• Why We Matter
    • WHAT WE DO
      • Mission
      • Impact
      • Vision and Goals
      • History
    • PROGRAMS
      • Friendship
      • Jobs
      • Leadership Development
      • Living
      • Family Support
    • MISSION IN ACTION
      • Featured Profiles
      • Videos
  • Take Action
    • Join a Program
    • Hire a Buddy
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • Attend an Event
    • Advocate
    • Join Team Rosemary
  • Find Programs
    • United States
    • International
  • Media
    • News
    • Press Releases
    • Blog
  • Our Supporters
    • Celebrity Ambassadors
    • Corporations
    • Foundations
    • Government
    • Team Relentless
    • Top Fundraising Teams
  • About Us
    • OUR TEAM
      • Founder and Chairman
      • Board of Directors
      • Executive Team
      • Office & Staff Directory
      • Career Opportunities
    • FINANCIAL INFO
      • Annual Report
      • Where The Dollar Goes
      • IRS Form 990
  • Donate
  • Attend an Event
  • Shop
  • Fine Art
    • Fine Art Collection
    • David Yarrow Photography
  • Members Area
Skip to Content
Donate
Members Area
  • Fine Art
    ▼
    • Fine Art Collection
    • David Yarrow Photography
Shop
Best Buddies International Best Buddies International
  • Why We Matter
    • WHAT WE DO
      • Mission
      • Impact
      • Vision and Goals
      • History
    • PROGRAMS
      • Friendship
      • Jobs
      • Leadership Development
      • Living
      • Family Support
    • MISSION IN ACTION
      • Featured Profiles
      • Videos
  • Take Action
    • Join a Program
    • Hire a Buddy
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • Attend an Event
    • Advocate
    • Join Team Rosemary
  • Find Programs
    • United States
    • International
  • Media
    • News
    • Press Releases
    • Blog
  • Our Supporters
    • Celebrity Ambassadors
    • Corporations
    • Foundations
    • Government
    • Team Relentless
    • Top Fundraising Teams
  • About Us
    • OUR TEAM
      • Founder and Chairman
      • Board of Directors
      • Executive Team
      • Office & Staff Directory
      • Career Opportunities
    • FINANCIAL INFO
      • Annual Report
      • Where The Dollar Goes
      • IRS Form 990
  • Donate
  • Attend an Event
  • Shop
  • Fine Art
    • Fine Art Collection
    • David Yarrow Photography
  • Members Area
Home: Best Buddies International logo
DONATE

21st Annual Best Buddies Miami Gala – Expansion In India Raises Nearly $3 Million To Support Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities

  • International
  • About Us
    ▼
    • Our Programs
    • Our Impact
    • Our Team
  • Resources
    ▼
    • Best Buddies University
  • News & Stories
  • DONATE
  • International
    ▼
    • Home
    • About Us
      ▼
      • About Best Buddies International
      • Our Programs
      • Our Impact
      • Our Team
    • Resources
      ▼
      • Best Buddies University
    • News & Stories
    • Donate
21st Annual Best Buddies Miami Gala – Expansion In India Raises Nearly $3 Million To Support Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities

21st Annual Best Buddies Miami Gala – Expansion In India Raises Nearly $3 Million To Support Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities

Nov 20, 2017 | International |

MIAMI, FL., November 20, 2017 – A total of 700 people attended the 21st Annual Best Buddies Miami Gala: Expansion in India at Ice Palace Studios in Wynwood, Florida on Friday, November 17. The star-studded event raised nearly $3 million in total donations for Best Buddies International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

This year’s Gala celebrated the organization’s expansion into India. The event included a fabulous cocktail hour, gourmet dinner, unique live and silent auctions, and a live performance by the four-time Grammy nominated, multi-platinum rapper Iggy Azalea!

During the Gala, philanthropist Ralph Winter was honored with the Spirit of Leadership award for his $1 million gift to Best Buddies that will be used to promote and expand the organization’s mission of friendship, jobs, and leadership development for individuals with IDD around the world.

This event, as always, brought together some of Miami’s most notable residents and celebrities from around the globe. In attendance were Actors Nolan Gould, Jason Lewis, and Kevin McHale; Singer Austin Mahone; Actress and Model Charlotte McKinney; Four-time Tour de France Winner Chris Froome; Miss Teen USA 2017 Sophia Dominguez-Heithoff; and International Pop-Artist and Best Buddies Global Ambassador Romero Britto.

There were a number of exclusive items up for auction, including a limited edition Hublot Best Buddies Cycling Timepiece, a custom portrait by Pop-Artist Romero Britto, a luxurious Aspen getaway, and a Tour de France experience with pro cyclist Chris Froome and Team Sky! In total, the silent and live auctions raised $747,000 for the organization.

The crowd was captivated by an Indian dance troupe, acrobatic dancers, and a live elephant that welcomed guests into the Indian themed event. Several Best Buddies participants showcased their amazing talents throughout the evening including Best Buddies Ambassador Jack Mayor who delivered a powerful speech about the impact Best Buddies has had on his life.

Friday’s festivities kicked off bright and early with the Best Buddies Challenge: Miami, a 100K six-star cycling event, limited to just 50 cyclists that began and ended at Marlins Park. The Challenge was led by Tour de France winner Chris Froome, and pro cyclists George Hincapie and Christian Vande Velde.

Best Buddies Miami Gala

The Challenge and Gala weekend concluded on Saturday with a White Mass held in partnership with the Archdiocese of Miami and Father Roberto Cid, in thanksgiving for the lives of individuals with special abilities.

Sterling Foundation Management and the The Ferraro Law Firm are the Friendship Sponsors of the event; Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, Carnival Corporation & PLC, Carnival Foundation, Celebrity Cruises, Chateau Gaby, Tracfone Wireless are the Employment Sponsors. Leadership Sponsors include the Abaco Wines, Braman Motors, Capital Trust Group, The GEO Group Foundation, Inc., IPC, Sheba Lucas, Mack Cycle & Fitness, Park West Foundation, Pepsi-Cola, Michael Schlesginer, Sandy & Tony Tamer and WSVN 7 News.

For media inquiries (including requests for credentials): Best Buddies International: Nicole Maddox, 305-374-2233, ext. 343,
NicoleMaddox@bestbuddies.org

Tags: India
0
Share

You also might be interested in

Elephants, bike rides and more at 21st Best Buddies Miami Gala

Elephants, bike rides and more at 21st Best Buddies Miami Gala

Nov 20, 2017

MIAMI (WSVN) - Hundreds of big names gathered in South Florida to raise money for people with special needs, Friday. The 21st Annual Best Buddies Miami Gala came complete with elephants, acrobats and a silent auction. Each year, more than 850 prominent local and international guests gather in Miami to...

21st Annual Best Buddies Miami Gala: Expansion In India Raises Nearly $3 Million To Support Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities

21st Annual Best Buddies Miami Gala: Expansion In India Raises Nearly $3 Million To Support Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities

Nov 21, 2017

Best Buddies State Footer logo

Best Buddies International

Staff Directory

Best Buddies International Logo

Best Buddies International

Global Headquarters
100 Southeast Second St, Suite 2200
Miami, FL 33131

Toll Free: 1-800-89 BUDDY (28339)

  • Find a US Program
  • Find an International Program
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Career Opportunities
  • Office & Staff Directory
newsletter
Want to connect
with Best Buddies?

Sign up for our emails

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
Privacy & Accessibility Statement
©2025 Best buddies international
A 501(c)(3) Organization
Prev Next