4th Annual East Coast Suaree'

[Guest guest]

Hi!

I'ts time to start thinking about the 4th Annual East Coast Suaree'. For

those of you who are new to the group, each year, on the 2nd to last

weekend in June, we host a picnic for individuals who have Down Syndrome

and their lucky families (us). The picnic is mainly attended by members

of the UpsnDowns list but, is basically open to anyone with DS and their

family.

Last year, we had 191 people attend from at least 10 states and 2

countries. I think all who attended would agree that the Suaree' is a

very enjoyable and rewarding experience.

As in the past, we will again have the auction and Karaoke (and Barb

McCullough will again dance on the tables. :-) ) Due to the size of

the event and the distance many people travel to attend the Suaree', I am

investigating having the event catered. The local Ruritan caters picnic

and it is believed that it should not cost more than $5 - $7 per person.

Casten has set up a listserve for the Suaree' and we are in the

proccess of getting it and the the related site ready (there's really not

that much to do). Look for the listserve to be fully operational in a

month or so. The listserve will allow us to disseminate information and

plan for the Suaree' without clogging up the list.

Some basic information thus far:

The 4th Annual East Coast Suaree'

What is it? - A get together for individuals with Down Syndrome and their

lucky families.

When - June 22th (8:00 p.m. - ?) campfire

June 23 (picnic 1:00 - ?) swimming, horseshoes, volleyball, whiffle

              ball, auction, games, karaoke, socializing.

June 18 - The day after, Soccer game, camp fire, who knows? :-)

Where - Ravenscroft Family Park, Keyser, WV. 30 min. South of

Cumberland, MD and 70 minutes West of Winchester VA.

Contact Person - Kent Moreno Kent_Moreno@...

Pictures - To see pictures of the previous three Suarre's, go to:

www.leeworks.net/suaree/suaree.html

www.leeworks.net/suaree'/suaree2.html

http://disabilities-us.com/thealbum/east2.html

http://disabilities-us.com/thealbum/east3.html

Auction - For the past two years, we have had an auction to help fund the

Suaree'. The auction has turned out to be one of the big hits of the

Suaree'’ with the kids especially having a wonderful time. Item for the

auction are brought from home by the attendees. Items should be in good

condition. Due to the large number of items brought to last years

auction, this year, we will continue to have the live auction for items of

interest to the children (as they love to bid on things) and a silent

auction for items of interest to adults.

T-shirts - We will again have T-shirts and canvass carryall bags for sale.

The price of each item will be 1 or 2 dollars above cost. This will

cover the cost to have the design made and any related costs. Any surplus

will be used for the Suaree’. Last Year’s design featured the words

“Life is full of ” and the graphic of a boy and girl on a seesaw.

This year’s design is undecided but, two early contenders are: Two

children climbing a mountain. One child is at the bottom of the mountain

and the other at the top. Another possible choice has 2 hot air ballons

each with one child in the basket. One balloon is up higher in the air

and the other lower. Any suggestions with regard to the design of the

T-shirt are most welcome.