VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. — Grace Davis, a longtime friend of Abbie Stockard, can’t contain her excitement after watching her friend crowned Miss America.
“I would love to try on the crown!” Davis said, beaming with pride. And who knows? She just might get the chance, as her friendship with Stockard has been years in the making.
Watch the video here
When a family receives the earth-shattering news that their child has an intellectual or developmental disability, the whirlwind of emotions can feel devastating. In the span of a few minutes, dreams shatter while questions and fears multiply rapidly. An experience that was supposed to be filled with joy and anticipation pivots sharply to confusion and grief. But what if amid that swirling chaos, a fellow parent who had walked this path showed up simply to listen and say, “Me too - you are not alone”?
On Friday, March 21, 2025, our incredible Best Buddies participants took over the TODAY Show to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day and Best Buddies Month!
Over the weekend, thousands of Best Buddies participants from around the world convened at Indiana University for the Best Buddies Leadership Conference. For many, this isn’t just a conference — it’s a reunion.
A new fundraising initiative that brings together a passion for golf and a commitment to creating opportunities for individuals with IDD.
Nearly 2,800 global leaders will gather July 17–20 at the 2026 Best Buddies Leadership Conference, where the theme "One Team, One World" celebrates friendship, leadership, and inclusion through inspiring speakers, training, and shared experiences.
