EVENT DETAILS

Join us at our 24th annual CHOP Buddy Walk® & Family Fun Day as we celebrate individuals with Down syndrome! The day will be filled with fun activities for the entire family including moon bounces, carnival games, face painting, an auction, sweepstakes and much more!

When

Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025  
9:30 a.m. – Registration begins
10:30 a.m. – Event Program
11:30 a.m. – Ceremonial lap begins
1 p.m. – Event concludes

Where

Lincoln Financial Field
1 Lincoln Financial Field Way
Philadelphia, PA 19148
Get directions

Why

100% of funds from the CHOP Buddy Walk® & Family Fun Day supports healthier futures for patients of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Trisomy 21 Program and helps improve the lives of individuals with Down syndrome.

How it works

Step 1: Register!

Start your team or join a team by visiting the CHOP Buddy Walk® registration page.

Register Now

Registration fee

The registration fee is $21 for teens and adults (age 13+), $10 for children aged 4-12 and free for those younger than 4. Pre-registration ends at noon the Friday before the event.
NOTE: Event-day registration fees increase to $25 for adults and $15 for children aged 4-12.

If I had a team last year, do I have to start over again?
Yes. Captains should visit the CHOP Buddy Walk® registration page. You can use the same team name as last year and register for the event. If you don’t remember your registration information, please contact us at buddywalk@chop.edu.

Step 2: Recruit your community

Gather your friends, family and colleagues to join you in celebrating individuals with Down syndrome and supporting the CHOP Trisomy 21 Program!

Step 3: Raise funds

There are so many ways you can raise money for individuals with Down syndrome and the CHOP Trisomy 21 Program through the CHOP Buddy Walk®. See our fundraising tips and social media resources and learn how to secure online and in-person donations on our ways to give page.

Step 4: Celebrate!

Join us on Sunday, Oct. 19, to celebrate YOU, your team and all individuals with Down syndrome! 

Register Now

What to expect

  • Moon bounces, character appearances, face painting, music, food, beverages and more!
  • A robust sweepstakes and silent auction!
  • A short program including our fundraising reveal, top teams, sponsor recognition and Trisomy 21 Program updates! (The deadline to be recognized as a top fundraising team is the Monday before event day.
  • Parking: Lincoln Financial Field is accessible by private vehicle and public transportation. Parking will be in Lot K (North Entrance). Directions to get to Lot K and exit Lot K.

For a quick overview of CHOP Buddy Walk® & Family Fun Day, see our Frequently Asked Questions page.

2025 CHOP Buddy Walk® Committee

Co-Chairs

Julie Gerhart-Rothholz & Mitch Rothholz

Committee Members

Jimmy Coughlin
Kelly Coughlin
Jacqui DiDomenico
Erica DiVario
John Eskate
Caitlin Haas
Heather Healey
Pebbles Jackson
Amanda Jacobs
Anne Kochera
Christa Lynch
Rosemary McKenna
Kristy Moffett
Karen Keser Onyshczak
Kelly Pasquarella
Janice Radway
Cynthia Scott
Tereze Sinno
Melissa Stauffer
Kim Stranix
Dan Szostek
Vicki Szostek
Danielle Thompson
Kimberly Touch Rinaldi
Michelle Viall
Nicole Wells
Bernadette Wheeler

Questions?

Email BuddyWalk@chop.edu.

Meet Our Champions

CHOP Buddy Walk® was formed to celebrate and support individuals with Down syndrome. Meet the kids that inspire our work!

Our Champions