuring our National Buddy Walk® Program, Community Outreach and Resources and Public Awareness. NDSS envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities. For more information visit www.ndss.org.
About John’s Crazy Socks
John’s Crazy Socks was co-founded and inspired by John Cronin, a young man with Down Syndrome, and we have a mission to spread happiness through socks. Through John’s work in the company every day, John’s Crazy Socks demonstrates that people should not be judged on their limitations, but on the difference they make for others.
John's Crazy Socks offers socks that people can love: beautiful, colorful, fun and crazy socks that let people express their passions and personalities. We deliver the socks through fast and personal service, and every package includes a hand-written thank you note from John. The company ships worldwide, but John still makes personal local deliveries. John says, "I like to meet our customers and make them happy." Giving Back is an essential part of the company: 5% of earnings go to the Special Olympics plus Awareness and Charity Socks raise money for our charity partners.
You can learn more about John and John’s Crazy Socks at our website and our Facebook page. You can see videos with John at our YouTube channel. You can also call 631-760-5625 or reach us via email at service@johnscrazysocks.com.
