Best Buddies International is excited to announce Matthew Cox will be the Chairman of the inaugural Champion of the Year Gala in Cleveland, Ohio.  Best Buddies International 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, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

“I’m honored to be chairing the first Champion of the Year Gala in Cleveland.  This organization does so much for individuals with IDD. Our goal is to expand the program into new schools and raise funds and awareness so that every student and adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience true friendship and more typical school kids get a chance to experience a life-changing relationship,” says Matthew Cox, 2021 Chairman.

Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Through raising funds and awareness for Best Buddies, Champions will generate countless opportunities for friendships, jobs, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). After a 10-week campaign, guests will join us for the first Northeast Ohio Gala, where the newest Grand Champion of the Year will be crowned. This year’s gala will feature an inspiring program, local food and craft cocktails, a spectacular live and silent auction, and amazing entertainment.

Cox is the founder and President of Capitol Partners, a lobbying and media consulting firm with offices in Cleveland and Columbus. Matt’s work with special needs education law has created and expanded life-changing options for special needs school children, allowing parents to choose the best educational environment for their child’s special needs. Matt lives in Avon with his wife Diane and their three children, including his teenage son, Benjamin, who is developmentally disabled. Diane Cox has served on the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council and has advocated for the interests of the disabled community in both Columbus and Washington, D.C.

Help us continue to provide these meaningful opportunities to people with IDD by supporting our 2021 Champion’s Campaign, purchasing tickets, becoming a corporate sponsor, volunteer, or make donations to the cause. If you are interested in sponsoring this event or becoming a Champion of the Year candidate, please reach out to Catlin Skufca, State Director, at CatlinSkufca@bestbuddies.org.