Miami, FL, May 7, 2020 – Best Buddies International, a global nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver to create opportunities of inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is excited to announce the official release of ‘Alone Together’, a song written and performed by pop-star Rebecca Black and four Best Buddies Ambassadors with intellectual and developmental disabilities — Bret Fleming, Christina Hundley, Marlana VanHoose and Alphonso Murphy. One-hundred percent of the proceeds from Alone Together will directly benefit Best Buddies’ global programs and initiatives.

The Best Buddies Ambassadors joined forces with Rebecca Black with the goal of uniting communities globally while physically apart. Marlana VanHoose is an accomplished singer who is blind and has mild cerebral palsy; Christina Hundley is a skilled vocalist with autism; Bret Fleming is a talented percussionist who was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, at a young age; and Alphonso Murphy is a disability rights advocate with autism. Each individual brought their musical talent and unique life experiences living with a disability to the creation process. The group worked collaboratively via Zoom to co-write the song and share their personal life experiences with one another throughout the songwriting process.

“What started as a Zoom call with a few buddies for fun during quarantine turned into a song that I absolutely love,” said Rebecca Black, reflecting on the process of creating the song alongside Best Buddies Ambassadors. “Nothing beats seeing the way everyone’s eyes light up when a great, new idea is brought up while writing together. I have been so continuously inspired by the buddies throughout the process of putting this song together…it can be quite daunting to put yourself out there creatively in the ways they have, but they have been fearless. There’s never been a moment where they haven’t been encouraging and open-hearted to each person involved.”

Black’s involvement with Best Buddies began in 2017. Her spirit and generosity at the annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference and social events in Los Angeles has inspired many to support the organization’s mission of inclusion for individuals with special abilities.

“It’s been so special to create something together that connects us while we are all “alone,” what I think we all want this song to be is something that can help bring that hopefulness and encouragement to those who really need that guidance right now, no matter where you are or who you are,” said Black.

Alone Together pays tribute to the global experience of physical distancing, “even though we’re apart we’re together at heart.” As our communities continue to navigate physical isolation due to COVID-19, Best Buddies hopes to shed light on the importance of inclusion for people with disabilities. The song will be available for purchase and streaming on major platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, Amazon, and Pandora on May 8, 2020.