Global Down Syndrome Foundation partners with Groupon Grassroots for “Decked out for Dare to Play”

Pledge $10 to the Ed McCaffrey Dare to Play Football Camp and Denver Broncos Cheerleaders Dare to Cheer Camp to benefit people with Down syndrome
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Denver, CO (June 4, 2012) — Global Down Syndrome Foundation is teaming up with Groupon Grassroots, the philanthropic arm of Groupon, to announce the launch of a local campaign to raise funds for the Foundation’s Ed McCaffrey Dare to Play Football Camp and the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders Dare to Cheer Camp for people with Down syndrome.

The “Decked out for Dare to Play” initiative will be featured on Groupon Grassroots’ homepage (http://grassroots.groupon.com) starting on Monday, June 4 and running through Saturday, June 10, 2012. Utilizing Groupon Grassroots’ collective action model, Groupon subscribers can pledge support for the Global Down Syndrome in $10 increments, working to reach a tipping point of $400. Those funds raised will provide 10 campers with uniforms – but the challenge doesn’t end there! An anonymous donor has promised to match contributions dollar-for-dollar – meaning every $10 donated translates to $20 of support for the Foundation.

Proceeds from “Decked out for Dare to Play” will help fund the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Ed McCaffrey Dare to Play Football Camp and the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders Dare to Cheer Camp. A $40 donation covers the cost of a football jersey for one camper. Now in its third year, The Dare to Play Camp is the first of its kind in Colorado. Former All-Pro wide receiver and three-time Super Bowl champion Ed McCaffrey and Valor Christian High School coaches spend four weeks teaching campers ages 8 and up the basics of the game, while encouraging camaraderie and the joy of football in a fun environment.

Each camper is paired with a high school football player and receives one-on-one instruction in core touch football skills. A host of former and current college and professional athletes are on hand to provide additional expertise, guidance and support, which culminates with a scrimmage at Valor Stadium – complete with game-day festivities and a post-game celebration open to the public – on June 23.

No game experience is complete without cheerleaders, and to ensure the football players are properly encouraged, members of the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders will host the Dare to Cheer Camp for individuals with Down syndrome in conjunction with the Dare to Play Football Camp. Male and female campers aged 7 and up will learn drills and steps to perform with members of the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders at the halftime show of the scrimmage on Sunday, June 23. A $60 donation funds a cheerleading uniform for one camper.

The concept for the camp was created by Global Down Syndrome Foundation Executive Director Michelle Sie Whitten and Ed McCaffrey, who teamed up to provide safe, supportive athletic opportunities for people with Down syndrome. Funding for the camp is provided by the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.

About the Global Down Syndrome Foundation
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is a public non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education and advocacy.  Formally established in 2009, the Foundation’s primary focus is to support the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the first academic home in the US committed to research and medical care for people with the condition. Fundraising and government advocacy that corrects the alarming disparity of national funding for people with Down syndrome is a major short-term goal.  The Foundation organizes the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show – the single largest annual fundraiser benefitting people with Down syndrome.  Programmatically the Foundation organizes and funds many programs and conferences including the Dare to Play Football and Cheer Camps, Global Down Syndrome Educational Series, and Global Down Syndrome Multi-Language Resource Project.  The Foundation is an inclusive organization without political or religious affiliation or intention.

About  Groupon Grassroots
Groupon Grassroots, launched in July 2010 in Chicago, features a weekly local campaign in more than 65 markets nationwide, enabling Groupon followers to do good, have fun, and make a real impact in their communities. Groupon Grassroots uses collective action to gather support for worthwhile causes and produce tangible results for local organizations. To learn more about Groupon Grassroots and how to become a featured organization, visit http://grassroots.groupon.com. To subscribe to Groupon, visit www.groupon.com.

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