ZUNI, NM (Oct 23, 2023) — On Saturday, Oct. 28, the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project will be joining Major Market Inc. in Zuni Pueblo for its 2nd annual Trunk or Treat. Scheduled for 4 to 8 p.m., the free public event will include music, prizes, and plenty of treats.
Community members are encouraged to bring their decorated cars, trailers and tables and pass out goodies in the Major Market parking lot. ZYEP will be part of the fun, hosting a “Buddy Booth” station to raise Down Syndrome awareness and to promote inclusivity and acceptance.
“We want to celebrate our family members with Down Syndrome, because everyone is born with a purpose and a right to be accepted and loved,” explained Kenzi Bowekaty, ZYEP Food Sovereignty leader. “It’s important to come together as a community to spread kindness, and to learn how we can be better buddies.”
Bowekaty and her partner, Corey Seowtewa, have a son named Carter who has Down Syndrome. The family is donating Halloween treats for the Buddy Booth, and they will pass out the seasonal goodies on Oct. 28.
“We’ve also been registering families with members who have Down Syndrome, so we can distribute special gifts for them at the Buddy Booth,” Bowekaty added.
Thanks to the efforts of the National Down Syndrome Society, October has been recognized as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month since the 1980s. To do its part to celebrate people with Down Syndrome, ZYEP held its first “Buddy” event in October 2022, with Bowekaty spearheading the effort.
More than 350 people converged on Ho’n A:wan Park for a festive event that included a 1-mile Buddy Walk, Zumba class, guest speakers, community information booths, turf-or-treating, and a Halloween costume contest. Winners took home $25 Major Market gift cards.
“We were proud to partner with Major Market last year during our ‘Buddy’ event, and this year, we’re excited to join them for Trunk or Treat,” said Tahlia Natachu, ZYEP’s executive director. “It’s a wonderful way to bring our community together, and we’re anticipating a positive, fun evening for all ages.”
To learn more about the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project and its programs, and for information about making donations, partnering with ZYEP, and volunteering, call (505) 782-8000 or visit zyep.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest news and events, follow the nonprofit youth organization on Facebook (/zuniyouthenrichmentproject), Instagram (@zuniyouthenrichmentproject), YouTube (/ZuniYouth), and TikTok (/zyep09)
Founded in 2009, the nonprofit Zuni Youth Enrichment Project is dedicated to promoting resilience among Zuni youth so they will grow into strong, healthy adults who are connected with Zuni traditions. ZYEP fulfills its mission by providing positive role models, enriching programs, and nurturing spaces that contribute to the healthy development of Zuni youth. ZYEP strives to provide every child with the encouragement and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
