Last year, Brent and Angela Theaker of Berwyn Road were planning a small cookout to raise money for the Columbus Buddy Walk.

"Our neighbors caught wind of it and wanted to be involved," Brent Theaker said. "It blossomed."

The result was a block party with around 250 guests. The Theakers had set a goal of raising $5,000, but in the end, about $14,000 went to the Columbus Buddy Walk.

"Our goal this year is to raise $15,000," Angela Theaker said.

This year, the Berwyn Benefit for the Buddy Walk Block Party will be held from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18.

The party will feature food, inflatables, a silent auction and live music by the Central Planners, the Klatt Brothers, the Beers, Bob Ras and Mr. Brian.

"It's turning into a Lollapalooza on our street," Angela Theaker said.

The event is being used to support Erin & Charlie's Angels, the Columbus Buddy Walk team organized by the Theakers and Jennifer and Dan Overmyer.

Both families have a child diagnosed with Down Syndrome: Erin Theaker and Charlie Overmyer.

This year, the Theakers are partnering with the Overmyers to organize the party.

"We're just trying to make it a fun community event," Jennifer Overmyer said. "I am shocked how much (work) goes into it and am grateful for all the people willing to put in their time ... I think we live in a great community that wants to support the people in it."

Angela Theaker said they have received a lot of help from friends and neighbors with a committee formed to organize different elements of the party.

"We got more people to help out this year," she said. "All of us have roles."

The block party also includes support from a number of local companies including Huffman's Market, City Barbeque, Yabo's Tacos, the Upper Arlington Veterinary Hospital and more.

Brent Theaker said having so many people and organizations come together to support their families has been amazing.

"It's been overwhelming," he said.

The Buddy Walk was established in 1995 as part of Down Syndrome Awareness Month to promote acceptance of people with Down Syndrome. Every year, 250 walks are held around the world.

Proceeds from the Columbus Buddy Walk are used to benefit the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio and the National Down Syndrome Society.

The Columbus Buddy Walk will be held Sept. 23 at Crew Stadium. The funds help provide family and support services to families of individuals with Down Syndrome, according to the Columbus Buddy Walk website, www.columbusbuddywalk.org.

The Erin & Charlie's Angels Team page is available at columbusbuddywalk.org/profile/9/team.