Event Proceeds to Support Best Buddies’ Mission of Friendship and Inclusion

Malibu, CA, May 1, 2018 – Best Buddies International, a nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is excited to announce its Second Annual Mother’s Day Brunch hosted by Best Buddies Celebrity Ambassador Vanessa Hudgens and her mother Gina. The event will take place Saturday, May 12, in Malibu, California.

This Mother’s Day Brunch will celebrate mothers all around the world, especially the incredible mothers of Best Buddies participants, paying homage to the gifts of love and friendship that mothers give to their children. Acclaimed photographer Brian Bowen Smith will capture all the special moments of the mothers and their children throughout the day.

The Brunch will feature cocktails, live musical performances, family-friendly activities and a special awards ceremony honoring the Best Buddies’ Mother of the Year – Diana Mayor – the mother of Jack Mayor, who is a Best Buddies Global Ambassador and advocate for others with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Best Buddies gave my son Jack his best friend, Josie. Best Buddies in turn gave me HOPE!  Hope for a better future for all kids like Jack,” said Diana Mayor. “Words cannot express how thankful we are to Anthony K. Shriver for his vision back in 1989, a vision that led to one of countless stories like Jack and Josie’s. Best Buddies is changing lives.”

Celebrity guests expected to attend this year includes Best Buddies Global Ambassador Cindy Crawford and her daughter Kaia Gerber, actors Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin, actress and model Olivia Culpo, actor Darren Criss, actress Minnie Driver and Entertainment Tonight host and Best Buddies Global Ambassador Nancy O’Dell, among others.

“Across the globe, mothers act as pillars of love, friendship and strength for their families. Mothers are an invaluable source of encouragement, and above all, they understand us like no one else can,” said Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Best Buddies International. “My mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, will always be my hero. I would be nowhere without her unending love and guidance. My mother guided me in everything I did. She believed relentlessly in the power of friendship and without her, Best Buddies would not exist. I thank her for her love, passion, leadership and faith in our cause. I am so thankful for her enduring spirit which guides me in the work that I do today on behalf of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

Host Committee Members for this year’s Mother’s Day Brunch include Cindy Crawford, Lyndie Benson, Florence Azria, Minnie Driver, Jennifer Garner, Mila Jovovich, Nancy O’Dell, and Lisa Rinna.

The Best Buddies Mother’s Day Weekend Brunch sponsors include: Mother’s Day Sponsor’s Cadillac and Joe’s Jeans, Mission Sponsors A&E Networks, Blushington, Buca di Beppo, Guthy Renker, Evan Hainey, Meaningful Beauty; and Major Donors & Supporters Lyndie Benson, Liane Weintraub and Brian Bowen Smith.

For more information, please contact Mark Wylie, Vice President, Talent Relations, at Best Buddies International: MarkWylie@BestBuddies.org.

ABOUT BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL:

Best Buddies® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 2,500 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ eight formal programs — Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies® , Jobs, Ambassadors, and Promoters — engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 50 countries, positively impacting the lives of more than 1.2 million people with and without disabilities around the world. In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit www.bestbuddies.org, facebook.com/bestbuddies or twitter.com/bestbuddies.

For media inquiries:

Nicole Maddox
305-374-2233, ext. 343
NicoleMaddox@BestBuddies.org