Meet Sam: professional heart thief, little brother, and all-around community star.

Yes, Sam has Down Syndrome—but that’s probably the fifth thing people notice about him. The first four are usually his smile, his charm, his sense of humor, and the fact that he’s somehow convinced an entire village to fall in love with him.

Our community has embraced Sam from day one, and few things make him happier than Hotdog Night, where he’s usually having the time of his life and making new friends along the way.

This past year, he’s grown so much—getting bigger, stronger, and more independent every day. We spend a lot of time teaching him new things, but somehow he always ends up teaching us right back. He reminds us to celebrate the little victories, lead with kindness, and find joy in every moment.

And then there’s his big brother—his built-in best friend, protector, role model, and occasional partner in mischief. Their bond is something special, and watching them grow together is one of our greatest gifts.

If there’s one thing Sam excels at, it’s collecting people who love him. Family, friends, neighbors, teachers, and community members all seem to end up on Team Sam before long. We are incredibly grateful for the village that cheers him on, celebrates his successes, and helps him thrive every step of the way.

Now let’s walk for Sam—the kid who’s been stealing hearts since day one and has absolutely no plans to stop.