2023 Winners Cup Benefit
Saturday, May 6, 2023 | more details coming soon
In 2004, the Winners Cup Benefit was created to raise funding for the Down syndrome community in West Michigan. Proceeds from the annual Kentucky Derby themed party and auction benefit the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan Foundation, which helps to fund the vital supports, programs and services provided by the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan. Since its inception, the Benefit has consistently brought in income and resources to raise the value of the Foundation’s endowment to over $1.6 million.
The 2023 Winners Cup Benefit will be held on Saturday, May 6th. More details will be announced in early Spring 2023.
2022 Guest Speaker: Caden Cox
“Football Marvel.” That’s what ESPN reporter Gene Wojciechowski dubbed Caden Cox at the 2021 ESPN College GameDay after Caden made history as the first individual with Down syndrome to play and score in a NCAA or NJCAA College football game.
After scoring the point for Ohio’s Hocking College, Caden finished the season with 100% accuracy as one of the team’s Kickers. Athletic success isn’t new to the freshman, though. As a student at York High School in Virginia, Caden earned varsity letters in both football and track and field. He also participated on the swim and dive team, rallied school spirit playing percussion in the marching band, and earned a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. His hard work in and out of uniform, coupled with his passion for advocacy and inclusion, inspired York High School’s first Inclusion Club, Falcons Together. In 2020, the Virginia Division of Career Development and Transition recognized his success and named him the Virginia Youth of the Year.
Caden is currently working towards his Associate Degree in Therapeutic Performing Arts & Assistive Animal Studies at Hocking College. He has been inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa International College Honors Society, as well as the National Society of Leadership & Success and International Thespian Society. When he’s not on the football field, Caden participates in Special Olympics where he has earned eight gold medals as a swimmer and raised over $4,000 to support the organization.
Since making history last fall, Caden has become a local celebrity. He has not one, but two NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) Contracts as Brand Ambassadors for Rocky Boots and BALMSHOOT Lip Balm. He has also amassed over 300,000 followers on TikTok as a dance creator. Most recently, Caden and his brother Zane founded a street wear clothing brand, Messaging Apparel Co. Their line, “Family 21”, advocates for inclusion and spreads the good word that using your abilities leads to endless possibilities for ALL!
Patty Heffernan of
Cameron Dolbow of
Bob Boylen
Samuel L Westerman Foundation
Tom & Nancy McDonald
Show Sponsors
Friend Sponsors
Richard J. Lacks
Paul & Beth Taylor
Dick Schneider
Todd & Melissa Hoefler
Marilyn Karel
Evelyn Bruyn
2022 Board & Committee Members
Bobbi Jo Blanton
William Blanton
Bob Boylen
Ruthie Cornetet
Cameron Dolbow
Patty Heffernan
Shelly Millen
Jim Scarlett
Questions? Contact DSAWMF Executive Director Katie Hollis at director@dsawm.org or 616-956-3488.
Address
160 68th St. SW, Ste. 110
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
located inside the Special Olympics Michigan building
Phone
616-956-3488
Hours
Regular Hours:
Monday – Friday | 9:00am – 5:00pm
Summer Hours (Memorial Day-Labor Day):
Monday – Thursday | 9:00am – 5:00pm