Dear Best Buddies Family,
Best Buddies had a remarkable year in 2023, with your events and programmatic activities coming back stronger than ever, both nationwide and globally As the year concluded, we became even more convinced of the critical and transformative role that Best Buddies programs play in fostering connections and building a more inclusive world for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
In 2023, Best Buddies formed strategic partnerships with several major corporate partners that will have a profound impact on our organization and the people we serve BODYARMOR became the official water and sports beverage partner of the Best Buddies Challenges, providing hydration products for the organization’s national cycling events.
Best Buddies also launched a new partnership with our friends at Jersey Mike s Subs. To kick off the partnership, the company generously pledged $1 million to support the organization, inviting their customers to donate via a round-up campaign at checkout on their mobile app. In 2023, we also welcomed the Boston Celtics’ Al Horford, the Atlanta Falcons’ Chris Lindstrom, and Celebrity Chef Buddy Valastro as official Best Buddies Global Ambassadors. In these roles, they will use their star power, resources, and connections to promote our mission.
the strength of our business model, combined with our loyal and expanding supporter base, the dedication and focus of our talented employees, and the growth opportunities we see ahead, all reinforce my confidence in our ability to drive towards our long-term growth.
Thank you for contributing to a better world for individuals with IDD> Your continued support will be critical as we strive to move our mission forward, recognizing that there is still much work to be done
Together, we will rise to the occasion to change lives through the power of inclusion
Open Bar & Hors d’ oeuvres
Luara Geary, Izzy, & MHS
Thank You To Our Sponsors!
To Izzy,
We are so incredibly proud of you for being nominated as Best Buddies Champion of the Year! Your dedication, kindness, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others are truly inspiring. You light up every room with your genuine care and love for those around you, and it’s no surprise that your efforts have been recognized in such a meaningful way.
Thank you for the difference you’re making and for showing the world the power of compassion and friendship. We are behind you every step of the way, cheering you on with all our hearts! No matter the outcome, you are already a true champion in our eyes and in the eyes of so many who are blessed to know you.
With all our love and support, Nina, Tio, Matthew and Christopher
To Our Dearest Isabella,
Today, as you stand here nominated for the Best Buddies Champion of the Year award, we want you to know just how proud we are of you. You have blossomed into a beautiful, compassionate, kind person and it fills our hearts with joy to witness the love you share with not just your brother, Nicholas but all those with disabilities.
Your dedication to spread awareness shines brightly, and your strength inspires us all Remember that you are already a champion in our eyes and we are so proud of you!
With all our love, Mom and Dad
This Year's Emcee & Auctioneer
Matt Newsom has helped high-profile charities throughout the United States generate over $65,000,000 through event fundraising. As a licensed benefit auctioneer, he brings over 35 years of event management and public speaking experience to every fundraising gala, and his balance of energy and sincerity resonate with all types of audiences
A 15-year Hairy Cell Leukemia survivor, the treatment he received was developed by researchers who were funded by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
He personal fundraising has been recognized nationally by LLS as he was the Charlotte Man of the Year in 2016 and the 2022 National AllStar Man of the Year, having raised over $700,000 in the fight against cancer.
This Year's Guest Speaker
Eddie Barbanell is an American actor, comedian, and disability advocate, best known for his work in the entertainment industry as a performer with a disability Born with cerebral palsy, Barbanell has used his platform to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion for people with disabilities. His comedic style blends humor with poignant social commentary, drawing from his own experiences navigating life with a disability. In addition to his stand-up comedy, Eddie has appeared in television shows and films, making significant contributions to disability representation in the media
This Year's Entertainment
How to Bid
DJ JUICE 305 is One South Florida’s Most Influential DJs with over 15 years of experience in multiple Genres of Music and is Also a On Air Talent on 99 Jamz Miami’s #1 For Hip Hop and R&B Register:
Please see The Registration Team to be assist with registering
*You can also bid in the silent auction once you’ve registered
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
• Supports an elementary school, middle school, high school, or college Chapter for a year
$7,500
• The cost of the room and food to host 250+ Best Buddies members to the statewide Friendship Ball
$5,000
• The cost to sponsor the Friendship Walk for the community
$2,500
• A tent at the walk and 50 special edition walk shirts
$1,000
• The cost to send a Buddy to the Leadership Conference (Registration and Air)
• DJ or photo booth for a statewide Best Buddies event
$500
• Bus to transport a school chapter to the Friendship Walk or Friendship Ball
• Registration for a buddy to attend the Leadership Conference
• The cost of a flight to send a student leader to the Leadership Conference in Indiana
$250
• The cost to send 4 buddies to the Buddy Ball
• The cost to send a buddy to the Party with a Purpose
• Transportation for 2 ambassadors to give public speeches
• The cost of a pizza party for a school chapter
DEDICATION
In memory of my parents, Ephraim and Dorothy Siegel, and my brother, Allan Ira (November 13, 1941, to September 27, 2002).
Reflecting on their lives, I realize how much their journeys mirror the experiences of families of “Buddies” and their friends. It is the pursuit of “Inclusion and Love” that motivates everyone’s actions and behaviors.
For my parents, the 1940s and 1950s were tough years, as they were among the “pioneers” striving to create and establish today’s “Buddies Spirit ” Living in Hempstead, New York, they worked tirelessly to establish the Nassau County Association for the Help of Retarded Children and various “Sheltered Workshops” and summer camps. They eventually retired to Margate, Florida, where they continued their efforts to promote “Awareness and Inclusion” for “Buddies” in their community
In recognition of their efforts, I, Stuart, grant this financial gift to your organization to help the spirit of “Buddies” continue to grow.
Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm Sunday, 1 - 3 pm
Weekend and holiday hours may vary.
Phone: 305-420-5559
The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is the leading walk in the country supporting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (also known as IDD).
