Event proceeds will support Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, SEPT. 24th, 2025 – Best Buddies International, a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for friendship, employment, leadership development, inclusive living and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is excited to announce its eighth annual Champion of the Year Gala in Minnesota.

Champion of the Year is an annual fundraising competition that features prominent business and community leaders contending to raise the most funds for Best Buddies, with the winner being named the Champion of the Year. These leaders partner with program participants to raise funds and spread awareness for Best Buddies’ programs.

The gala will take place on Friday, November 14th at Quincy Hall in Minneapolis and will celebrate the efforts of seven philanthropic leaders from Minnesota communities while partying with a purpose to raise funds for local Best Buddies programs. Emceed by WCCO-TV’s A.J. Hilton, the gala will feature a silent and live auction, dinner, cocktails, dancing, a mission-moment speech from a featured Buddy Pair, a performance from Best Buddies Global Ambassador and dancer Mikayla Holmgren, and a special awards ceremony to crown the 2025 Champion of the Year. This year’s gala is chaired by Megan Melroe, Marketing Manager at Entrust, who has been a dedicated Best Buddies volunteer for many years and is matched with her buddy Tasha through the Best Buddies Citizens program.

The event aims to raise $395,000 to support and expand one-to-one friendship programs, leadership development opportunities, and statewide inclusion initiatives for 2,500 children and adults with and without IDD across the state of Minnesota.

The Kick-Off Party for the friendly fundraising competition took place on Monday, September 8th at Wooden Hill Brewing in Edina where Champions gathered with their top supporters, Mission Partners and Best Buddies Advisory Board members to share their passion for inclusion and officially launch their campaigns.

By securing a spot at the 2025 Champion of the Year Gala, you will be part of Best Buddies’ goal to foster inclusion and meaningful friendships for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across Minnesota. This year’s Champions include Genevieve Cornish, Barbara Cross, Molly Dickerson, Audrey Hauser, Shelby Hohneke, Mariah Johnson, and Wes McKane.

Visit www.bestbuddieschampion.org/minnesota for more information and to purchase tickets for the event.

Event committee members for this year’s Best Buddies in Minnesota Champion of the Year Gala include Megan Melroe, Sam Arnold, Danielle Dahlstrom, Katlyn Gross, and Alicia Luther Toms.

For more information, please contact Best Buddies in Minnesota State Director, Katey DeMarais at KateyDeMarais@bestbuddies.org.

ABOUT BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL:

Best Buddies® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 3,800 elementary, middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ programs engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 43 countries, positively impacting the lives of nearly 1.5 million people with and without disabilities around the world. In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit www.bestbuddies.org, facebook.com/bestbuddies or instagram.com/bestbuddies.

Media inquiries:

Katey DeMarais
State Director, Best Buddies in Minnesota
612-460-7440
KateyDeMarais@bestbuddies.org