The spirit of community and inclusion was on full display at the Sunbelt Promotional Products Association’s Fall Showcase in Hoover, Alabama.  

During exhibitor move-in and move-out, SPPA partnered with Down Syndrome Alabama to bring in a group of its CHAMPS, which are adults with Down syndrome who engage in vocational training, leadership and volunteerism. 

  • DSA is committed to improving the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome through education, advocacy and community programming.
  • Traditionally, the CHAMPS group also delivers Christmas bags for teenagers at the Ronald McDonald House, hosts charity shoe drives and serves as greeters and volunteers at DSA’s annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk.
Jim Maddox (left), public service chair of the SPPA with CHAMPS Bobby and Chandler.

“Their support during setup and breakdown brought an infectious energy to the show floor,” says Rocky Moreno, executive director of SPPA. “They eagerly helped exhibitors and brought smiles to everyone they encountered, and the feedback from our exhibitors was overwhelmingly positive.”

  • In recognition of their work and in support of DSA’s mission, SPPA made a $1,000 donation following the event.


Furthermore, SPPA is proud to announce that DSA is its official 2025–2026 charitable partner. The regional association plans to work with DSA again at The Show Of The South from January 28-29 in Hoover, Alabama.