Down to Defend

We’re so excited to share highlights from our 2026 Hakuna Matata Fundraising Gala ✨ This evening was filled with purpose, community, and impact and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who made it so special. A heartfelt thank you to Brett at @beheardvideo for capturing our Gala so beautifully. Your talent, creativity, and attention to detail truly brought the night to life. Because of your work, we’re able to relive such a meaningful evening and share it with others in a powerful way. We appreciate you and your incredible work, thank you for helping us tell our story so well. 🎥 Watch the magic from the night unfold & tell us wha was YOUR favorite part!?

Since our last post, we’ve had a lot of people reach out to see how they can help. Down to Defend is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) can experience deep friendship, belonging, and joy. We believe every person deserves to feel seen, known, and fiercely loved — especially those who are often overlooked. While we work hard on grants and new revenue ideas, we’re reaching out to our community — to YOU — for support. Give directly — any amount truly helps: Venmo: @down -2-defend CashApp: $downtodefend Givebutter: /QH8H0U Amazon Wishlist Cash or Check: Down to Defend 3265 Walker Avenue, Suite A Grand Rapids, MI 49544 Your generosity fuels everything we do — from events to friendships to building a more inclusive world for those with IDD. Thank you for standing with us. 🤍 📸: @camilynne_photography

A story that was shared during our Arabian Nights Gala. Huge thank you to @mobeel_narrative for creating such a special video for us. From the moment she found out she was pregnant to the day she learned her baby had Down syndrome, Amanda’s journey has been one of love, growth, and finding community. 💙 Watch her story and how she found Down to Defend! We are grateful to have an app like @marcopoloapp that keeps us together even when we’re apart. #StrongerTogether #DowntoDefend #downsyndrome #downsyndromeawareness #theluckyfew #nothingdownaboutit #morealikethandifferent #changingthefaceofbeauty #wouldntchangeathing #downrightperfect #shouttheirworth

🎶 Down to Groove is BACK for the summer! ☀️💚 We’re so excited to get back to music, movement, and fun with our families and friends! Join Sasha, our Groove Instructor, along with Mr. Manners for a fun-filled morning of singing, dancing, and connection. 🎵✨ While the class is free, sign-ups are greatly appreciated! Simply scan the QR code and you’ll be directed to our website where you can create an account or log in to register. We can’t wait to groove with you again! 💚

👛 LAST CHANCE 👛 This is it-your last chance to support Down to Defend through purchasing a special edition Down syndrome Arrows handbag! Preorder closes TONIGHT at midnight (May 8) • 40% of every sale will be donated directly to Down to Defend! • Each handbag is ethically made to order, arriving to you in June! Don’t miss this chance to carry a bag that tells a story of possibilities. Get your preorder in today! /pages/down-to-defend

May is National Water Safety Month 💧 As families head into pool and lake season, it’s a powerful reminder that water safety isn’t optional it’s life-saving. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1–4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5–14. In the U.S. alone, over 4,000 people lose their lives to drowning every year—many of these tragedies happening quickly and silently. And here’s the part that matters most: Drowning is preventable. Research shows that teaching children basic water competency can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%. That’s why at Down to Defend, we’re passionate about equipping families with more than just awareness—we focus on action. Through ISR (Infant Swimming Resource) lessons, children learn critical self-rescue skills like floating, rolling onto their backs, and staying calm until help arrives. With the guidance and dedication of instructors like Rebekah, we’re able to bring this life-saving layer of protection to families in our community. If you’re looking for ISR lessons, please reach out to us! #ISR #infantSwimRescue #InfantSwimResource

There’s still time to be part of something meaningful 💛 Our special fundraiser is open for just one more week, and every purchase directly supports Down to Defend’s mission and impact in our community. Don’t miss your chance to carry this purpose with you! Preorder the limited edition Down to Defend handbag here:/pages/down-to-defend Let us know if you’ve already ordered yours! 🤩

We’re growing and looking for passionate, mission-driven leaders to grow with us 💛 Down to Defend is expanding our Board of Directors, and we’re inviting individuals who care deeply about empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to join us in making a lasting impact. If you’re ready to help shape the future, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to Alicia at [email protected] to learn more.

We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with @purseandclutch to offer a special edition Down to Defend handbag collection with a beautiful Down syndrome inspired arrow engraved on each style! Just in time for that special mom figure you have in your life! 🌸 Your purchase supports our mission of inclusion with 40% of sales donated directly to Down to Defend. These beautifully handmade leather handbags will be made to order by their artisans in Ethiopia, supporting fair wage jobs with each purchase. Here’s how it works: • The two week preorder is open TODAY until May 8! • Your bag will be made to order & will arrive in 2 months packed with love and sent directly to your house! Order here to support our mission of changing the way the world views Down syndrome & to send a global message of acceptance for all: /pages/down-to-defend

Last week, Alicia had the opportunity to present at the 42nd Annual Developmental Disabilities Conference on “Beyond Self-Defense: Building Lifelong Safety Skills for People with IDD.” Co-sponsored by MDHHS and @wmumedicine , the conference brings together leaders focused on advancing healthcare, social, community, and educational services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Thank you for having us!

We’ve been working behind the scenes on a collaboration that blends style, impact, and community in a way we know you’ll love! It’s a chance to support our work with families with kids with Down syndrome in a meaningful (and fashionable!) way. Stay tuned for the launch on Monday, April 27!

Wearing denim on April 29th is about more than just an outfit. Denim Day began as a protest against victim-blaming after a court ruling suggested a survivor’s clothing implied consent. It’s a reminder that what someone wears has never and will never be an invitation or justification for sexual violence. Wear your denim in solidarity with survivors and to help challenge the harmful narratives that still exist. This day is about raising awareness, starting conversations, and standing together in support of those whose voices deserve to be heard. We can’t wait to see your #DenimDay #SAAM