June 27, 2017
Last summer, Jack had the opportunity to attend Best Buddies Leadership Conference where he participated as an Ambassador. Throughout the weekend, he had the opportunity to work on writing a speech that he would later share with over 2,300 conference participants. After returning to Iowa, Jack continues to inspire so many through sharing his story at both chapter and state wide events.
June 27, 2017
Paige Petersen, the 2016-2017 Chapter President for the Waukee High School Best Buddies chapter first met her buddy Brian in the sixth grade. At the time, both Paige and Brian were attending Diamond Canyon Elementary in Phoenix, Arizona.
April 5, 2017
The reasons for my intrigue weren’t entirely clear to me at the time; something about her told me that behind her torn pop-culture literature, shy giggle, and infectious smile, was a girl with so much to offer.
March 31, 2017
The 2017 Best Buddies Friendship Walk (BBFW) allows us to support and build our programs right here in Tennessee, but we can’t do it without your participation. Fundraising can be intimidating, so we’re here to help with three simple steps to get you started and on your way to your goal!
March 28, 2017
Alka and I were matched in a Best Buddies friendship two years ago and have been great friends ever since! We love attending Best Buddies UNH events together which have included UNH football and hockey games, talent shows, and dances.
March 24, 2017
Last week, Wheelock College Best Buddies celebrated #BestBuddiesMonth by holding a Spread the Word to End the Word event, aiming to decrease the use of the R-word. In this student-produced video, hear from students and their buddies about what the event and the program mean to them.
March 17, 2017
The first time I spent the day at Lucia’s house, I met John. Friendships can be a struggle for many people, but I have had no struggles maintaining a strong bond with John. I still remember that day when he came home from work, telling me a story about a crazy customer who wanted to use a coupon from another store that had expired two years before.
March 13, 2017
On Sunday, March 12, 2017 Riverdale Country High School came together to host their 5th Annual Best Buddies Friendship Ball. Over 200 participants from high school and college chapters in the New York metro area came together to enjoy an afternoon of fun festivities, food, dancing and friendship.
March 10, 2017
On Friday March 3, 2017 the Suffolk University’s chapter of Best Buddies held their “Spread the Word to End the Word” event in the Sargent Hall Function Room. “Spread the Word to End the Word” is a campaign advocated by Best Buddies and the Special Olympics that aims at raising awareness and to educate people
March 9, 2017
On Wednesday March 1, West Potomac High School’s Best Buddies chapter held their Spread the Word to End the Word event . Crowds of students swarmed the giant blue banner and pledged their support to stop using the r-word, Ledo Pizza fed the whole school, and 94.7 Fresh FM Morning Show Host – and Capital Region Board Chair – Tommy McFly spoke to the students about the importance of retiring the r-word.
March 8, 2017
In the seven years I have known Sam, he truly has become the best friend I have. We like to get ice cream, go to the beach, and take walks in the parks in our area. We can do these activities and just be happy to be in one another's company. We chat about our surroundings, laugh at stupid things, and enjoy chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream without ever feeling judged.
March 8, 2017
This extraordinary story starts when Jimmy told his friend Jennifer that he wanted to run a 5k with friends. The result established an outlet for Jimmy to get into shape, all while showing the community what people with intellectual disabilities are able to accomplish when given the chance.
March 7, 2017
There’s an old saying: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me. … But boy, is that a lie. Alumna Kelly Reymann (’03), assistant director for The Center on Sensory and Complex Disabilities and an adjunct professor of education, is one of many who disdain the r-word: retarded.
March 6, 2017
In the seven years I have known Sam, he truly has become the best friend I have. We like to get ice cream, go to the beach, and take walks in the parks in our area. We can do these activities and just be happy to be in one another's company. We chat about our surroundings, laugh at stupid things, and enjoy chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream without ever feeling judged.
March 5, 2017
The Best Buddies 15th Anniversary Gala: A Celebration of Friendship took place on Saturday, March 4 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. Over 300 guests attended, enjoying silent and live auctions, a raffle of a beautiful diamond ring sponsored by Master Jewelers, dinner, dancing, and a program emceed by Eric Halvorson.
March 4, 2017
Featuring over 550 students, 300 parents, 70 VIP guests, 80 volunteers and special celebrity appearances – it was an unforgettable evening. The party kicked-off as students with and without disabilities walked the red carpet together amid the excitement and flashing lights of our prom “paparazzi”.
March 2, 2017
Buddies teamed up at DeLong Middle School in Eau Claire Wednesday to help end hurtful speech. Groups of students went around to different classrooms to make a presentation and encourage fellow classmates to pledge to stop...
March 1, 2017
North Rockland High School Best Buddies Promoters Club is proud to present the #RWordStomp2017. Respectful and inclusive language is essential to the movement for the dignity and humanity of people with intellectual disabilities. However, much of society does not recognize the hurtful, dehumanizing and exclusive effects of the R-word.
March 1, 2017
Sam and Jessica were first matched at Drake University three years ago. Since that time, their friendship has become more than just meeting the Best Buddies commitment their club involvement expects.
February 28, 2017
JaciLynn and Austin are in their second year of being paired up through Best Buddies, and their friendship is something truly special. In addition to hanging out on campus and at Best Buddies events, they also hang out outside of school every Wednesday.
