THOUSANDS of people are expected to attend a benefit
night taking place in greyhound stadia across the country for Down Syndrome
Ireland (DSI) on February 25.
The Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) has been working with
DSI to create a good value, family friendly event for a very worthy cause that
will include competitions, raffles and goodie bags for children.
Shelbourne Park will be taking part in the event that
is aimed at raising over
?¬100,000.
Dawn Quinn for the Irish Greyhound Board said this was
the second year hosting the Down Syndrome Ireland Benefit Night at the Dogs.
“Due to the huge success of last year and the
incredible support from everyone we are delighted to be involved once again,
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she said.
“Down Syndrome Ireland has helped thousands of
families and last year was the first time we held the DSI Benefit Night at the
Dogs. The turnout at the events held across many of our venues is testament to
the importance of the work carried out by Down Syndrome Ireland. We urge
everyone to put February 25 into their diaries for a great night out.
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Speaking at the launch of the Benefit Night at the
Dogs, Pat Clarke, Chief Executive of Down Syndrome Ireland, said:
“We are
delighted to once again be working with the IGB to deliver our Benefit Night at
the Dogs. These are difficult economic
times for every family, particularly those who have a child with a disability.
With ever more cuts in services, our 3,000 members are increasingly reliant on
Down Syndrome Ireland to give them the vital services and supports they may not
be receiving.
“On their behalf, I’d like to ask everyone out there
to get involved and support this fantastic event which is sure to offer a very
entertaining night. Shelbourne Park is even hosting an auction with great
prizes including dinner with Eamon Dunphy at Dobbins restaurant.
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Having celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2011, Down
Syndrome Ireland has over 3,000 families with 25 branches nationwide, and is 95
per cent funded by voluntary contributions and events organised by its members.
It is the biggest single group concerned with the
welfare of people with a learning disability in Ireland.
Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium was also involved
with the first annual event last year, which received great local support, and
fans are promised another fun night for all the family, with competition prizes
and raffles, and goody bags for kids.
Funds raised from this year’s nationwide Benefit Night
at the Dogs will go directly to support a wide range of Down Syndrome Ireland’s
services at both local and national level.
For more information log onto the Irish Greyhound
Board’s website www.igb.ie or Down Syndrome Ireland’s website
www.downsyndrome.ie.