Buddies walk to raise funds

The 12th annual Boardwalk Buddy Walk weekend is underway in Dewey Beach this weekend.

The event is a way to incorporate people with down syndrome into the community and give both Rehoboth Beach and Dewey a chance to welcome them.

The Buddy Walk was organized by Dennis Diehl in 2006 when his brother-in-law, David Samson, with down syndrome lost his mother.

Diehl decided to welcome him into the community with a buddy walk and the event has grown dramatically.

It started with 350 walkers and now approaches 2,000 walkers annually, while raising $74,000 to help teach life skills.

'There aren't things employers are willing to pay you for but there's plenty you can do. And that's what we'll spend our money we raise.  Trying to get these people into jobs, into something where they feel meaningful and valuable to society," said Diehl.

The Buddy Walk will take place Saturday morning at 9 a.m. registration opens at 7:30 a.m.