The University of Delaware Best Buddies chapter kicked off the school year with an exciting Match Party, bringing together more than 50 members to meet and be paired with their new buddy for the year! Filled with creativity, Halloween fun, and plenty of opportunities to connect, the event celebrated the power of friendship and the importance of building an inclusive campus community.

The UD student leaders put together a fabulous Disney-themed matching activity featuring well-known characters to help participants find their new matches. Inspired by a classic matching game, the activity gave members a fun and engaging way to discover their new buddy and start building a meaningful friendship. From beloved Disney characters to shared smiles and introductions, the event created the perfect atmosphere for new connections to begin.

The fun continued with Halloween-themed crafts and plenty of candy to celebrate the new friendships being formed. Members had the opportunity to get creative, spend time together, and enjoy a night centered on friendship. The excitement throughout the room reflected the dedication of the student leaders who worked hard to make the event welcoming and memorable for everyone.

The University of Delaware Best Buddies chapter has been creating opportunities for friendship and inclusion since 1999. This year’s Match Party was another exciting milestone for the chapter as it continues to grow and strengthen its presence on campus.

Bri Wolfle, Director of Mission Advancement for Best Buddies in Delaware, attended the event to support the student leaders and reconnect with the chapter where her own Best Buddies journey began.

“The University of Delaware students have been outdoing themselves year after year! It is incredible to see the chapter growing back to its pre-COVID numbers and making such a meaningful impact on campus. It was amazing to return to the place where my journey with Best Buddies started and see these incredible student leaders continuing to grow the mission,” said Wolfle.

The Match Party was a wonderful reminder of what makes Best Buddies so special: bringing people together, creating lasting friendships, and ensuring everyone has a place to belong. With more than 50 members starting the year with new matches, the UD chapter is building exciting momentum for another year of friendship, leadership, and inclusion.

Here’s to a fantastic school year filled with unforgettable memories and friendships that last a lifetime!