← All case studies
National Down Syndrome Society
Disability & Inclusion

National Down Syndrome Society Fundraising Success Story

19
Videos
150,000+
Organic Reach
https://dcnhknoai5j4e.cloudfront.net/clients/national-down-syndrome-society-1.mp4
https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6686ab4d7271acf416579fdc/6aa076fdf1298fd018156499_ndss-buddy-walk-case-study-poster.jpg
The organization

The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is a leading human rights organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Through advocacy, public awareness, and support programs, NDSS promotes the value, acceptance, and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

The goal

NDSS aimed to amplify the impact of its 30th Annual Buddy Walk, a milestone event held in New York City, to raise awareness and funds for programs benefiting individuals with Down syndrome. The organization sought to capture and share personal stories to highlight the significance of the event and its role in promoting inclusion and acceptance.

What we made

We worked with NDSS to document the 30th Annual Buddy Walk. The day began with the NDSS Times Square Video presentation, featuring images of more than 500 people with Down syndrome from around the world, displayed on two video boards in Duffy Square. Following this, participants proceeded to Central Park for the Buddy Walk and additional festivities at the Naumburg Bandshell. Our team conducted interviews with individuals with Down syndrome, their families, caregivers, and NDSS volunteers and staff, capturing the joy and camaraderie of the event.

What happened

The content produced resonated across social media platforms, significantly raising awareness for NDSS and driving engagement around the Buddy Walk’s mission to celebrate inclusion and acceptance. The event brought together more than 2,500 participants, underscoring the widespread support for the Down syndrome community. This collaboration not only highlighted the personal stories and insights of those impacted by NDSS’s work but also reinforced the organization’s role in advocating for individuals with Down syndrome and empowering them to thrive.

The full story

Happy Productions joined forces with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to commemorate the 30th annual Buddy Walk, a landmark event hosted in Times Square and Central Park. Leveraging our skilled content creator network, we crafted a series of heartfelt videos that captured the spirit of this milestone celebration. Through in-depth interviews, we highlighted the voices of individuals with Down syndrome, their families, caregivers, and the dedicated NDSS volunteers and staff who make events like this possible.

These interviews brought to life the joy, camaraderie, and sense of unity that define the Buddy Walk. Personal stories shared by participants illustrated the transformative impact of NDSS’s work, showcasing how the organization empowers individuals with Down syndrome to thrive while advocating for greater inclusion and acceptance in society. By focusing on authentic storytelling, our content resonated deeply with viewers, fostering a stronger connection to the Buddy Walk’s mission.

The videos were optimized for social media, extending their reach to a broader audience and driving engagement around this significant event. Through vibrant visuals and powerful narratives, we helped amplify NDSS’s role in creating a more inclusive world, while celebrating the achievements and potential of individuals with Down syndrome. This campaign successfully raised awareness and reinforced the importance of community support, making the 30th annual Buddy Walk a resounding success.

In their words

Straight from the client.

The people who commissioned this campaign, on camera and unscripted.

In their words
Where it ran

Where it ran

Screens from the feeds this work was made for.

Where it ran
Photo preview

Want numbers like these on your next campaign?

Answer four questions and we'll email you the plan that fits — what we'd film for your programs, how often, and how that compares to an agency or a full-time hire. No sales call required.

A two-person Happy Productions crew filming in a partner NGO field office
A Happy Productions crew rigging overhead diffusion on a remote ranch hilltop
A Happy Productions sound stage built out with lighting grid, monitors and two cameras
Our own crew and our own kit — on four continents, in field offices, sound stages and living rooms.
Unlimited videos. Four productions a year, anywhere in the world. 500,000 guaranteed views.