PROGRAM
Gala
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the 2024 Best Buddies Champion of the Year: Recipe for Inclusion Gala! We’re so excited to have you here as we celebrate the incredible impact of our Champions and the power of inclusion. Your continued support makes events like tonight possible, and we’re deeply grateful for everything you do to champion our mission.
Because of your generosity, Best Buddies has been able to expand and enhance our programs across Maryland. This year, we proudly introduced the Transitions program, which helps young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) successfully navigate life after high school. And it doesn’t stop there - your support also helps us strengthen our existing Friendship, Jobs, and Leadership programs, ensuring that individuals with IDD have access to meaningful relationships, employment opportunities, and the confidence to advocate for themselves.
Tonight, we want to take a moment to recognize and thank our incredible sponsors, restaurant partners, community supporters, and our talented band, Reverand Funkmaster and the Congregation of Funk, for making this evening possible.
Let’s celebrate our champions, enjoy the night, and celebrate a future where everyone feels empowered and included!
In Friendship,
Laura Nicolini State Director, Best Buddies in Maryland
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Thank You to Our Board Members!
Peter Bulcavage I Buch Construction
Lynne Case I Self-employed
Sara Clasper I Shulman Rogers
Joseph Caluser I Foulger-Pratt
Joe Delaney I Assured Partners DC
Justin DeVault I Shulman Rogers
Sara Donohue I Stein Sperling
Emily Dunigan I Compass Real Estate
Laura Feiler I Harford County Public Schools
Ray Feldmann I Feldmann
Communications Strategies
Sean Fromm I Gunnison Consulting Group, Inc
Dina Gruber I Parent Advocate
James Kirschner I County Bank
Sarah McMahon I The State of Maryland, Department of Commerce
Tom Morey I Park Hotels & Resorts
Mary Jo Mullin I Outdoor Nursery School
Tim O’Donnell I McCormick
Michael Orloff I The Stroud Group
JB Osborne I JMT
Chet Patel I Baywood Hotel
Elizabeth Radebaugh I Towson University
Jeanne Roberts I Parent Advocate
Rebe Schaefer I Sandy Springs Bank
Paul Schwinn I Shulman Rogers
Amie Self I Truist Financial Corp
Vinay Sharma I Baywood Hotels
Sam Spiritos I Shulman Rogers
Lanaya Williams I Virtuous Inc.
Robin Williams Evans I Wyatt Wear
Bid From the Heart Recipe for Inclusion
Best Buddies creates meaningful friendships, empowers individuals with successful careers, promotes independent living, hones public speaking, self-advocacy, and communication skills, all while fostering a sense of belonging in society Your donation is the key ingredient that makes this recipe possible.
$5,000
A elementary, middle school, high school, or college chapter for a year.
The cost of the room and food to host 250+ Best Buddies members to the statewide Buddy Ball
$2,500
10 jobs participants support and training for a year.
$1,000
The cost to send a Buddy to the Leadership Conference (Registration and Air) A tent at the Friendship Walk.
DJ or Photo Booth for a statewide Best Buddies event.
$500
Bus to transport a school chapter to the Friendship Walk or Buddy 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.
$350
Citizens/Ambassador bowling party.
The cost of buying t-shirts for a school chapter.
$250
The cost to send 4 buddies to the Buddy Ball. Transportation for 2 Ambassadors to give public speeches.
The cost of a pizza party for a school chapter.
2023 Champion of the Year
Team Brandon
Champions Brandon Funk and Brandon Davidson, along with their mission partner Amber Joy Miller, raised an impressive $19,875 in support of Best Buddies in Maryland programs Long-time participant Amber Joy has been involved with Best Buddies and this event for many years, and their nomination as a legacy team from 2022 Grand Champion Julia Goldsmith reflects their passion and dedication to our mission of inclusion. They continue to fundraise and raise awareness for this cause and hope to inspire others with their commitment to creating a more inclusive world.
2024 Candidates
Jenna Chorney
CHAMPION: CHAMPION: Ryan Hoover
MISSION PARTNER:
CAMPAIGN MANAGER: Layla Zakariya
Renee Hoover
CHAMPION: Mary Snowdon
MISSION PARTNER:
Matt Snowdon
CAMPAIGN MANAGER: Traci Ramsey
2024 Candidates
CHAMPION: Ashley Swiger
MISSION PARTNER: Amber Joy Miller
CHAMPION: Bryan Vancavage
CAMPAIGN MANAGER:
CAMPAIGN MANAGER: Brandon Funk Sri Rapaka
CHAMPION: Lanaya Williams
Sous Chefs
Best Buddies Friendship Programs are dedicated to fostering one-to-one friendships between individuals with and without intellecutal and developmental disabilities Reach out to us to start a chapter, as we continue to extend the hand of friendship to those who need it most Together, we can make a difference, one friendship at a time
Robert Adams
John Delaney
Carmen Houston-Ludlam
Alex Hudson
Amber Joy Miller
Robert Middleton
Vivienne Morgan
Deja Reece
Sierra Ledford
Stephanie Stein
This Year's Entertainment
Meet Charm City supergroup
Smackmaster and the Congregation of Funk. With their unique blend of Motown, blues, and funky hits from the 60s, 70s, all the way until today, they bring the noise, the vibe, and the dance party!
Reverend Smackmaster and the Congregation of Funk is: Ricky Wise, Kristin Lagana, Mike Anaconda Poissant, Belvedere Morton, The Rev, Nick Taylor, Kennis Rolle, Tyler Facinoli, Jon-Michael Bittman
How to Bid
Register:
Text MDCOY to (76278)
Donate:
Text the word GIVE and amount (dollar sign not required) to (76278)
*You can also bid in the silent auction once you’ve registered
Meet our Restaurant Partners
Menu Item: Pitmasters Chili
A lively gathering spot offering craft brews, creative cocktails, and an eclectic menu of pub favorites in a laid-back atmosphere.
Menu Item: Hummus Cup Trio
Mediterranean-inspired cafe with fresh, flavorful dishes, from light salads to hearty wraps, perfect for a casual bite or coffee break
Menu Item: Cocoa Apple Bread Pudding with Vanilla Cream Sauce
Hue Cafe & Apothecary is an innovative approach to cultivate the relationship between plans and people Using what nature provides to nourish your mind, body, soul, and taste buds with bold flavors and herbal essentials.
Menu Item: Crab Balls
A family-owned gem since 1974, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood has been a cherished intuition specializing in the art of crafting authentic Maryland crabcakes With decades of culinary expertise and a deep love for seafood, they’ve become a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike, delivering the true taste of Maryland’s coastal flavors
Menu Item: Crab Crunch Roll
A trendy destination serving fresh sushi, steaks, and global cuisine in a chic, modern setting with an inviting bar
Meet our Restaurant Partners
Menu Item: Loaded Potato Pancakes
German-inspired fare and an extensive beer selection served in a cozy, traditional pub setting with a lively beer garden.
Menu Item: Curry Puffs & Pineapple Fried Rice
Authentic Thai street food brought to life with bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a casual, vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Baltimore
Menu Item: Stout Braised Beef
Upscale pub with an innovative menu of comfort food classics elevated by a gourmet twist, paired with a wide selection of craft beers.
Menu Item: Sweet & Savory Brussels Sprouts
A charming neighborhood spot offering creative American comfort food, craft beers, and cocktails in a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere
Menu Item: Cannolis
Baltimore’s beloved Italian bakery, known for its decadent pastries, gelato, and authentic Italian desserts
Maryland Chapters
Best Buddies Friendship Programs are dedicated to fostering one-to-one friendships between individuals with and without intellecutal and developmental disabilities. Reach out to us to start a chapter, as we continue to extend the hand of friendship to those who need it most. Together, we can make a difference, one friendship at a time.
Elementary Schools Colleges
Captain Walter Francis Duke
Elementary School
Catherine T. Reed
Elementary School
Eva Turner Elementary School
Havre de Grace Elementary School
Malcolm Elementary School
Panorama Elementary School
Princess Anne Primary School
St. Leonard Elementary School
William A. Diggs Elementary School
Winfield Elementary School
Woodfield Elementary School
Community College of Baltimore County
Johns Hopkins University
Loyola University
McDaniel College
Midshipmen Action Group
Montgomery College
Notre Dame of Maryland
University
Salisbury University
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
Stevenson University
Towson University
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
University of Maryland, College
Park
Washington College
High Schools
Aberdeen High School
Academy of the Holy Cross
Albert Einstein High School
Annapolis High School
Arundel High School
Atholton High School
Bel Air High School
Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School
Bishop McNamara High School
Blake High School
Bowie High School
C. Milton Wright High School
Charles H. Flowers High School
Chesapeake High School
Chesapeake High School
STEM Academy
City Neighbors High School
Connelly School of the Holy Child
DeMatha Catholic High School
Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School
DuVal High School
Easton High School
Fairmont Heights High School
Fallston High School
Franklin High School
Frederick Douglass High School
Georgetown Preparatory School
Gilman School
Glen Burnie High School
Governor Thomas Johnson High School
Great Mills High School
Hammond High School
Havre de Grace High School
Hereford High School
Howard High School
John F. Kennedy High School
Lansdowne High School
Loyola Blakefield High School
Magruder High School
Marriotts Ridge High School
Maryvale Preparatory School
Meade High School
Mergenthaler Vocational-
Technical High School
Mount Hebron High School
North County High School
Northeast High School
Northern High School
North Hagerstown High School
North Harford High School
North Point High School
Northwestern High School
Our Lady of Good Counsel High School
Paint Branch High School
Parkdale High School
Patterson Mill High School
Patuxent High School
Pocomoke High School
Quince Orchard High School
Reservoir High School
High School (continued)
River Hill High School
Rockville High School
Seneca Valley High School
Severna Park High School
Sherwood High School
South River High School
Springbrook High School
Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart
Suitland High School
Thomas S. Wootton High School
Towson High School
Walter Johnson High School
Walt Whitman High School
Washington High School
Wilde Lake High School
Winston Churchill High School
Winters Mill High School
Middle Schools
Arbutus Middle School
Benjamin Banneker Middle School
Bonnie Branch Middle School
Brunswick Middle School
Buck Lodge Middle School
Cabin John Middle School
Chesapeake Bay Middle School
Deer Park Middle Magnet School
E. Russell Hicks Middle School
Elkridge Landing Middle School
Ellicott Mills Middle School
Fallston Middle School
Hammond Middle School
Hereford Middle School
Ivymount School
John Hanson Middle School
Magnolia Middle School
Marley Middle School
Northeast Middle School
Northern Middle School
Oxon Hill Middle School
Patapsco Middle School
Patterson Mill Middle School
Robert Frost Middle School
Roberto Clemente Middle School
Rosa M. Parks Middle School
Smithsburg Middle School
Southampton Middle School
Southwest Academy
Tilden Middle School
Wilde Lake Middle School
BUDDIES
