{"id":1057,"date":"2026-02-25T19:52:56","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T19:52:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/?page_id=1057"},"modified":"2026-05-01T16:16:09","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T16:16:09","slug":"home-page","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Buddies Aspen Gala"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"1057\" class=\"elementor elementor-1057\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2dc016a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2dc016a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;video&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-daaf59c e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"daaf59c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" id=\"video\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;video&quot;,&quot;background_video_link&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/xzbf6RuGChY&quot;,&quot;background_play_on_mobile&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-background-video-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-background-video-embed\" role=\"presentation\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5efc04a elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"5efc04a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-785d801 e-con-full e-transform e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"785d801\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;_transform_translateX_effect&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;_transform_translateX_effect_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;_transform_translateX_effect_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;_transform_translateY_effect&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;_transform_translateY_effect_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;_transform_translateY_effect_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-adf7858 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"adf7858\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;motion_fx_motion_fx_scrolling&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;background_motion_fx_motion_fx_scrolling&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;background_motion_fx_devices&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;mobile&quot;],&quot;motion_fx_devices&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;mobile&quot;]}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-52f7f04 e-con-full elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-hidden-tablet e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"52f7f04\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b6968e2 elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"b6968e2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;fadeInUp&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"970\" height=\"1144\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/lisa-smith.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-535\" alt=\"Best Buddies participant Lisa Smith holding a sign that says &quot;inclusion&quot;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/lisa-smith.webp 970w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/lisa-smith-254x300.webp 254w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/lisa-smith-868x1024.webp 868w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/lisa-smith-768x906.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 970px) 100vw, 970px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ef5395a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ef5395a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d60feac elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"d60feac\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ff6a826 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ff6a826\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The <strong><em>Best Buddies Aspen Gala<\/em><\/strong> and <strong><em>Champion of the Year<\/em><\/strong> is a spectacular and impactful event benefitting Best Buddies&#8217; mission.<\/p><p>Limited to 400 attendees, including business leaders, philanthropists, community champions, and notable supporters, the Gala brings together an extraordinary group in support of Best Buddies\u2019 mission. Guests will enjoy a gourmet dinner, an inspiring program, lively entertainment, and a premier auction in celebration of friendship, inclusion, and opportunity.<\/p><p>The auction will feature various items, including once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, fine art, exclusive vacations, and sporting events.<\/p><p>Proceeds from the event will go directly to Best Buddies&#8217; mission of creating friendships, jobs, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.<\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: center; color: #000000; line-height: .75em; padding-top: 10px;\"><strong class=\"date\">\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2><p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-10016 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/miamigala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2025\/10\/Love-White.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"250\" height=\"299\" \/><br \/><strong><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-10003\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/miamigala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2025\/10\/White-Map-Marker.svg\" alt=\"\" width=\"43\" \/>St. Regis Aspen Resort<br \/><\/strong>315 E. Dean St.,<br \/>Aspen, CO 81611<\/p><p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong><br \/>Dress Code:<\/strong> Cocktail Chic<\/p><p><strong>Thursday, July 2, 2026<\/strong><\/p><p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>5:30 p.m.<\/strong> Doors Open<\/p><p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>7:00 p.m.<\/strong> Gourmet Dinner &amp; Program<\/p><p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>8:00 p.m. <\/strong> Announcement of the Champion of the Year<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b09b0ce e-con-full elementor-hidden-mobile e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b09b0ce\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-04f42e9 elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"04f42e9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;fadeInUp&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"970\" height=\"1144\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/04\/Marlena-Aspen-Gala.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-1320\" alt=\"The image shows a young girl standing and holding a rectangular sign in front of her. She\u2019s wearing a black outfit, a short necklace, and white-framed sunglasses with blue-tinted lenses. Her hair is a short, neat bob with bangs. She\u2019s smiling slightly while holding a sign that reads \u201cLove BEST BUDDIES\u201d in stylized lettering\u2014\u201cLove\u201d is written in a large gold script, and \u201cBEST BUDDIES\u201d appears below it in black. There\u2019s also a small cluster of gold and white balloons printed on the right side of the sign. The background is plain\/transparent, which makes the subject and the sign stand out clearly.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/04\/Marlena-Aspen-Gala.webp 970w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/04\/Marlena-Aspen-Gala-254x300.webp 254w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/04\/Marlena-Aspen-Gala-868x1024.webp 868w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/04\/Marlena-Aspen-Gala-768x906.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 970px) 100vw, 970px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b152413 e-con-full elementor-hidden-desktop elementor-hidden-mobile e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b152413\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9124bfb elementor-hidden-desktop elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"9124bfb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;fadeInUp&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"970\" height=\"1144\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/lisa-smith.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-535\" alt=\"Best Buddies participant Lisa Smith holding a sign that says &quot;inclusion&quot;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/lisa-smith.webp 970w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/lisa-smith-254x300.webp 254w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/lisa-smith-868x1024.webp 868w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/lisa-smith-768x906.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 970px) 100vw, 970px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8cd02ea elementor-hidden-desktop elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"8cd02ea\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;fadeInUp&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"970\" height=\"1144\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/marlana.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-537\" alt=\"best buddies participant marlana holding a l&quot;ove&quot; sign\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/marlana.webp 970w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/marlana-254x300.webp 254w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/marlana-868x1024.webp 868w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/marlana-768x906.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 970px) 100vw, 970px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2883619 e-con-full e-grid elementor-hidden-desktop elementor-hidden-tablet e-con e-child\" data-id=\"2883619\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-51d0d21 elementor-hidden-desktop elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"51d0d21\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;fadeInUp&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"970\" height=\"1144\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/lisa-smith.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-535\" alt=\"Best Buddies participant Lisa Smith holding a sign that says &quot;inclusion&quot;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/lisa-smith.webp 970w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/lisa-smith-254x300.webp 254w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/lisa-smith-868x1024.webp 868w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/lisa-smith-768x906.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 970px) 100vw, 970px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-177bf3d elementor-hidden-desktop elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"177bf3d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;fadeInUp&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"970\" height=\"1144\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/marlana.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-537\" alt=\"best buddies participant marlana holding a l&quot;ove&quot; sign\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/marlana.webp 970w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/marlana-254x300.webp 254w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/marlana-868x1024.webp 868w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/marlana-768x906.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 970px) 100vw, 970px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-29c856d e-con-full elementor-hidden-desktop elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-mobile e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"29c856d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;motion_fx_motion_fx_scrolling&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;gradient&quot;,&quot;motion_fx_devices&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;mobile&quot;]}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1f87843 elementor-hidden-desktop elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-mobile e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1f87843\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ed357c0 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ed357c0\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5a51471 elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"5a51471\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;fadeInLeft&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/Guy-Fieri-with-Chris-Gay-and-Aaron-Malman.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-212\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/Guy-Fieri-with-Chris-Gay-and-Aaron-Malman.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/Guy-Fieri-with-Chris-Gay-and-Aaron-Malman-300x210.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/Guy-Fieri-with-Chris-Gay-and-Aaron-Malman-768x538.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1bb8c70 e-con-full e-flex elementor-invisible e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1bb8c70\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;fadeInUp&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ea710c1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ea710c1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Chef, restaurateur, New York Times Best-Selling author, and Emmy Award-winning TV host Guy Fieri is one of the world\u2019s most recognizable and influential culinary stars. In 2019, Guy received a star on the celebrated Hollywood Walk of Fame, a rare feat for a chef. This year\u2019s Best Buddies Gala: Miami and Champion of the Year: South Florida will honor Celebrity Chef and Best Buddies Global Ambassador Guy Fieri with the Spirit of Leadership award.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Guy Fieri has always been committed to teaching life skills in the culinary arts through his foundation. He has been an invaluable partner with Best Buddies and has helped empower Jobs participants to gain culinary employment skills. Through his cousin Dougie, he has a personal connection to Best Buddies and believes that the partnership makes a difference in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Guy believes that giving back is one of the most important things you can do. &#8220;I was raised to always help my community and the people that need help, and to participate. You have to be an active member of society.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-06b78a7 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"06b78a7\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6c26403 e-con-full e-flex elementor-invisible e-con e-child\" data-id=\"6c26403\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;fadeIn&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c18759c elementor-widget elementor-widget-gallery\" data-id=\"c18759c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" 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data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Join us in honoring <strong>Tom Brady<\/strong> with the\u00a0Spirit of Leadership Award, the highest Best Buddies accolade presented to distinguished luminaries who have shown great leadership, generosity, and spirit in supporting the organization&#8217;s mission.<\/p><p>Throughout Tom&#8217;s 20+ year friendship with the organization, Best Buddies has served tens of thousands of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and raised over $100 million for our global programs.\u00a0<\/p><p>Tom&#8217;s support not only helps the organization financially, but also builds Best Buddies&#8217; brand awareness and promotes its mission-based initiatives that create friendship, jobs, leadership development training, and inclusive housing for people with disabilities.<\/p><p>Tom has served as a Best Buddies Global Ambassador and traveled for the organization, hosting and attending events in Boston, Cape Cod, and as far as Qatar. Tom has hosted guests at football games, provides memorabilia, writes letters, makes phone calls, and continues to help Best Buddies with its development efforts by connecting the organization with his sponsors and supporters.<\/p><p>Best Buddies is grateful for Tom Brady&#8217;s unending support, and we look forward to continuing the work that we do to create a more inclusive world for our buddies with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the globe.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9b77a5d elementor-hidden-desktop elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-mobile e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"9b77a5d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-87a042f elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"87a042f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\" style=\"--divider-pattern-url: url(&quot;data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns=&#039;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&#039; 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i < 80; i++) {\n  particles.push({\n    x: Math.random() * canvas.width,\n    y: Math.random() * canvas.height,\n    r: Math.random() * 2 + 1,\n    d: Math.random() * 1\n  });\n}\n\nfunction draw() {\n  ctx.clearRect(0, 0, canvas.width, canvas.height);\n  ctx.fillStyle = \"rgba(247,223,176,0.8)\";\n  ctx.beginPath();\n  for (let i = 0; i < particles.length; i++) {\n    let p = particles[i];\n    ctx.moveTo(p.x, p.y);\n    ctx.arc(p.x, p.y, p.r, 0, Math.PI * 2, true);\n  }\n  ctx.fill();\n  update();\n}\n\nfunction update() {\n  for (let i = 0; i < particles.length; i++) {\n    let p = particles[i];\n    p.y += p.d;\n    if (p.y > canvas.height) {\n      p.y = 0;\n      p.x = Math.random() * canvas.width;\n    }\n  }\n}\n\nsetInterval(draw, 33);\n<\/script>\n<style>\n#sparkleCanvas {\n  position: absolute;\n  top: 0;\n  left: 0;\n  pointer-events: none;\n  z-index: 1;\n}\n<\/style>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-48c407a elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"48c407a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1741\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/2026-BBCOY-Logo-2-Color-GOLD-scaled.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-585\" alt=\"Champion of the year logo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/2026-BBCOY-Logo-2-Color-GOLD-scaled.png 2560w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/2026-BBCOY-Logo-2-Color-GOLD-300x204.png 300w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/2026-BBCOY-Logo-2-Color-GOLD-1024x697.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/2026-BBCOY-Logo-2-Color-GOLD-768x522.png 768w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/2026-BBCOY-Logo-2-Color-GOLD-1536x1045.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/2026-BBCOY-Logo-2-Color-GOLD-2048x1393.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d5cc6be elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d5cc6be\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Meet Our 2026 Champion of the Year Candidates <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4b6a757 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4b6a757\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>This group of dedicated Best Buddies supporters are competing to raise funds to support friendships, jobs, leadership development and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). At this year\u2019s Aspen Gala, we will celebrate their fundraising efforts and award the top fundraiser the title of Best Buddies Champion of the Year!<\/p><p>For information on becoming a Champion candidate, please contact <span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><strong><a style=\"color: #ffffff;\" href=\"mailto:BrooksBryant@bestbuddies.org\">BrooksBryant@bestbuddies.org<\/a><\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c204c05 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"c204c05\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t <script src=\"https:\/\/secure.engageddonor.com\/script\/core.ashx?c=FD725780-794F-4E8A-9700-F3DF1F2E1109\" type=\"text\/javascript\"><\/script> \r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" id=\"topindividuals\">\r\n  benTopFundraisers(5317, \"topindividuals\", 30);\r\n<\/script>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-99cdf67 e-flex e-con-boxed elementor-invisible e-con e-child\" data-id=\"99cdf67\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;gradient&quot;,&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;fadeInUp&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-65cb29b elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"65cb29b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f6f9416 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f6f9416\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation_mobile&quot;:&quot;slideInRight&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">FAQ<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c7e1296 elementor-widget elementor-widget-toggle\" data-id=\"c7e1296\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"toggle.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-2091\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2091\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 192 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M0 384.662V127.338c0-17.818 21.543-26.741 34.142-14.142l128.662 128.662c7.81 7.81 7.81 20.474 0 28.284L34.142 398.804C21.543 411.404 0 402.48 0 384.662z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M288.662 352H31.338c-17.818 0-26.741-21.543-14.142-34.142l128.662-128.662c7.81-7.81 20.474-7.81 28.284 0l128.662 128.662c12.6 12.599 3.676 34.142-14.142 34.142z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Where is the Gala?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2091\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2091\"><p><strong>St. Regis Aspen Resort<\/strong><br \/>315 E Dean St,<br \/>Aspen, CO 81611<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-2092\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2092\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 192 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M0 384.662V127.338c0-17.818 21.543-26.741 34.142-14.142l128.662 128.662c7.81 7.81 7.81 20.474 0 28.284L34.142 398.804C21.543 411.404 0 402.48 0 384.662z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M288.662 352H31.338c-17.818 0-26.741-21.543-14.142-34.142l128.662-128.662c7.81-7.81 20.474-7.81 28.284 0l128.662 128.662c12.6 12.599 3.676 34.142-14.142 34.142z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What time does the Gala\/event start?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2092\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2092\"><p>The event opens to all guests at 5:30 PM<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-2093\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2093\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 192 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M0 384.662V127.338c0-17.818 21.543-26.741 34.142-14.142l128.662 128.662c7.81 7.81 7.81 20.474 0 28.284L34.142 398.804C21.543 411.404 0 402.48 0 384.662z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M288.662 352H31.338c-17.818 0-26.741-21.543-14.142-34.142l128.662-128.662c7.81-7.81 20.474-7.81 28.284 0l128.662 128.662c12.6 12.599 3.676 34.142-14.142 34.142z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">How much are tickets?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2093\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2093\"><p>Tickets &amp; Sponsorship opportunities available here: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/sponsorships\/\">bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/sponsorships<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-2094\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2094\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 192 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M0 384.662V127.338c0-17.818 21.543-26.741 34.142-14.142l128.662 128.662c7.81 7.81 7.81 20.474 0 28.284L34.142 398.804C21.543 411.404 0 402.48 0 384.662z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M288.662 352H31.338c-17.818 0-26.741-21.543-14.142-34.142l128.662-128.662c7.81-7.81 20.474-7.81 28.284 0l128.662 128.662c12.6 12.599 3.676 34.142-14.142 34.142z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What is the dress code?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2094\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2094\"><p>The dress code is Cocktail Chic.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-2095\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2095\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 192 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M0 384.662V127.338c0-17.818 21.543-26.741 34.142-14.142l128.662 128.662c7.81 7.81 7.81 20.474 0 28.284L34.142 398.804C21.543 411.404 0 402.48 0 384.662z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M288.662 352H31.338c-17.818 0-26.741-21.543-14.142-34.142l128.662-128.662c7.81-7.81 20.474-7.81 28.284 0l128.662 128.662c12.6 12.599 3.676 34.142-14.142 34.142z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Where is parking?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2095\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2095\"><p>Complimentary valet and ride share\/private car service drop off\/pick up area in the front of the St. Regis.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-2096\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"6\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2096\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 192 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M0 384.662V127.338c0-17.818 21.543-26.741 34.142-14.142l128.662 128.662c7.81 7.81 7.81 20.474 0 28.284L34.142 398.804C21.543 411.404 0 402.48 0 384.662z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M288.662 352H31.338c-17.818 0-26.741-21.543-14.142-34.142l128.662-128.662c7.81-7.81 20.474-7.81 28.284 0l128.662 128.662c12.6 12.599 3.676 34.142-14.142 34.142z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What time does the Silent Auction start?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2096\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"6\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2096\"><p>5:30 PM<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-2097\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"7\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2097\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 192 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M0 384.662V127.338c0-17.818 21.543-26.741 34.142-14.142l128.662 128.662c7.81 7.81 7.81 20.474 0 28.284L34.142 398.804C21.543 411.404 0 402.48 0 384.662z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M288.662 352H31.338c-17.818 0-26.741-21.543-14.142-34.142l128.662-128.662c7.81-7.81 20.474-7.81 28.284 0l128.662 128.662c12.6 12.599 3.676 34.142-14.142 34.142z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What time does the Mini Live Auction start?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2097\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"7\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2097\"><p>7:30 PM<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-2098\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"8\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2098\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 192 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M0 384.662V127.338c0-17.818 21.543-26.741 34.142-14.142l128.662 128.662c7.81 7.81 7.81 20.474 0 28.284L34.142 398.804C21.543 411.404 0 402.48 0 384.662z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M288.662 352H31.338c-17.818 0-26.741-21.543-14.142-34.142l128.662-128.662c7.81-7.81 20.474-7.81 28.284 0l128.662 128.662c12.6 12.599 3.676 34.142-14.142 34.142z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What time does the Dinner start?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2098\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"8\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2098\"><p>7:00 PM<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-2099\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"9\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2099\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 192 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M0 384.662V127.338c0-17.818 21.543-26.741 34.142-14.142l128.662 128.662c7.81 7.81 7.81 20.474 0 28.284L34.142 398.804C21.543 411.404 0 402.48 0 384.662z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M288.662 352H31.338c-17.818 0-26.741-21.543-14.142-34.142l128.662-128.662c7.81-7.81 20.474-7.81 28.284 0l128.662 128.662c12.6 12.599 3.676 34.142-14.142 34.142z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Who is performing at the Gala?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2099\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"9\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2099\"><p>To be determined<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-20910\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"10\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-20910\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 192 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M0 384.662V127.338c0-17.818 21.543-26.741 34.142-14.142l128.662 128.662c7.81 7.81 7.81 20.474 0 28.284L34.142 398.804C21.543 411.404 0 402.48 0 384.662z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M288.662 352H31.338c-17.818 0-26.741-21.543-14.142-34.142l128.662-128.662c7.81-7.81 20.474-7.81 28.284 0l128.662 128.662c12.6 12.599 3.676 34.142-14.142 34.142z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What time will the event end?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-20910\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"10\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-20910\"><p>10:00 PM<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b9522fc elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"b9522fc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5f67967 e-con-full e-flex elementor-invisible e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5f67967\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;gradient&quot;,&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;fadeInUp&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1cb780c elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"1cb780c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-12a0932 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"12a0932\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ef771e5 e-con-full e-flex elementor-invisible e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ef771e5\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;slideInUp&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e6febff elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"e6febff\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"256\" height=\"254\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/Communication-Bubbles.webp\" class=\"elementor-animation-grow-rotate attachment-full size-full wp-image-228\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/Communication-Bubbles.webp 256w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/Communication-Bubbles-150x150.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 256px) 100vw, 256px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6474889 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6474889\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Sponsors<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-28efb64 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"28efb64\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;fadeInUp&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fa9556b elementor-widget__width-auto elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fa9556b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For information on Sponsorships, contact:<br \/><strong>Brooks Bryant<\/strong><br \/><a class=\"size\" href=\"mailto:brooksbryant@bestbuddies.org\"><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"color: #caa85a;\">BrooksBryant@bestbuddies.org<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4f4bf2f e-con-full e-flex elementor-invisible e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4f4bf2f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;slideInUp&quot;,&quot;animation_delay&quot;:500}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-068c055 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"068c055\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"256\" height=\"254\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/Starburst.webp\" class=\"elementor-animation-grow-rotate attachment-full size-full wp-image-230\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/Starburst.webp 256w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/Starburst-150x150.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 256px) 100vw, 256px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-132db7c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"132db7c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Fundraising<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f108881 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"f108881\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;fadeInUp&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-77ae74b elementor-widget__width-auto elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"77ae74b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Thanks to you, Best Buddies is creating more friendships, jobs and leadership, and inclusive living, and family support opportunities for our program participants!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bc6cdf7 e-con-full e-flex elementor-invisible e-con e-child\" data-id=\"bc6cdf7\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;slideInUp&quot;,&quot;animation_delay&quot;:1000}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b2bb732 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"b2bb732\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"256\" height=\"255\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/Phone.webp\" class=\"elementor-animation-grow-rotate attachment-full size-full wp-image-229\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/Phone.webp 256w, https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2026\/02\/Phone-150x150.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 256px) 100vw, 256px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a3a860f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a3a860f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Auction<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4a0800d elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"4a0800d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;fadeInUp&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-89618f4 elementor-widget__width-auto elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"89618f4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For information on Auctions, contact:<br \/><strong>Brooks Bryant<\/strong><br \/><span style=\"color: #caa85a;\"><a class=\"size\" style=\"color: #caa85a;\" href=\"mailto:brooksbryant@bestbuddies.org\">BrooksBryant@bestbuddies.org<\/a><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Best Buddies Aspen Gala and Champion of the Year is a spectacular and impactful event benefitting Best Buddies&#8217; mission. Limited to 400 attendees, including business leaders, philanthropists, community champions, and notable supporters, the Gala brings together an extraordinary group in support of Best Buddies\u2019 mission. Guests will enjoy a gourmet dinner, an inspiring program, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1057","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1057","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1057"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1057\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1337,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1057\/revisions\/1337"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/aspengala\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1057"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}