Rhett’s Roadies

Rhett was born with an unexpected diagnosis of Down syndrome at birth and from the moment
his parents knew, they began to advocate for him. They initially set a goal to be the highest
fundraising team at the Buddy Walk for the Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas, so
with the help of some of their favorite Texas Country artists, they were able to raise over
$50,000 the first year and far surpass their goal. Since that year, they have begun their own
501-c3 Non-Profit organization called Rhett’s Roadies. Every year, at least ten local artists
donate their time and talent at this free event at Billy Bob’s Texas. It’s an all-day event that
involves great music, a silent and live auction and an all-around great time. The monies raised
at Rhett’s Roadies is split between the Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas, a
wonderful resource for local families of people with Down syndrome, and KinderFrogs School at
TCU, an amazing program for children from 18 months to 6 years old, that prepares them to
enter and thrive in an inclusive school setting. In the past, they have also donated to the Fort
Worth Dream Park that was opened in 2019, and allows children of all abilities to play freely.
The event has been held for 9 years and counting and has raised over $500,000 so far for the
Down syndrome community. Although the money raised is helpful for these programs, their
main objective is to promote acceptance and inclusion for all people with Down syndrome.

Rhett is an 8-year-old boy with Down syndrome, and the inspiration for the non-profit
organization, Rhett’s Roadies. He is in 2 nd grade at his local elementary school in Aledo, Texas.
He is a lover of Texas Country music, especially Cody Canada and the Departed, roping his calf
dummies, riding horses, farm animals, and all things cowboy! On any given day, you can find
him watching rodeo videos on YouTube and rough-housing with his little brother, Knox. It’s rare
to see him without a beautiful smile on his face and a rope in his hand. He, with the help of
Knox, created some great art for Paper-Clouds Apparel in hopes for more awareness and
inclusion for people with Down syndrome!