2023 Broward Champion of the Year Program Book by Best Buddies International

Sailing Towards Inclusion

Dear Friends, This eight-week philanthropic competition, generously presented and hosted by Best Buddies South Florida, applauds the dedication of local professionals and community leaders across South Florida. These champions have been nominated to raise both funds and awareness in support of Best Buddies’ mission.

Following this 80-day campaign, all candidates and their buddy campaign managers will be celebrated at our Champion of the Year Gala on Friday, November 10th. The pinnacle of the evening arrives when the candidate who has made the most significant impact through their fundraising efforts is crowned the Grand Champion of the Year! The proceeds from this gala will be channeled directly to Best Buddies South Florida, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This funding will be pivotal in creating more friendships, nurturing leadership opportunities, and fostering meaningful employment for thousands of individuals, both with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities, in honor of our beloved South Florida community. We are eagerly looking forward to celebrating this remarkable evening with you! Andi Allen State Director

Proud Sponsors

VERA Cadillac Buick GMC Hummer EV would like to congratulate Juliet Sanchez for her outstanding dedication and passion to her Mission Partner; Gracie Garland and her contiued support to elevate awareness.

2023 Champion of the Year

Hosting our inaugural Champion of the Year Gala in Broward County for Best Buddies International is a significant milestone, one we hold close to our hearts. It represents the culmination of dedication, hard work, and unwavering support from our community and beyond. This event is not just a celebration; it's a promise of greater things to come. Our goal in organizing this gala is multifaceted. Firstly, we aim to honor those who have consistently shown incredible love and dedication to our mission. By acknowledging their tireless efforts, we reinforce the significance of our cause and inspire others to join this noble journey. Additionally, we see this gala as a springboard for growth. We envision a future where our programs thrive and reach even more individuals who need the support, friendship, and opportunities that Best Buddies offers. Each year, we hope to make our galas bigger and better, creating a ripple effect that spreads joy and inclusivity throughout our community. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our sponsors, donors, candidates, mission partners, and dedicated staff. Your contributions, whether financial or through your time and efforts, have been instrumental in making this gala and our ongoing mission a reality. As we embark on this incredible journey, we invite you to stand beside us, ensuring that the Champion of the Year Gala becomes a beacon of hope, love, and unity for Broward County. Together, we will create a brighter and more inclusive future for all. Thank you for your support and dedication to Best Buddies International.

Bid From the Heart The Value of Your Donation Supports Best Buddies helps form meaningful friendships, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communications skills, all while feeling valued by society.

$10,000 • Inclusion Gift: supports the expansion efforts right here in Broward County allowing us to expose more people to friendship, leadership, and inclusive employment $ 5,000 • Helps to ensure students with IDD and their parents receive the necessary training and resources before exiting high school via the Best Buddies Transition Program $2,500 • Helps to fund our annual Friendship Ball – an inclusive prom-style event for our highschoolers $1,000 • Helps to fully fund the attendance for one chapter member, ambassador or jobs participant to attend the annual Best Buddies International Leadership Conference

Celebrating the difference-makers in South Florida. Bringing the community together helps all of us move forward. At PNC, we proudly support the people, events and institutions that help to strengthen the places we call home and the world around us.

pnc.com

Candidates

Crystal Horta

Laura Geary

Garrett Holeve

Mariah Gonzalez

Juliet Sanchez

Gina Gonzalez

Mission Partners

Isaiah Gonzalez

Gracie Garland

Mitch Holeve

Amand Blumental

Joshua Garcia

Juanita Cardozo Argaez

AUCTION DONOR LIST • 4 Rivers Smokehouse • 4Roots Farm • Aerospace Center for Excellence • AMC • Amanda Bloomberg • Bark Box • Bath & Body Works • Benebone • Bishop Museum of Science & History • Bluefoot Pirate Adventures • Bogart’s American Kitchen • Bokampers • Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre • Butterfly World • Cafe Tu Tu Tango • Carolina Ale House • Cat Cafe • Cherry Smash • Chuy’s Tex Mex • Clearwater Marine Aquarium • Cove Brewery • Crayola Experience • Davie Pro Rodeo • Deering Estate • Dolphins Research Center • Duffy’s Sports Grill • El Camino Mexican Kitchen • FirstWatch • Float 8 • Florida Renaissance Festival • Fort Lauderdale Country Club • Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi • Gourmet Gift Baskets • Greater Miami Youth Symphony • Gulfstream Park • Hollywood Hit Glass • Isaiah Gonzalez • John’s Crazy Socks • Jungle Queen • KitNip • Lion Country Safari • Lucky Fish • Marie Selby Botanical Gardens • Mazza • Miami City Ballet • Miami Dolphins • Miami Fruit and Spice • Miami Rum Club • Miami-Dade County Parks • Misha’s Cupcakes • Miriam Griffith

• Modern Restaurant Group • Museum of Discovery and Science • NSU Museum of Art • Off the Wall Davie • Oceanic of Pompano Pier • Orlando Science Center • Outback • OwlCrate Enterprises Inc. • Park Tavern • PetSmart • Rapids Water Park • Red Button escape Room • Red Button Escape • Rotelli Pizza • Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club • Sana Skin Studio • Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center • Sawgrass Recreation Park • Science Center • Scenthound • Seminole Hard Rock & Casino • Sephora • Shake Shack • Simple Modern • Sockfly • Sunrise Paddleboards • Suria Plastic Surgery • Tarpon River Brewery • Tap|42 • The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature • The Cove • The Field Irish Pub & Eatery • The Goliath Group • The Ringling • Tobias Financial • Tommy Bahama • TooJays • Total Wine & More • UTZ Brands • Vero Beach Museum of Art • Warrior Marshal Arts • Water taxi • Wawa • Wonderworks • Xtreme Action Park • Yoga with Crystal • Yard House • Yarhouse • Yoga with Crystal • Zebco • Zoo Miami

Thanks for all the donations received. If you don't find your name, rest assured we value you and your contributions, despite program deadlines.

This Year's Entertainment Gregory Griffith, a multi-talented individual with a remarkable journey. With a career spanning over 25 years, he's not only a successful CEO with both a BS and MS, but also a Certified Professional Coach, accomplished public speaker, and celebrated author. Gregory's diverse background includes roles as a dedicated educator, high school coach, entrepreneurial ventures, leading a professional entertainment band, and achieving the incredible feat of completing 25 marathons. In 2004, he was recognized for his achievements by being inducted into the National Register's Who's Who. His boundless energy and unwavering passion for life have positively impacted thousands, inspiring them to "Get Activated." For over a decade, Gregory has been a dedicated supporter of Best Buddies, maintaining lasting connections with high school Buddies and parents from the renowned West Broward High, home to Broward County's #1 Best Buddies Club in 2023.

Introducing Ben Cairo, a 16-year-old musical prodigy from Miami. He's a multi-talented student at the Miami Arts Studio Band Magnet Program, known for his early start in DJing at age 7 and his impressive journey through various musical instruments. Ben is a regular performer with the Miami Arts Studio Wind Symphony Band, Jazz Band, and MAS Ritmo. He even had the honor of DJing for the Miami Heat team and has shared the stage with Professional DJ Irie. Additionally, his passion for the double bass has led to remarkable collaborations with renowned musicians. Ben's story is a testament to his extraordinary musical talent.

How to Bid Register: By URL: www.bidpal.net/coybroward Or By Text: Text COYBROWARD to 243725

k k n n a a h h TT oouu!!

For being a Champion for INCLUSION!

With love, the Gearys

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