Marisa may have buns of steel, but more importantly, she has a heart of gold. One of the most important ways the HHbM community gives back is inspired by Marisa’s son, Xavier. Xavier has Down syndrome and the HHbM community has been very involved with the Down Syndrome Center of Puget Sound’s annual Buddy Walk. Team Xavier has always been in the top 5 fundraising teams and was the #1 fundraising team in 2023 and 2024- raising over $20,000 both years! In addition to the Buddy Walk every October, World Down Syndrome Day is every year on March 21st. Our fitness family contributes 100’s of pairs of socks to provide to several local elementary schools so the kids can rock their brightly colored, silly, mismatched socks to celebrate and help create Down syndrome awareness! We also partner with the Boys & Girls Club to adopt multiple families during the holidays to make sure they have a special and memorable holiday experience! We channel our inner elves during a mimosa gift wrapping party to come together to create magic for those families! Community is truly a powerful, beautiful thing!