Blossoming From the

Inside Soiree

our 2nd annual heart to heart Symposium

Saturday, October 4th

The Grand Exquisite Catering Hall.

38 Lackawanna Avenue... Totowa, NJ

Doors open 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM.

Cash bar & an extravagant Grand Brunch Buffet, surrounded by an opulent setting.

All tickets include vip & bonus book launch exclusives, including 1st signed copies in a private launch. April 2026

Grab your tickets today!

Our Heart to Heart Symposium

Part 1

Down Syndrome Acceptance: Breaking the Stereotypes of Down Syndrome. Partnering with our Italian Down Syndrome friends from the Tuscany region. Live on the Chatter Social App. Sharing the similarities and differences between the Italian community and the United States community on acceptance, inclusion, and more.

Part 2

Domestic Violence & Intimate Partner Crimes.

What Domestic Violence is not. Breaking the silence to end the violence. Domestic Violence is a global health issue & a violation of human rights.

Grab your tickets today!

Pledge & Poem

Domestic Violence Pledge.

Today, I pledge to take action to end all forms of violence with love, compassion, and without judgement. I stand with courage, lead with conviction, and speak out to promote non-violence as the norm. I will believe them, listen to them without judgement, support and encourage them with resources to leave their abuser. I pledge to take action as an advocate for healthy relationships. I will actively work against oppression & commit to being part of the change needed to create a community that is safe and just for every person. . .

This is how I told the world that my son was born with Down Syndrome

Today, on World Down Syndrome Day, 3.21.13, I honor and celebrate my son, Desiderio Kwan Farkas. I shed a tear today, not for the heart wrenching news that haunted my soul for weeks; but for all the joyous moments he will bring me and all those around him. I am hopeful today, not for the perfect son, but for the extraordinary person who will make a difference in this world he couldn't wait to be a part of. I am no longer ignorant today for he has already taught me the importance of pure and honest knowledge. I am no longer fearful today for the boundaries others will set for him as I know he will b surrounded by loved ones who will inspire and encourage him. My life is enriched far greater today than yeserday for the change in my life my son has already brought me. On 10.17.12, I vowed that day, today, & everyday in the future that it is "A Time to Celebrate a Life... Not to Mourn the Possible Limits of a Blessed Soul".. My world has changed far greater than I imagined & yet it has only begun. I am grateful for the life the Lord has blessed me with as I was the chosen Mommie to make a difference in his life. I believe in the pureness of faith and knowing this is where I am supposed to be. I know he was brought to me for a reason. A reason that has yet to be fully revealed. The love I have for my son is far less than the love he will continue to give me. I stand taller and stronger , than ever before, as I am honored and proud to have been trusted with this little life called, Desiderio Kwan, which means strong desired one.

Each October, Mary Kim Farkas hosts the Heart to Heart Symposium to honor Domestic Violence Awareness & Down Syndrome Acceptance. Both causes are deeply rooted in her own journey as a survivor, mother, and advocate. This annual gathering creates safe spaces for truth, resilience, and empowerment, uniting voices to spark change.

Real conversations bringing awareness to change the narrative. Mary Kim's birth Mother, whose life was taken when she was 12 years old by the hands of her father. Mary Kim grew up in two DV homes. In 2012, Mary Kim's fetus was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Through uprooting her own stigmas & stereotypes, Mary Kim unapologetically advocates for inclusion and acceptance of her son & his global community.

Mary Kim was accepted into New Jersey's Partners in Policymaking 2026 with the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University, The Boggs Center on Disability & Human Development, & Disability Rights New Jersey. Partnering with state and nationally-known experts to develop the knowledge & skills needed for effective advocacy and gain valuable leadership experience. Class of 2026!

ENTRY TICKET: $125.

(Cash bar, Extravagant Grand Brunch buffet & swag bag)

(upgrade ticket option) : VIP Bonus upgrade: $250.

(VIP Bonus Book Launch Exclusives, Including personalized 1st signed copies in a private launch April 2026. includes VIP seating, including access to an elite private group to inside personal exclusives of Mary Kim's book.

SPONSOR PACKAGES:

BLOSSOMING SPONSOR: $1500.

(VIP Bonus Book Launch Exclusives, Including personalized 1st signed copies in a private launch April 2026. Includes VIP seating, including access to an elite private group to inside personal exclusives of Mary Kim's book.(Includes 3 VIP tickets and VIP exclusives)

Recognized as our Community Sponsor: Logo on all event materials, website, social media platforms.Sponsorship highlighted throughout the event.

GARDEN GLOW SPONSOR: $2500.

Private VIP table of 8-10 guests.

(VIP Bonus Book Launch Exclusives, Including personalized 1st signed copies in a private launch April 2026. Includes an exclusive private VIP table of 8-10 guests, including access to an elite private group to inside personal exclusives of Mary Kim's book.

Recognized as our GARDEN GLOW Elite Sponsor with an opportunity for a ten minute feature speaker spotlight.

Includes a 1/2 page ad. Logo on all event materials, promos, and website.Highlighted throughout the event. Business video played on loop throughout the event and social media exposure.

Reviews

TM HYMAN

" An amazing event!"I've learned so much from Mary Kim and her son Desi."

For a society that wants to hide the Down Syndrome community, I heard stories of the fight parents were taking on to make sure their kids were included.