COY Evening of Opportunity Hero

November 12, 2025

6:30 - 9:30 PM  |  New York, NY

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Evening of Opportunity is a celebration of inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in New York City. Join us for an inspiring night filled with special guests, keynote speakers, delicious food and drinks, and powerful stories from our incredible community.

The evening will feature a short program highlighting the life-changing impact of Best Buddies programs, honoring our dedicated donors and partners, and showcasing ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive world.

Your presence directly supports the growth of Best Buddies in NYC—helping us expand opportunities, foster friendships, and promote acceptance for people with IDD.

Be part of the movement. Celebrate inclusion. Change lives.

Jay McElfresh started DJing in Williamsburg Brooklyn in 2009. He has held residencies at Manhattan hotspots Pianos and Le Poisson Rouge, and was the in-house DJ for Bergdorf Goodman. Career highlights include DJing after Paul Simon at The Waldorf-Astoria, and a Michael Kors book signing. Jay has been featured in Vogue, The Cut, People, Martha Stewart, Brides and Style Me Pretty. His event company, jaymcelfresh.com, features a team of extraordinary DJs, ready to provide the soundtrack for any occasion. When not behind the decks, Jay enjoys running in McCarren Park, attending Brooklyn Euchre Club, and the never-ending quest to cook the perfect steak in a cast iron skillet. He is honored to be a part of the Evening of Opportunity and looks forward to more opportunities to celebrate Best Buddies.
Before connecting with Best Buddies, Fred had various jobs from a movie theatre usher to a law-firm messenger. Fred is known for being a people person! In 2012, Fred faced a major health challenge when he was diagnosed with cancer and forced to stop working. After a courageous fight, Fred got the life-changing news he was in remission. He was ready to return work. However, his previous employer did not rehire him and Fred found himself struggling to secure a new opportunity. That changed when Fred connected with Best Buddies. His drive, optimism, and strong work ethic made him a standout candidate for the Jobs program. During his very first interview with Central Park Conservancy, Fred's "can-do" spirit left such a strong impression that he was a full-time Groundskeeper position on the spot. He went onto thrive in that role for eight years. When Fred decided he was ready to transition indoors ahead of another tough New York winter of working outside, he worked with the Jobs program to explore new opportunities. Today, Fred works full-time as a Facilities Coordinator with JLL on the Amazon GREF account. Outside of work, you can find Fred DJing for his friends on the weekends or biking down the West Side Highway here in New York City.

Schedule

Wednesday, November 12th
VIP: 6:30 PM
Event Reception: 7:00-9:30 PM

Location

The Bowery Hotel
335 Bowery
New York, NY 10003

Event Contact

BrittanyCarroll@bestbuddies.org

A Glimpse of the Party

About Best Buddies

All funds raised benefit Best Buddies International, the largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people worldwide with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower people with IDD to form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure jobs, improve communication and advocacy skills, and live independently, while also offering support for their families.

The IDD community that Best Buddies serves individuals with IDD and their families. The IDD community includes, but is not limited to, people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, and other undiagnosed disabilities.

We Love our Sponsors!

Title Sponsor

Charles A Mastronari Sponsor

Presenting Sponsor

NFL Sponsor Logo

Additional Sponsors

For event information and sponsorship opportunities, contact BrittanyCarroll@bestbuddies.org.