Balloons, colorful eggs, a clown and sunshine welcomed the Down Syndrome Guild of southeastern Michigan to Children’s Park on Saturday. The guild, formed to provide support, resources and advocacy for those with Down syndrome, held its first annual Easter egg hunt downtown.
‘It was truly amazing to see the way the Lake Orion community pulled together to help and make it happen for all these wonderful kids,? said Mary Vellucci, one of the event coordinators.
Nearly 40 area merchants and residents donated time, money and food for the event. Children were able to color eggs, create bags for the hunt, color and hang out with Da the Clown and Jet from Jet’s Pizza while enjoying the park.
Mike Lyons and his son, Mitch, have been active in the guild for six years.
‘It provides a lot of support,? Lyons said of the group’s network of families, friends, doctors and educators.
Jim Hanggi is vice president on the guild’s board of directors. He and his family, wife Sherri and son Michael, have been involved for seven years.
?(The guild) tries to be a voice for individuals with disabilities,? Hanggi said, adding that members advocate for every disability, not just for those with Down syndrome.
‘We try to be out there to help everyone we can.?
The guild sends a special thanks to each of the event sponsors, including CJ’s Lakeside Grill, Twice Blessed Resale Shop, Ed’s Costume, Little Monster’s, Jet’s Pizza and their delivery mascot, Valentino’s, Krogers, BoRic’s hair salon, Tubby’s, Celtic Cove Catholic Bookstore, Tastefully Simple, Avon and Mary Vellucci, Afghans by Patt, Clip Aways hair salon, Cutting Edge hair salon, Canterbury Village Fudge shop, Buffalo Wild Wings, Mannie’s Bagel shop, Blue Ox BBQ, Walgreens on Lapeer Rd., CVS on Lapeer Rd., Da the Clown, Ray and Lisa Vellucci, Timothy Sullivan, Brandy Edwards and Kim Blochlinger.