MIAMI, FL, April 21, 2021 — Best Buddies International, a groundbreaking nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is excited to announce the Best Buddies Friendship Walk: South Florida on Saturday, April 24th at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, FL. The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is the latest life-changing movement. Since 2009 more than 250,000 participants have walked in over 60 cities and raised more than $24 million for Best Buddies.

“The unprecedented challenges we faced together in 2020 has highlighted just how important our mission of inclusion is for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities – they need us now, more than ever,” said Anthony K. Shriver, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Best Buddies International. “This year we look forward to seeing our communities across the nation unite to celebrate inclusion and raise the critical funds needed to support people with IDD. I am beyond grateful that the important work of this organization will continue, thanks to our participants, volunteers, partners, and the entire community. I am confident that together we will continue empowering people with special abilities, connecting advocates and mobilizing our supporters to create a more inclusive world.”

Best Buddies in South Florida is proud to have more than 300 cars (and counting) uniting for inclusion, all working toward this year’s fundraising goal of $310,000. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the Friendship Walk commences at 12:00 p.m.

While we will be gathering safely to walk together in person, Best Buddies welcomes participation from everyone throughout the community based on how they feel most comfortable. Virtual participation is open for individuals and Teams who prefer to join us on walk day from their own favorite path or course. We look forward to having you join us online!

Proceeds from the Friendship Walk are fundamental in supporting state programs that provide one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living. These programs can be found in all 50 states and will create promising opportunities for more than 350,000 people this year.

Walk for inclusion. Walk for friendship. Walk for a better South Florida.

This year’s Best Buddies Friendship Walk in South Florida sponsors and corporate partners include:

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, leadership development and inclusive living 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 more than 3,000 elementary school, middle school, high school, and college Friendship and Promoter chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 59 countries and territories, positively impacting the lives of over 1.3 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 independently, become inspirational leaders and build lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit www.bestbuddies.org or connect with us via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

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For more information about the Best Buddies Friendship Walk: South Florida and/or media inquiries, please contact:

Nicole Maddox, Sr. Director, Communications
nicolemaddox@bestbuddies.org