As we come to the end of Autism Awareness Month, we want to join with self-advocates and friends and family members around the world in celebrating the gifts of people with autism.

Rosetta x Best Buddies, an Italian bakery that plans to employ people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is set to open in downtown Bethesda later this year, according to a press release from the business.

MIAMI (WSVN) – Thousands of people woke up bright and early to put their best foot forward, all in the name of friendship.

Best Buddies is expanding. The nonprofit that supports people with disabilities now offers a new program. It provides support to families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

David Quilleon, Senior Vice President of Global Mission, State Development & Operations at Best Buddies, recently joined Michael Miller of Miami Community Newspapers to discuss Best Buddies and Autism Awareness Month.

On Friday, March 21, 2025, our incredible Best Buddies participants took over the TODAY Show to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day and Best Buddies Month!

The Tea Area School District is celebrating kindness this week, with some high schoolers hosting a special assembly for younger students.

Actress Kennedy Garcia made history as the first person with down syndrome to land a recurring role on daytime TV. Now she’s using her platform to help others…

Zach Smith, just 27, is one of the NFL’s ace statisticians based at league headquarters in New York City. He is also autistic.

Best Buddies Family Support provides families with essential resources to navigate raising a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

In its first year, Brewer is the largest school chapter in Maine.

VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. — Grace Davis, a longtime friend of Abbie Stockard, can’t contain her excitement after watching her friend crowned Miss America.

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Kiantis Gallion, a 24-year-old motivational speaker and autism advocate, joined us on Friday, Dec. 27 to chat about his journey as a Best Buddies ambassador for Wisconsin and the organization’s ongoing programs.

WATERTOWN, MASS. (WHDH) – New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye stopped by a Jersey Mike’s location in Watertown on Monday to show his support for Best Buddies, a nonprofit that creates opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Celebrating Best Buddies International’s Mission of Inclusion and Honoring Best Buddies Global Ambassador Guy Fieri with the 2024 ‘Spirit of Leadership’ Award

Miami, Florida, Nov. 21, 2024 – Best Buddies International hosted its Best Buddies Challenge: Miami the Best Buddies Miami Gala on Saturday, November 16. This year’s Gala raised a record-breaking $7.2 million for Best Buddies programs!

MIAMI (WSVN) – Cyclists took South Florida on a ride for a cause Saturday evening to support the mission statement of Best Buddies.

The event comes in the wake of the organization’s 26th Gala, where it aimed to celebrate and honor the dedication of supporters, participants, and volunteers. Cycling legends Chris Froome, Alberto Contador, Geraint Thomas, and Mark Cavendish were in attendance for the 75 to 100-mile ride.

Miami, Florida, Nov. 13, 2024 – 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 thrilled to present its Best Buddies Challenge: Miami Chaired by Kenneth C. Griffin Charitable Fund and Presented by the Andrew P. Barowsky Foundation, and Mack Cycle & Fitness and the Jersey Mike’s Subs Best Buddies Miami Gala on Saturday, November 16.

MANASQUAN, N.J., Nov. 12, 2024 – Jersey Mike’s Subs and customers across the country raised $4.3 million for Best Buddies International, a nonprofit committed to fostering one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living and family support opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Jersey Mike’s Subs and Best Buddies International, a nonprofit committed to fostering one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living and family support opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), are partnering to raise funds and awareness for the organization’s mission of inclusion.

MARIN, CA, October 21, 2024 – On Saturday, October 19, 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), hosted its 21st Best Buddies Challenge: California presented by Safeway Foundation.

The Best Buddies Champion of the Year celebration in Florida is an annual event that honors individuals who have made significant contributions to promoting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Matt Purfuerst is one of the nearly 40 individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities Best Buddies Wisconsin has placed in a job.

South Florida – A group of musical legends teamed up in Doral to use the sport of Pickleball in order to help give back to the Best Buddies International program.

Cold Stone Creamery® is proud to announce its continued partnership with Best Buddies International.

Over the 4th of July weekend, Best Buddies International hosted its Champion of the Year fundraiser at Hotel Jerome with the theme of a Gala en Blanc.

Founded in 1987 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver when he was a student at Georgetown University, the organization has been dedicated to creating opportunities for friendship, employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) since the beginning.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The Best Buddies nonprofit became the latest recipient of a big surprise from WSMV4′s Surprise Squad.

The organization creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A group of hardworking and unique students returned from a major learning experience to teach people with disabilities inclusion and independence.

Meeting some of your best friends and growing together is what the Best Buddies program is all about. This dedicated group of local students just returned from putting those words into action at an international leadership conference in Bloomington, Indiana.

When a family receives the earth-shattering news that their child has an intellectual or developmental disability, the whirlwind of emotions can feel devastating. In the span of a few minutes, dreams shatter while questions and fears multiply rapidly. An experience that was supposed to be filled with joy and anticipation pivots sharply to confusion and grief.

But what if amid that swirling chaos, a fellow parent who had walked this path showed up simply to listen and say, “Me too – you are not alone”?

Nearly 2,000 student leaders, volunteers, and staff from Best Buddies International’s programs around the world, will participate in the event July 19-21 at Indiana University in Bloomington. The conference will prepare the organization’s students leaders to be strong, passionate forerunners as they promote the mission of Best Buddies in their local schools and communities and inspire the world one person at a time.

The disability rights movement has made significant strides over the past decades, fighting against discrimination to advance equal access and inclusion. An ongoing challenge, however, remains expanding competitive integrated employment…

Boston, June 11, 2024 – This year, the 25th Anniversary Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port brought together over 1,000 participants in a spectacular cycling, running, and walking fundraiser. Presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs, Shaw’s and Star Market Foundation, and The TJX Companies, Inc. .The event spanned from Boston to Hyannis Port, raising over $4 million for Best Buddies International.

Miracle^® Recreation and Best Buddies International announce a groundbreaking partnership to create inclusive playgrounds and Buddy Benches, setting a new standard for accessibility. Developed through Agency Shmagency, this initiative aims to provide inclusive and accessible equipment for people of all ages and abilities.

HYANNIS, MASS. (WHDH) – Members of the 7NEWS team and hundreds of other riders hit the road Saturday for the Best Buddies Challenge, a bike ride to raise money for the organization.

BOSTON (WHDH) – Saturday kicks off the annual Best Buddies bike ride to Hyannis Port. New Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is the honorary chair of this year’s Best Buddies Challenge.

On May 21, Anthony K. Shriver, Founder and CEO of Best Buddies International, was interviewed by Savannah Guthrie on NBC’s Today Show. They discussed Best Buddies’ mission to foster inclusion for the IDD community and the new initiative, Eunie’s Buddies.

Nashville, TN, May 6, 2024 – Best Buddies International hosted its 7th Annual Best Buddies’ Celebration of Mothers this past Saturday, May 4, in Nashville, TN. The event celebrated mothers all around the world…

Best Buddies International is pleased to announce that New England Patriots Quarterback Drake Maye will serve as Honorary Chair of the 25th Anniversary Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port.

Organization Will Officially Launch Its Eunie’s Buddies Program to Empower Families on Their Journey of Raising a Child With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Nashville, TN, May 1, 2024

Josh Felder is still getting the hang of his superpowers. He’s starred in a feature film, sure. Danced alongside The Weeknd, yes. But if you talk to Felder, this is only the beginning.

The Detroit Pistons hosted a Best Buddies Night with Best Buddies in Michigan on March 9 when they took on the Dallas Mavericks. 

Marion Goldman tells the story of how her son, Michael, has succeeded with the help of the Best Buddies Jobs Program to celebrate Autism Awareness Month.

The Best Buddies Jobs Program is celebrating its 30th anniversary and was recently highlighted by the Daily Express.

For people with disabilities, going to a prom is not a guarantee, which is where the Friendship Ball comes in.

Best Buddies in Arizona was recently highlighted in celebration of Best Buddies Month and Best Buddies’ 35th anniversary.

The Best Buddies Friendship chapter at Palatine High School was recently highlighted for making an impact on their high school.

Inclusion is always something to celebrate, and the Best Buddies Friendship chapter at Higley High School can throw quite the party, as they did at their yearly Inclusion Carnival.

At Olympic Heights High School, Best Buddies is making a huge difference, creating a culture of inclusion and acceptance.

Best Buddies participants were recently featured on the Today Show for World Down Syndrome Day.

Rubin Wilson, an administrative support staffer, has been an important member of the Hialeah Fire Department for the past five years.

March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day, “a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.”

Gracie Flanagan, who has worked at Dion’s Pizza since the summer of 2023 thanks to Best Buddies Jobs, was spotlighted on two local news outlets.

Katelyn Quintero, the California state director, and Wesley Lam, a Best Buddies in California Ambassador, were recently interviewed to discuss the impact of Best Buddies across California in light of Best Buddies Month and the organization’s 35th anniversary.

Rodrigo Balvanera, a master’s student at American University, found his home at the Georgetown location of Best Buddies Living.

The Miami Heat held a Best Buddies Night for participants of Best Buddies in Florida, the state subsidiary of Best Buddies International on March 10th when they took on the Washington Wizards.

Reilly Donovan is a participant in Best Buddies Living, which provides inclusive, independent housing opportunities for people with and without IDD.

The Young Leaders Council is advancing the organization through grassroots activism — and creating the next generation of leaders in the process.

Read about the beginnings of Best Buddies and how a small club started by Anthony K. Shriver would become a world-renowned nonprofit.

March 6th is Spread the Word Day, a day designated to showcase the impact of inclusion and inclusive language on people with disabilities.

March is Best Buddies Month, the annual celebration of Best Buddies International’s efforts to create one-to-one friendship, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This year is also the 35th anniversary of Best Buddies and the 30th anniversary of the Best Buddies Jobs Program.

Best Buddies in the Philippines Ambassador Nina Bantoto, who has autism, hosted a solo art exhibit at the legendary Gallerie Joaquin Podium.

The Best Buddies Friendship chapter at Plainedge High School in New York recently held a fashion show for its participants.

Cassidy Bauer got the cooking experience of a lifetime when she starred in a special holiday episode of “Guy’s Grocery Games.”

Best Buddies in New York received a $4,000 donation from Supermodels Unlimited Magazine and Miss USA at the New York Fashion Week.

On Feb. 13, actress Vivica A. Fox will compete on “Name That Tune” in support of Best Buddies International. The episode will air on Fox at 8/7c.

Adison Coleman and Gracie Hamilton, a friendship pair from Best Buddies in Indiana, were recently featured on WRTV Indianapolis.

Lindsay Jewett, director of mission advancement for Best Buddies in New York, was the featured guest on the Courageously Kind podcast.

Best Buddies in Colombia, the country’s subsidiary of Best Buddies International held a Christmas campaign with Aqualia that fundraised $7,600 for their innovative Best Buddies School.

The Boston Celtics held their fourth annual Best Buddies Night for participants of Best Buddies in Massachusetts and Rhode Island on Jan. 30.

Participants from Best Buddies in Minnesota were gifted a gameday experience with Minnesota Vikings’ defensive tackle Harrison Phillips.

David Quilleon, the senior vice president of global mission, state development and operations at Best Buddies International, and Hunter Huff, a Best Buddies Global Ambassador were guest speakers at the Franchising Friends for a Cause Conference hosted by the International Franchise Association on Jan. 25.

Aaron Silverman, a participant in the Best Buddies Jobs program in California, was recognized by the Golden State Warriors on January 25.

Julian Rodriguez lives in a condo in Coral Gables, and he’s looking for roommates. His condo, however, offers more than just a place to live.

Students from Best Buddies in Iowa designed jerseys for the Iowa Wolves of the NBA G-League to wear on their “Disability Empowerment Night.”

Clarence Cruz, a Best Buddies in Philippines employee and Ambassador, talked about Best Buddies on the popular Filipino television show Kada Umaga.

The Milwaukee Bucks hosted a “Best Buddies Night” for members of Best Buddies in Wisconsin on Dec. 13. Just under 200 participants from local chapters attended.

Best Buddies International Hosted its first HBCU Symposium to help build inclusive communities on HBCU campuses.

This Wednesday, Dec. 13, Best Buddies participants will be featured in a special holiday episode of “Guy’s Grocery Games” at 9/8c hosted by Best Buddies Global Ambassador Guy Fieri.

Best Buddies Living provides inclusive, independent housing opportunities for people with and without IDD where they can learn, grow and thrive.

This Saturday, Dec. 2, Best Buddies Founder, Board Member and CEO Anthony K. Shriver will be featured alongside Best Buddies participants from the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port at 10/9c on the A&E show “Cake Dynasty.”

Best Buddies International asks its participants to support its mission by walking at their local Best Buddies Friendship Walk. Best Buddies in New York participants, however, decided to up the ante by running instead of walking. And this was not just any run: Team Best Buddies ran 26.2 miles in the famed New York City Marathon.

Bouquet Box owner Courtney Sixx and actress Charlotte McKinney joined Best Buddies founder, chairman and CEO Anthony Shriver in hosting a kickoff event on Thursday ahead of Friday’s 25th annual Best Buddies gala.

Miami, FL November 21, 2023 — It was an honor 20 years in the making. Best Buddies International, a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for friendship, employment, leadership development and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), honored Tom Brady, NFL legend and Best Buddies Global Ambassador with the Spirit of Leadership Award recognizing his immense contributions to the organization at the 25^th Annual Best Buddies Gala: Miami.

Mark Bodek, Charlotte FC employee and Best Buddies Jobs participant, served as this year’s North Carolina Champion of the Year Gala keynote speaker.

Brooks Kopeka attended the Best Buddies Champion of the Year Gala in West Palm Beach alongside his Jena Sims, his wife and the gala’s co-chair.

“On Thursday, Oct. 26, [Jack Eichel] took it a step further, inviting Best Buddies Nevada, a branch of a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities out to a Golden Knights practice. He presented them with a $40,000 donation and involved his teammates in dressing up in fun costumes and trick-or-treating with the more than 50 Best Buddies participants.”

Glenn Hiro is a role model for people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities or IDD. He’s also a role model for those who don’t.

The Best Buddies Friendship chapter at Centennial High School was invited to the Baltimore Ravens’ “Honor Rows” for providing “outstanding support” to the community.

Just a week or so ago, Best Buddies held a fund and awareness-raising event in Aspen, creating waves of genuine excitement that bode extremely well for the future of this terrific project in our community.

Best Buddies staff members from China, Croatia, England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland, the Philippines, Turkey and the United States participated in cross-industrial training programs and seminars to equip them with the skills to continue to amplify the Best Buddies mission around the globe.

Jersey Mike’s customers can round up their purchase to the nearest dollar or donate $1, $3 or $5 to donate to Best Buddies when placing their order on the Jersey Mike’s app.

To celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Best Buddies International, the groundbreaking international nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver to establish 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), is virtually hosting the Best Buddies NDEAM Event on October 25, 2023, from 1 p.m.-2 p.m. ET.

Al Horford, the Boston Celtics’ five-time NBA All-Star center, hosted a meet-and-greet event with Best Buddies International on September 28.

Best Buddies is proud to team up with Safeway to help ensure that people with IDD can earn an income so they can gain financial independence and meaningfully contribute to society.

Joseph Canty discusses Best Buddies HBCU Accessibility and Inclusion Symposium, which will take place on Sept. 14, 2023.

Best Buddies participant named honorary captain at Atlanta Falcons’ home opener.

Best Buddies International will host its inaugural online Historically Black Colleges and Universities Accessibility and Inclusion Symposium on Sept. 14, 2023, from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. EST.  

Connie Mehlman, Award-Winning Advisor, Shares Her Story

Cycling superstar Geraint Thomas will be a featured guest at the fall edition of the Best Buddies Breakaway Camp: Malibu.  

Join us July 21-24 at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.

By creating two new housing opportunities in D.C., Best Buddies is fostering more than friendships between people with and without disabilities.

The 6th Annual Best Buddies Celebrating Mothers will honor Best Buddies’ Mother of the Year — Holly Robinson Peete, a phenomenal actress and passionate advocate for individuals with IDD.

MIAMI (WSVN) – It was a fun morning at loanDepot Park in Miami, as the Best Buddies community and the 7News family came together to send a message of inclusion.

The “White Men Can’t Jump” star returns to the basketball court in a new comedy as a coach of a fun-loving team of players with intellectual disabilities.

Matthew Von Der Ahe stars in “Champions,” Bobby Farrelly’s refreshingly unsentimental, hilarious and rather gritty remake of the 2018 Spanish hit “Campeones.”

TAMPA — Elementary school classmates made fun of Joshua Felder’s weight.“Just kids being kids,” the 25-year-old Tampa resident said. He also struggled to speak clearly. “I had a slur,” Felder said. “I didn’t know how to pronounce words.” He’s come a long way.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The non-profit organization Best Buddies builds bonds through its friendship program between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Celebrate and take action!

Meet Bret, a Best Buddies in New Jersey Advisory Board Member and a Best Buddies Global Ambassador with William’s Syndrome.

Lindstrom’s work with the Georgia chapter of Best Buddies, focused on creating opportunities and a network of support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

MIAMI (WSVN) – It was a night of celebration in Miami for the non-profit organization Best Buddies. Best Buddies International held its 24th annual gala celebrating the organization’s mission and honoring the dedication of supporters and volunteers.

MIAMI, November 17, 2022 – Best Buddies International is thrilled to present its 24th Annual Best Buddies Gala: Miami at Ice Palace Studios on Friday, November 18.

Marin County, CA. – (October 25, 2022) – The 19th annual Best Buddies Challenge: California presented by Core Hydration & Safeway Foundation raised $2 million for Best Buddies International.

Ever since a childhood diagnosis that resulted in the amputation of a limb, Ted Kennedy, Jr., has been an advocate for the civil rights of people with disabilities.

Join us on October 19th from 1 pm. – 2 p.m. ET for the virtual event

Best Buddies’ has teamed up with pageant queens for a day of fun and friendship. Reigning Miss Colombia and Miss Germany enjoyed Wednesday afternoon with Best Buddies participants.

BOSTON (WHDH) – The Best Buddies Challenge returned for its’ 23rd ride on Saturday as some bike riders made up to a 100-mile trek from Boston to Hyannisport to raise money for the nonprofit.

MOD’s inaugural Value(s) Menu partner – now through August 22 – is Best Buddies International, the world’s largest organization dedicated to helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). With today’s announcement, MOD plans to donate $500,000 to Best Buddies to help support their mission of inclusion through programs that support integrated employment, one-to-one friendships, leadership development, and inclusive living communities.

Henrietta, N.Y. — On a day off from training camp at St. John Fisher University, several Buffalo Bills players took a field trip to Henrietta. They met up with their Best Buddies.

Best Buddies International raised $450,000 at the 5th Annual Best Buddies’ Celebration of Mothers in Malibu, California. The funds will expand the organization’s mission of inclusion through one-to-one friendships, leadership training, jobs, and integrated living opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Before Erik Wanberg graduated from Eastview High School in 2019, he had been part of the school’s Best Buddies chapter for two years.

Meet Tal Anderson, the young actor, filmmaker and disabilities advocate shining a spotlight on her fellow storytellers and highlighting the contributions of people with autism.

In partnership with Miss USA, SeneGence is proud to announce the launch of the Miss USA LipSense Duo. From the proceeds of this launch, SeneGence will be donating $50,000 to Smile Train and $50,000 to Best Buddies International.

Tom Brady saw people on the sidelines and worked hard to bring them into the game.

As we celebrate this holiday season, please meet some of our Best Buddies participants.

MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) – A Best Buddies cycling challenge took participants on a 70-mile tour of parts of Miami-Dade County.

MIAMI, Florida – Best Buddies International is thrilled to announce that four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome joined professional cyclists George Hincapie and Christian Vande Velde for the Hublot Best Buddies Challenge: Miami on Friday, November 19.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The theme for NDEAM 2021, “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion,” reflects the importance of ensuring that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have full access to employment and community involvement during the national recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Best Buddies formally thanks Maureen Daly for fulfilling her commitment and pledge to the Best Buddies.

Guests can donate at all Florida PDQ locations from August 3 through August 31.

According to the report, “A Place in this World,” approximately 75% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) live with their parents and 62% of those people dream of having their own apartment. Best Buddies Living is an opportunity for people with disabilities to reach that goal.

During the month of June, Cold Stone Creamery^® stores will once again host a nationwide fundraising promotion benefiting Best Buddies International.^®

Zozibini Tunzi, a big supporter of the nonprofit Best Buddies, made a stop at the Best Buddies x Rosetta Italian Bakery in Brickell, Miami, Florida.

Chain seeks to add team members from non-profit that creates opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — People walked for a good cause on Saturday during the Best Buddies Friendship Walk.

South Floridians came together for some fun and philanthropy in Sunrise, as Best Buddies held their annual fundraiser with a pandemic-friendly twist.

The power of love and friendship is a gift that Teri gave to her friends in Best Buddies and we are eternally grateful for her commitment to our organization’s mission of friendship and inclusion.

“I want to prove to everyone that you don’t have to let your disability define you if you want to do something great in life.”

Black History Month provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the rich history and far-reaching accomplishments of Black Americans.

A South Florida bakery is doing more than just selling authentic Italian food.