MISSION: Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
WHAT WE DO:
CENTRAL ILLINOIS: Since we last met in October 2021, Central Illinois has put your dollars to work! Central Illinois has opened 27 schools, including 4 elementary schools, 13 middle schools, 9 high schools, and 1 college. 8 job seekers have found meaningful and integrated employment at places like Marriott, AMC Cinemas, and Caterpillar, 70 Ambassadors have been trained as well, creating 54 opportunities for participants to use their voices.
LIVE AUCTION: GATLINBURG STAY Here is your chance to do Gatlinburg right AND help raise money for Best Buddies' mission of inclusion. Win this 7-day, 6-night stay for 4 people in a two-story log cabin in the Smoky Mountains, it's just five minutes from Smoky Mountain National Park, as well as downtown Gatlinburg. To top it all off- it's just a short drive to Dollywood!
BATTLEBOTS IN VEGAS Viva Las Vegas! Win this auction item and head to Vegas with a guest for a 3day, 2-night stay at Bally's Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. Not to mention, a VIP BattleBots experience and a live taping of the show for Discovery Channel. Spend October 24-26 out West with a tour of the pits from the producer of BattleBots and great seats for the live taping. (Airfare Not Included)
MAUI JIM PHOTOSHOOT&GLASSES Have you ever thought, "I would be the perfect person to model some Maui Jim sunglasses for a global campaign!" Well, here is your chance! You and one other person will each be supplied with one free pair of Maui Jim sunglasses and will be invited to model them for a 2023 global campaign photo shoot!
SODERSTROM CASTLE Make your child feel like royalty for their birthday with this incredible auction item from the Soderstrom Castle! Bid on this for an opportunity to host a 2-hour party for 10 kids at the Soderstrom Castle on Grandview Drive in Peoria. The party will include cake, plates, napkins, and drinks. What better way to feel like royalty!
CHICAGO BEARS TICKETS & TESLA Drive to Chicago to cheer on the Chicago Bears (great seats, by the way!) in a Tesla provided by Bloomington Tesla! Pick it up and head to Soldier Field and enjoy Chicago in your electric ride! Find a place to park and bust out your bags set provided by Brewers Distributing. Don't forget to grab some food and a drink on the way and have the ultimate tailgate party before you cheer for the Chicago Bears! You will also receive an autographed Bears poster
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS OF INCLUSION :