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2026 Flip Flop Hop!
Asheville’s Only Tropical Gala
Thanks to everyone who made this a very successful event! Proceeds from this event will fund a summer day camp, “I can Ride” bike camp, family picnic, family activities like mini golf, Tourists Baseball game and well as individual grants for children with down syndrome.
The 6th Flip Flop Hop
Event was held Friday, February 6, 2026, with all proceeds going to support education, advocacy and special projects of the Western North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance (WNCDSA) such as annual camp & enrichment program scholarships, monthly parent meetings, annual family picnic, new parent packages and other special needs as determined by the WNCDSA Board. 100% of the funds from this event will be used to benefit individuals/families within WNC.
This gala was held at the Orange Peel in downtown Asheville and includes an exciting silent & live auction with packages that range in price and offer something for every member of the family. Admission is $75.00 per person, and includes two drink tickets to accompany the menu selection including “Cheeseburgers in Paradise” by Post 25.
Asheville’s own “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Band” performance brought the tropical spirit and took everyone “Down to the Islands” with their mix of reggae, Buffett, beach, blues and boogie.
Wear your Tropical Garb!
We’ll have decked out the Orange Peel with a Tropical “Vibe”. Our bands will be playing Jimmy Buffett and Trop Rock tunes to get you in the “Island Mindset”
Bands, Raffles and Live Auction
Island and Tropical tunes, food, drink, raffles and a live auction. It’s a perfect night to be in Asheville in February!
The Best Venue
Thanks to the Orange Peel for offering a heavily discounted rate for the whole evening
Plenty of nearby parking in the parking garage
Our Mission & Values
The mission of the Western North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance is to help create a community that will be educated, supportive and inclusive of individuals with Down Syndrome.
Which 17 counties does the Western North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance cover? Avery, Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey.
We respect the rights, abilities and potential of people with Down syndrome
We believe that people with Down syndrome should have the opportunity to make choices affecting their lives. * We respect and support the role of families in meeting the needs of people with Down syndrome.
We value the efforts of our affiliates in the support they provide to people with Down syndrome and their families
We value excellence in the quality of education, research and advocacy provided to our constituents.
We value diversity in our board, staff, volunteers and membership.
We value the excellence and commitment of our board, volunteers and staff in their roles supporting the rights and abilities of people with Down syndrome..
Buddy Walk