On February 18, 2003, my husband chris and I received our second of five bundles of joy (yes, five!). Madi arrived on a snowy February afternoon. She was two weeks earl and to our total surprise, Madi was born with down syndrome.

Everyone said it would be hard, and no doubt, there are extra worries and concerns with raising a child with special needs. But more than anything, having a child with down syndrome has been a joy, because having children is a joy. Madi’s diagnosis provided me with new perspectives, ways to love, and a deeper appreciation for the little things.

I am thankful for the many resources available to help parents of children with special needs; organizations like The Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota, Special Olympics Minnesota and Valley Friendship Club of Stillwater. Because of their support, I want to do my part to pay forward their kindness and to raise awareness of down syndrome, what it means to have a child with down syndrome, and how people with down syndrome play a vital role in our lives and communities.

Beginning in March of 2014, Sara’s Tipsy Pies began its “Pie with a Purpose” campaign in which a portion of the proceeds from all pies made with Finnegans Beer is donated to The Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota. Finnegans generously donates all of the beer for this campaign to us. We are so proud of this campaign and to-date we have donated $2575 to The Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota. We've also started donating to Valley Friendship Club Stillwater and Jacks Basket.

As a parent, you realize that your love is not based on your child’s ability, but on your own ability to accept your children for who they are and how they enrich your life. Our daughter Madi is a blessing and a gift. Thank you to our children, Mason, Madi, Cody, Wyatt and Averi for making our world a brighter, happier place to live. Thank you for your support!

– Sara Hayden, Proud owner of Sara’s Tipsy Pies

A percentage of your wedding pies made with Finnegans will be donated to the "Pies with a Purpose" fund. Finnegans generously donates all of the beer for this fundraising campaign. Thank you!