For the second year in a row, Best Buddies in Arizona honors our top Friendship Walk fundraiser with a fun and meaningful opportunity, serving as State Director for the Day. This year, we were thrilled to celebrate Poco Carton, a dedicated Best Buddies Ambassador and Jobs program participant, who raised more than $2500 for the 2025 Friendship Walk.

Poco’s big day began at Dexian, one of our incredible partners. Over breakfast with the Dexian team, Poco shared his journey with Best Buddies, talked about what the organization means to him, and even recruited a new member for our Citizens program, living out the mission of inclusion and connection right from the start!

Next on the agenda was a strategic meeting with Chris Dourov, National Director of Jobs at Best Buddies. Together, they reflected on Poco’s current job experience and discussed ideas for expanding the Jobs program in Arizona. Poco’s passion and insight were inspiring and sparked great conversation about the future of employment opportunities for individuals with IDD.

As acting State Director, Poco also jumped into some of the behind-the-scenes work that makes Best Buddies thrive. He filmed thank-you videos for our upcoming Champion of the Year Gala, wrote heartfelt notes to Friendship Walk supporters, and made time for a visit to Buffalo Exchange, where Best Buddies is currently featured in the Tokens for Bags program. Poco personally thanked the team, created social media content, and spread awareness about our mission to new audiences.

The day wrapped up with a very special visit from Trevor Paxton, Sr. Director of the Friendship Walk, who presented Poco with his Top Fundraiser Plaque. It was a moment filled with pride, gratitude, and celebration, the perfect end to a truly impactful day.

We are incredibly thankful for Poco’s leadership, enthusiasm, and commitment to inclusion. His role as State Director for the Day reminded us of all of what Best Buddies is about: empowering individuals with IDD to lead, inspire, and make meaningful change in their communities.

Thank you, Poco, for being an amazing part of Best Buddies Arizona. We’re so proud to walk beside you!