Some people support a cause. Others become the heart of it.

For Addie Childers, Best Buddies Kentucky isn’t just an organization she participates in; it’s a community where she has built lasting friendships, discovered her voice, and inspired countless others to believe in inclusion.

As an active member of our Louisville Citizens Chapter, Addie is a familiar face at nearly every gathering. Whether she’s attending social events, welcoming new members, or simply bringing her positive energy to each activity, Addie exemplifies what Best Buddies is all about: creating meaningful friendships and leadership opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In 2025, Addie made Best Buddies Kentucky history. Teaming up with Mission Partner Kiersten Langford, she became our Champion of the Year, raising an incredible $58,000. That is the highest amount ever raised by a Champion of the Year team in Kentucky. Their success was the result of months of thoughtful planning, creativity, and community engagement. Addie and Kiersten secured generous event sponsorships, gathered an impressive collection of silent and live auction packages, and inspired more than 50 supporters to attend the Champion of the Year Gala in celebration of inclusion.

Addie’s fundraising success didn’t stop there. She was also the Top Individual Fundraiser at the Best Buddies Kentucky Friendship Walk in both 2025 and 2026, rallying family, friends, and supporters to invest in Best Buddies and change lives across the Commonwealth.

While these accomplishments are remarkable, they represent only part of Addie’s Best Buddies story.

This year, Addie expanded her leadership by joining the Best Buddies Ambassador Program, where she has continued developing her public speaking and self-advocacy skills while sharing the importance of inclusion with others. Her willingness to tell her story has helped inspire new supporters and strengthen our mission throughout Kentucky.

In July, Addie will represent Best Buddies Kentucky at the Best Buddies Leadership Conference (BBLC) as a participant in the LIFE Track. This personalized leadership experience is designed to help attendees build practical skills for everyday success. Throughout the conference, Addie will participate in interactive sessions focused on leadership, self-advocacy, workplace readiness, networking, independent living, community engagement, and professional development, all tailored to her personal and professional goals. The LIFE Track reflects what Best Buddies believes: that every individual deserves the opportunity to grow, lead, and achieve their dreams with the right support and opportunities.

Addie’s journey is a powerful reminder that inclusion creates leaders. Through friendship, determination, and an unwavering commitment to our mission, she continues to make an extraordinary impact, not only by raising funds, but by showing others what is possible when everyone is empowered to reach their full potential.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Addie and can’t wait to see all she accomplishes next.