2024 BBTN Nashville COY Program Book

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Dear Friends,

As we gather to celebrate our local programs, honor our Champions, and raise essential funds to continue our work across Tennessee, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and engagement in our mission. It has made all the difference.

Since 2010, Best Buddies in Tennessee has been working to ensure that every person with intellectual and developmental disabilities has opportunities in life – to have friends, to get a job, to be heard and supported, and to experience independence. Through your commitment, we proudly serve nearly 5,000 Tennesseans across the entire state

This annual Gala is especially significant to us 16 years ago, it’s where the foundation was laid to open our office. Each year since, it has played a consequential role in sustaining and growing our programs. As a direct result of these Galas, we have been able to reach new schools and communities, train more self-advocates, and make more job placements. In large part due to last year’s Gala, we were proud to launch two new programs in 2024: Family Support and Inclusive Living. We look forward to their implementation, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.

With that in mind, we would like to extend a special thank you to our Champion of the Year candidates and sponsors. Strong partners continue to be our foundation in Tennessee, and the 13 Champions being celebrated tonight have devoted themselves to our mission this fall.

With gratitude,

Thank You To Our Sponsors!

2023 Champion of the Year

Steph DeSantis

Steph DeSantis is a Heart to Heart instructor at Franklin Road Academy and was eager to become a Champion for our programs. After raising more than $96,000, she and her Mission Partner, Maverick Mingus, were honored as the 2023 Best Buddies Champions of the Year!

In Steph’s words: “Best Buddies is an organization that is incredibly close to the hearts of thousands worldwide. I have been so blessed to have been given the privilege of working with the most amazing students at FRA while witnessing the incredible impact that Best Buddies programs have on individuals' lives”.

Steph and her colleagues at the Heart To Heart program are always Champions in our community. We were honored by their support and thrilled to see her and Maverick receive these well-deserved accolades.

Champion of the Year

Candidates

Kelsey Daly
Brooke Abbott
Krista Bora
Samantha Cook
Jonathan Ferrick
Nathan Dean
Jamel Wills
Trennie Williams
Quinn Shibayama
Laura Schweizer
Hannah Newman
Gino Graziano
Caroline Holland

This Year's Entertainment

The 12 South Band is the best Party band in the Nation! Based in Nashville, TN, and performing throughout the U.S. and overseas, 12 South is the go-to band for Clients wanting to deliver an exciting and unforgettable experience to their guests! The band performs a unique, medley-style show with close to 100 hit songs, multiple singers, and tons of choreography that is designed to keep people dancing all night!

How to Bid

Register:

Text NashvilleCOY24 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

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