David Samson was born in the US Canal Zone in Panama on January 7, 1952. David had five siblings and with the love and support of his family, he was able to overcome the numerous challenges throughout his life. They moved to Florida when he was 14. David attended special schools in Panama and Florida but did not have the opportunities that individuals with Down syndrome have today. David was the core of the family, even as his siblings eventually left home, and he was in the able care of his brother and his elderly mother. David’s great ability was to appreciate the important things in life, like butterflies and bowling, nieces and nephews, and ice cream. He knew more about love, generosity, and appreciation than most typical men.

After his mother passed in 2006, his sister, Sharonlee, invited him to Rehoboth Beach and the family created the Boardwalk Buddy Walk to welcome him here. David returned every year for the walk until travel was too difficult for him and eventually passed at age 66, in 2018. 

The Boardwalk Buddy Walk Fund (BWBW) continues to raise awareness for people with Down syndrome every year on the Saturday of Columbus Day weekend. Since 2006, the BWBW Fund has raised over one million dollars. Proceeds from the walk are contributed to organizations that provide educational, occupational, and recreational opportunities to people with Down syndrome. 

The mission of the Boardwalk Buddy Walk is to create a community where individuals with Down syndrome can live, learn, work, and play.

In 2022, The Board of Directors of the Boardwalk Buddy Walk Fund  committed funds towards the creation of Uncle David’s Ice Cream Shop and Mobile Catering. The shop will open on Rehoboth Avenue in 2024 and will feature Hopkins Farm’s Creamery Ice Cream, scooped, packaged, and served by individuals with Down syndrome.

The same love, generosity, and appreciation that David demonstrated will be on display on Rehoboth Avenue and his buddies will be earning a meaningful wage.

Look at what one EXTRAORDINARY Individual Did !!!

Thank You David !!!