Flip Flop Hop Back in 2026!
What Is The Flip Flop Hop?
The Western North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance will host a special evening celebration “The 6th Flip Flop Hop – Dancing for Down Syndrome, Asheville’s Only Tropical Gala”.
The event will take place on 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 will be 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 which offers a variety of island flavors provided by Marta’s Catering from The Venue. Doors open @ 7:00. The sounds of Asheville’s own “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Band” & “The Caribbean Cowboys Band” will provide the tropical spirit as they take us “Down to the Islands” with their mix of reggae, Buffett, beach, blues and boogie. Band will take stage @ 7:00pm. We look forward to seeing you on February 6th as you join us to Dance for Down Syndrome – flip flops optional
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