Host your own Burgers & Baskets backyard BBQ this summer!

Gather friends and family to celebrate the mission of Jack’s Basket! This nationwide event is all about grillin’ and chillin’ with friends, family, and neighbors while you share Jack’s Basket’s impact, spread awareness, and raise funds to celebrate babies with Down syndrome.

These coast-to-coast hometown gatherings have been such a blast and have made a HUGE impact!

Join us and host a backyard BBQ in celebration of someone you love with Down syndrome! 

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It’s a party with a purpose!

See how families across the country turn simple gatherings into meaningful moments of impact. From backyard barbecues to park celebrations, each party reflects the joy, connection, and purpose behind supporting every baby with Down syndrome.

“I’m hosting a Burgers & Baskets Party in honor of my daughter, Charlotte, who has Down syndrome. Jack’s Basket was one of the first bright lights during a difficult time, and hosting this party is my way of giving back. I want to help spread that same joy, hope, and love to other families, and make sure every baby with Down syndrome is welcomed into this world with open arms and full hearts.”

-McKenzie, 2025 Burgers & Baskets Host

How It Works

Anyone, anywhere can sign up to host a local Burgers & Baskets event! It’s as simple as throwing a backyard BBQ, sharing the mission of Jack’s Basket with your guests, and raising funds to celebrate babies with Down syndrome. Follow these simple steps to make sure you’re all set up and ready to party with us across the nation this summer! 

1. Sign Up

Choose any date between Memorial Day and Labor Day, then let us know where and when you’re planning your BBQ. After you complete the host form, we will send resources for hosting, template language for easy inviting, and a host kit full of party goodies!  

2. Set up your Giving Page

After you complete the host sign up form, we will create a personal fundraising page for your party, making it easy for your guests to contribute to your fundraiser! Customize the page with your story and a photo, and include the link in your event invitations.

3. Shop the Burgers & Baskets Store

From decorations to party favors, we have everything you need to make your party unforgettable! Host kits are provided for free and include an apron, oven mitt, burger seasoning, and can koozies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone can host a Burgers & Baskets party! Hosts can include volunteers, basket recipients, donors – anyone who loves the mission of Jack’s Basket and wants to be a part of celebrating babies born with Down syndrome. 

Does the thought of hosting sound overwhelming? Consider co-hosting a party with neighbors, friends, or other basket recipients in your area! You can also have a family member or friend host on behalf of you/your child. 

This year, we are encouraging each party to set a minimum goal of raising $321 in celebration of all the babies who are born with 3 copies of the 21st chromosome (Down syndrome)!

We encourage you to shoot for the (Jack’s Basket) stars! We’ve seen parties raise thousands of dollars, and we’ve seen parties raise hundreds of dollars! Each dollar goes to celebrating babies, so we are grateful for any amount you can raise for new families.

Looking for tips on how to reach your fundraising goal? Check out our Host Toolkit for tips & tricks!

Signing up is completely free! Hosts cover the cost of food and beverages for their event, including burgers and buns, while Jack’s Basket provides a host kit with burger seasoning, an apron, and a BBQ mitt. To help offset costs, consider reaching out to a local grocery store for donations, or make it a potluck and invite guests to bring a dish to share. Your party can be as big or as simple as you’d like, whatever works best for you!

As a host, you’ll receive access to our digital Host Toolkit, full of tips, tricks, and inspiration to help you host an impactful fundraiser. Once you signed up to host and created your fundraising page, you’ll also receive a coupon code to redeem your *FREE* host gift which includes:

  • A Jack’s Basket Apron
  • Jack’s Basket Oven Mitt
  • Can Koozies
  • Burger Seasoning
  • Jack’s Basket flyers to give to your guests
  • And more!

Above all, you’ll get to spend time with your community and an opportunity to share about a cause you care about, all while celebrating babies with Down syndrome!

As a Burgers & Baskets host, you will provide the location, burgers/food, beverages, and any desired party supplies beyond the host kit for your party. You also have the option to purchase additional branded party supplies from the Burgers & Basket shop, including banners, temporary tattoos, balloons, and clothing.

There sure are!

Incentives are based on the total amount your party raises. It’s our way of saying thank you for showing up and making an impact.

  • Top Fundraiser:
    • Gala Table (10 guests) or $500 Visa Gift Card
    • Jack’s Basket Crewneck Sweatshirt, T Shirt, Socks, and Hat
  • $5,000 Raised:
    • 2 Gala Tickets or $300 Visa Gift Card
    • Jack’s Basket Crewneck Sweatshirt, T Shirt, and Socks
  • $3,000 Raised:
    • $250 Visa Gift Card
    • Jack’s Basket Crewneck Sweatshirt and T Shirt
  • $2,000 Raised:
    • $100 Visa Gift Card
    • Jack’s Basket Crewneck Sweatshirt
  • $1,000 Raised:
    • $50 Visa Gift Card
    • Jack’s Basket T Shirt

Setting up your fundraising page is so easy! Simply navigate here to set up your account.

Once your account is set up, click “Confirm Creation of Your Fundraising Page”. From there, you’ll upload a photo of yourself (or your family), add a note about why you’re passionate about Jack’s Basket, and set a goal to track your progress!

Easy peasy!

If you’d like to make a donation to our general Burgers & Baskets fundraiser (not in association with any one host party), please give here. Thank you so much for helping us celebrate the babies and welcome their families into our community!