• Why We Matter
    • WHAT WE DO
      • Mission
      • Impact
      • Vision and Goals
      • History
    • PROGRAMS
      • Friendship
      • Jobs
      • Leadership Development
      • Living
      • Family Support
    • MISSION IN ACTION
      • Featured Profiles
      • Videos
  • Take Action
    • Join a Program
    • Hire a Buddy
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • Attend an Event
    • Advocate
    • Join Team Rosemary
  • Find Programs
    • United States
    • International
  • Media
    • News
    • Press Releases
    • Blog
  • Our Supporters
    • Celebrity Ambassadors
    • Corporations
    • Foundations
    • Government
    • Team Relentless
    • Top Fundraising Teams
  • About Us
    • OUR TEAM
      • Founder and Chairman
      • Board of Directors
      • Executive Team
      • Office & Staff Directory
      • Career Opportunities
    • FINANCIAL INFO
      • Annual Report
      • Where The Dollar Goes
      • IRS Form 990
  • Donate
  • Attend an Event
  • Shop
  • Fine Art
    • Fine Art Collection
    • David Yarrow Photography
  • Members Area
Skip to Content
Donate
Members Area
  • Fine Art
    ▼
    • Fine Art Collection
    • David Yarrow Photography
Shop
Best Buddies International Best Buddies International
  • Why We Matter
    • WHAT WE DO
      • Mission
      • Impact
      • Vision and Goals
      • History
    • PROGRAMS
      • Friendship
      • Jobs
      • Leadership Development
      • Living
      • Family Support
    • MISSION IN ACTION
      • Featured Profiles
      • Videos
  • Take Action
    • Join a Program
    • Hire a Buddy
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • Attend an Event
    • Advocate
    • Join Team Rosemary
  • Find Programs
    • United States
    • International
  • Media
    • News
    • Press Releases
    • Blog
  • Our Supporters
    • Celebrity Ambassadors
    • Corporations
    • Foundations
    • Government
    • Team Relentless
    • Top Fundraising Teams
  • About Us
    • OUR TEAM
      • Founder and Chairman
      • Board of Directors
      • Executive Team
      • Office & Staff Directory
      • Career Opportunities
    • FINANCIAL INFO
      • Annual Report
      • Where The Dollar Goes
      • IRS Form 990
  • Donate
  • Attend an Event
  • Shop
  • Fine Art
    • Fine Art Collection
    • David Yarrow Photography
  • Members Area
Home: Best Buddies International logo
DONATE

Best Buddies Participant Zach Smith’s Dream Comes True in New York City

Best Buddies Participant Zach Smith’s Dream Comes True in New York City

Best Buddies Participant Zach Smith’s Dream Comes True in New York City

Apr 20, 2017 | Blog, News Archive |
Zach

Best Buddies Zach Smith with sports reporter Ryan Field

Best Buddies, an international nonprofit dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development, has helped many participants realize their dreams and achieve their goals.

One ambitious Best Buddies participant is Zach Smith, who has always dreamt of working in a NYC television studio. He is currently a communications major at Worcester State University in preparation for a career in the broadcast media industry.

As a surprise, his parents took him to New York City—the city he hopes to work in after college. With the help of Best Buddies staff, who coordinated a studio tour, he was able to visit the WABC television station.

Smith excitedly explored the studio. He spent time in the control room, met notable news anchors Bill Ritter and Sade Baderinwa, along with his favorite sports anchor Ryan Field. The sports anchor even gave Zach professional advice and career tips for landing a job in the television industry.

He was touched by everyone’s friendliness and kindness, even more so when Investigative Reporter Jim Hoffer gave Zach his Edward R. Murrow award plaque.

The Edward R. Murrow award that was given to Zach

The Edward R. Murrow award that was given to Zach

“Zach was on cloud nine the entire time, and enjoyed every minute of the experience,” said Zach’s father, Bob Smith. “Thank you all so much for fulfilling the wish of our son. I can’t tell you enough how much this experience meant to him. Zach has been so incredibly blessed by his experiences with Best Buddies. We cannot thank you all enough.

After his trip to New York, Zach feels more inspired and motivated to pursue his goals, and is grateful to Best Buddies for making his dream come true.

5
Share

Latest News

A Note from the Chairmen of Best Buddies and Special Olympics: The Gifts of People with Autism

A Note from the Chairmen of Best Buddies and Special Olympics: The Gifts of People with Autism

April 22, 2025

As we come to the end of Autism Awareness Month, we want to join with self-advocates and friends and family members around the world in celebrating the gifts of people with autism.

The Inaugural Best Buddies Queen Stage: Palo Alto Presented By Safeway Foundation Raises $2 Million For Best Buddies International

The Inaugural Best Buddies Queen Stage: Palo Alto Presented By Safeway Foundation Raises $2 Million For Best Buddies International

April 16, 2025

Event Proceeds To Support Best Buddies’ Mission Of Inclusion For Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities
PALO ALTO, CA, April 15, 2025 – On April 11-12, Best Buddies International hosted the Best Buddies Queen Stage: Palo Alto, a charity bike ride, that commenced and concluded at the illustrious Rosewood Sand Hill in Menlo Park, CA. The event raised $2 million for Best Buddies programs.

Thousands put their best foot forward at Ed Ansin Best Buddies Friendship Walk at loanDepot Park

Thousands put their best foot forward at Ed Ansin Best Buddies Friendship Walk at loanDepot Park

April 7, 2025

MIAMI (WSVN) - Thousands of people woke up bright and early to put their best foot forward, all in the name of friendship.

Best Buddies International Logo

Best Buddies International

Global Headquarters
100 Southeast Second St, Suite 2200
Miami, FL 33131

Toll Free: 1-800-89 BUDDY (28339)

  • Find a US Program
  • Find an International Program
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Career Opportunities
  • Office & Staff Directory
newsletter
Want to connect
with Best Buddies?

Sign up for our emails

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
Privacy & Accessibility Statement
©2025 Best buddies international
A 501(c)(3) Organization
Prev Next