The 8th annual Best Buddies Minnesota Champion of the Year Gala was an incredible success, and we are proud to announce Shelby Hohneke as our 2025 Grand Champion! She and her Mission Partner, Mikayla Holmgren, raised over $115,000 to support Best Buddies programs throughout the state of Minnesota.

Shelby Hohneke is a public relations and consulting professional employed by Von Oben Solutions to help brands and organizations elevate their voice, mission, and visibility. Additionally, Shelby is a college student studying Business Finance, pursuing a career path where she plans to blend strategic leadership, philanthropy, and advocacy. She is also a well-respected figure in the pageant community, holding an impressive record as a five-time Wisconsin State Titleholder with the National American Miss pageant system.

Shelby’s commitment to inclusion is deeply personal – her aunt Katie, has Down Syndrome, and has been one of the greatest inspirations in her life, and the reason that she champions opportunities for individuals with IDD. Shelby has been a proud supporter and model for the Dreaming Big Without Limits Fashion show, created by Mikayla Holmgren, an initiative that celebrates confidence, diversity, and belonging for all. She got involved with DBWL three years ago and has continued to volunteer with Best Buddies in Minnesota since.

“Best Buddies is all about friendship, inclusion, and the belief that every person deserves to feel valued and seen. Being a part of this community has changed my life. I’ve met incredible people, built real friendships, and witnessed the power of inclusion every single day. Inclusion is more than just a word; it’s a promise. A promise that every person, regardless of their abilities, deserves to be seen, heard, and loved.”

– Shelby Hohneke

Best Buddies in Minnesota is incredibly grateful to all the 2025 Champions and Mission Partners for their incredible efforts to raise funds and awareness for the Best Buddies mission of inclusion. The 2025 Champion of the Year Gala raised more than $410,000 in essential funds to continue growing Best Buddies’ one-to-one friendship and leadership development programs in Minnesota.

View event photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCBf8A

About Champion of the Year:
Best Buddies Champion of the Year is a competitive fundraising campaign that unites and recognizes the community’s most active leaders of inclusion. Champion Candidates commit to raising funds and awareness for Best Buddies over an 8–12-week campaign. Our Champions are advocates for the Best Buddies mission and will generate countless opportunities for friendships, jobs, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). At the campaign’s conclusion, we will celebrate at the Best Buddies Champion of the Year Gala to honor the Champions’ collective impact and name the ultimate Champion of the Year!