Tamarac, FL, Feb. 1, 2024 — David Quilleon, the senior vice president of global mission, state development and operations at Best Buddies International, a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for friendship, employment, leadership development and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), served as a guest speaker at the Franchising Friends for a Cause Conference hosted by the International Franchise Association on Jan. 25.

At the conference, Quilleon, who has worked at Best Buddies for over 25 years, talked with business leaders about the Best Buddies’ mission and how these leaders can engage with Best Buddies’ programs locally, through events like the Best Buddies Friendship Walk or through direct involvement in Best Buddies programs like the Jobs program and the Friendship program. The roundtable discussion also highlighted how businesses benefit from partnering with Best Buddies through cause marketing.

Quilleon was also joined by Hunter Huff, a Best Buddies Global Ambassador. Huff, who has an IDD, spoke to these leaders about his story and involvement with Best Buddies, offering inspiration to the attendees.

“It is always an awesome opportunity to talk about inclusion,” Huff said. “Best Buddies has had such a big impact on my life, and I love talking to people about how they can get involved.”

If you are interested in having Quilleon, Huff, or other Best Buddies leaders speak at an event, please contact Jacob Pasternack at JacobPasternack@BestBuddies.org.

About Best Buddies
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, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 3,000 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ 12 formal programs — Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies®, Jobs, Ambassadors, Promoters, Transitions, Inclusive Living and Eunie’s Buddies— engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 45 countries, positively impacting the lives of nearly one 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 bestbuddies.org or connect with us via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Media Inquiries
Best Buddies International
Nicole Maddox
Vice President, Communications
NicoleMaddox@Bestbuddies.org