The program included live entertainment, a resource fair, and free Kona ice cream and other refreshments. Max Smith-Levine, a 17-year-old Fauquier resident and talented musician with an intellectual disability, played the piano.

Children’s singer-songwriter Jerry Hull, who teaches in Fauquier County, sang and played guitar. Mt. Kim Martial Arts offered interactive demonstrations to attendees. More than 40 volunteers distributed resources, led activities for children and provided entertainment.

Participants included community members from across the region, many of whom were people with disabilities and their families.

Supporters for the event were the PATH Foundation’s Better Together Fund and Culpeper County Parks & Recreation. Participating in the event were the Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office, Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center, Safe in Home, Moms In Motion/At Home Your Way, Area Disability Resource Center of Rappahannock, A Caregivers, Molina Complete Care, Canine Companions, Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services, TOPSoccer, Mom2Mom, C-STARs, Pediatric Therapy Specialists and Culpeper County Head Start/Early Head Start.

The co-host was Culpeper-based Shooting Stars, whose mission is to increase opportunity, perception, acceptance and quality of life for people with Down syndrome.

The Arc of North Central Virginia is a non-profit organization dedicated to awareness, acceptance, and resources, enabling people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live connected and meaningful lives in our community. The Arc serves Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock counties.