Parker Lane, a Best Buddies in Arizona Ambassador, and the top fundraiser for the 2024 Friendship Walk, recently had the honor of serving as the State Director of Best Buddies in Arizona (BBAZ) for a day. His exceptional fundraising efforts, totaling over $6,600, not only showcased his dedication to our organization, but also earned him the opportunity to take on this significant role. During his time as State Director, Parker demonstrated remarkable leadership and advocacy skills, leaving a lasting impact on the organization and its mission.

After Parker met with his “boss” for the day, Parker made phone calls to donors and volunteers thanking them for their support of Best Buddies in Arizona. Hungry for more, Parker had a lunch meeting with Mike Kruse, the Advisory Board Chair, to discuss strategies for increasing awareness of Best Buddies. This meeting highlighted Parker’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and fostering a more supportive community for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities (IDD).

Once lunch was over, Parker was off to BBAZ’s corporate partner, Absolute HCBS, to meet with Advisory Board members Courtney Mistico and Kendra Verdoni to discuss the upcoming Best Buddies Leadership Conference in Bloomington, Indiana. They reflected on the opportunities of having students attend this inspiring event. Parker’s insights and proactive approach to problem-solving were evident during these discussions.

Parker also led the weekly staff meeting where he was recognized for his outstanding fundraising efforts and dedication to the organization. Despite being unable to secure raises for the staff, Parker’s thoughtful gesture of providing Starbucks gift cards demonstrated his appreciation for their hard work and commitment.

Reflecting on his experience, Parker expressed that he learned how to be a better advocate for individuals with IDD. His passion for creating a more inclusive society and his dedication to the Best Buddies mission were evident throughout his day as State Director. The BBAZ staff truly enjoyed and appreciated having Parker Lane as their “boss” for the day!