Alexander’s Angels, where individuality is celebrated, held their annual World Down Syndrome Day Celebration on Saturday at the Roosevelt Field Mall and John’s Crazy Socks joined the festivities. John Cronin, co-founder of John’s Crazy Socks, spoke on the event theme, “With Us, Not for Us.”
“This event felt like a giant party for Down syndrome,” said John Cronin. “It is great to see so many people with Down syndrome dancing and having fun and great to see so many people celebrating people with Down syndrome.”
The annual event took place at the Roosevelt Field Mall on Long Island. It highlighted the abilities and achievements of people with Down syndrome and provided entertainment for them. The festivities featured dancers and performers from ACDS, a Long Island-based social service organization, a DJ with line dancing, musical performers and two keynote speakers: John Cronin and Brittany Schiavone from Brittany’s Baskets of Hope. Characters from Star Wars made an appearance (and John danced with them.)
In his speech, John said, “I have Down syndrome. Down syndrome never holds me back.” He shared how he could not find meaningful work, so he decided to start his own business. Speaking on the theme of With Us, Not Four Us,” John explained why he started his own business. “I get to decide what I want to do with my life.”
He told of how he asked his father to join him in the business. “I knew I needed help and could not do everything myself. That did not mean that he did everything. I came up with the name and the idea to sell socks online. I am the face of the business.”
John proudly told the audience that John’s Crazy Socks now offers 4,000 different socks. “That means, we are the world’s largest sock store.” He also explained that the company had created 34 jobs and 22 are held by people with differing abilities. “Every day, we work to show what people with differing abilities can do when given a chance.”
The Alexander’s Angels' party attracted a large crowd that filled the mall. John joined the dancers and took photos with many friends and supporters. “I loved it when people came up to me to show that they were wearing our socks.” John wore some of his Down Syndrome Awareness Socks and loved seeing some of the attendees wearing their Down syndrome socks. People celebrate World Down Syndrome Day (March 21) by wearing crazy socks.
Down Syndrome Awareness Socks
John Cronin designed and created the world’s first Down Syndrome Awareness Socks in 2017. Since that time, John has designed many new Down syndrome-themed socks and products, including throw blankets so that John’s Cray Socks now has a full line of Down Syndrome Awareness products. John’s favorite socks are the Down Syndrome Super Hero Socks. Come holiday time, John’s Crazy Socks creates a holiday Down Syndrome Super Box that has products made by companies led by or employing people with Down syndrome.
About Alexander’s Angels
Alexander’s Angels is an all-volunteer organization that has a mission to further awareness of the contributions and needs of individuals with Down syndrome and to raise funds for advocacy, service and research organizations. Alexander’s Angels envisions a world where individuals with Down syndrome are not defined by their disability but by their individuality. Through their programs, they hope to promote recognition and a better understanding of the often-overlooked attributes of individuals with Down syndrome by highlighting their abilities through events that showcase to the community-at-large the special talents within the Down syndrome community. You can learn more at their website https://www.alexandersangels.org
About John’s Crazy Socks
John’s Crazy Socks was inspired by John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his love of colorful and fun socks—what he calls his “crazy socks.” He and his father, Mark X. Cronin, started the company as a social enterprise with a mission of Spreading Happiness™. With more than 4,000 socks, John’s Crazy Socks is now the world’s largest sock store. More than half their employees have a differing ability, and their Giving Back program has raised over $550,000 for charity partners like the Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Society, and the Autism Society of America. Most of all, they are Spreading Happiness™.
For more information about John’s Crazy Socks, visit our webpage, Facebook page, Instagram account or YouTube channel. You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email at service@johnscrazysocks.com.
