There are moments in life that change you forever.
For our family, that moment came when our son Elliot was born with Down syndrome. In that instant, we realized something about rural communities: too many children with differing abilities — and the families who love them — are still fighting for access, understanding, education, inclusion, and hope.
That realization became Down Country.
Founded in Taylor, Missouri in 2011, Down Country is a 100% volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving families across the Tri-States of Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa. Down Country receives no state or federal funds. We operate on three simple but powerful beliefs:
“EVERY CHILD IS A GIFT! EVERY CHILD CAN LEARN! & EVERY CHILD LEARNS DIFFERENTLY!”
This year Down Country has two separate sponsorship opportunities, one for Down Country’s annual programming and one for Down Country’s 4th Annual Awareness to Acceptance concert featuring Carson Bock, Alex Miller, ParmaLee and Craig Morgan to promote positive awareness and acceptance for individuals for with disabilities/exceptional abilities in the Tri State Area.
Down Country uses Down syndrome as the voice for how EVERY child learns. Down Country provides education, awareness, scholarships, training opportunities, family support, and life-changing resources to individuals of ALL abilities throughout the Tri States.
But the need is growing faster than the funding.
Concert Sponsorship
For more information about Concert Sponsorship.
Families in rural communities often face overwhelming barriers:
• Limited access to specialists and therapies
• Lack of inclusive educational opportunities
• Financial hardship connected to medical and educational needs
• Isolation and lack of support systems
• Limited training opportunities for educators, therapists, nurses, and caregivers
Down Country exists to bridge these gaps.
Because of generous sponsors, we have:
• Sent more than 500 families and professionals to national conferences and specialized training opportunities
• Helped rural educators, therapists, and medical professionals bring life-changing knowledge back to our communities
• Supported new families through our #LuckyFew Babies First Program, helping parents access critical medical and educational information during the earliest years of life
• Created awareness events, concerts, scholarship programs, and educational initiatives that remind families they are not alone
And we do it all with no paid staff.
Every dollar raised goes directly back into programming, training, scholarships, awareness, and support for children and families.
We are asking you to partner with us because sponsorship is not simply a donation — it is an investment in human potential.
Your support helps:
• A rural teacher learn strategies that unlock communication for a child
• A parent attend a conference that changes the trajectory of their child’s future
• A young adult gain access to inclusion and workforce opportunities
• A family realize their child is capable, valued, and worthy of every opportunity life has to offer
Most importantly, your sponsorship helps create a world where children are seen first for their abilities — not their limitations. Being a Down Country sponsor is far more than a sponsorship; YOU become part of changing lives.
At Down Country, we believe awareness must become acceptance, and acceptance must become opportunity. On behalf of every child, every family, and every rural community searching for hope and opportunity — thank you for considering a partnership with Down Country.
Together, we can ensure that no child is overlooked simply because they learn differently.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Kate Dougherty
President & Founder, Down Country
5028 County Road 304 Taylor, MO 63471
217-617-3568 info@upatdowncountry.com www.upatdowncountry.com
“Because Every Child Is a Gift.”