Best Buddies International is thrilled to announce that Mary Beth and John Lee will be the Chairs of the third annual Champion of the Year Gala in Cleveland, Ohio. This year the event will take place on Friday, November 3rd at Tenk West Bank. 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).

“We are honored to serve this organization as Chairs of the 2023 Gala. We believe wholeheartedly in the mission of Best Buddies and have been involved with this event since 2021. We want to do more to ensure everyone in our community is included. Best Buddies in Ohio is working to do that every day through their friendship and leadership programs.” says Mary Beth.

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).

This year the theme of the Gala is Friendsgiving, a fitting and fun way to demonstrate the power of true friendships created through the program. “We hope people will bring their friends and family to this special event to kick off the holiday season!” says John.

Ten community leaders will be nominated to compete to raise the most funds by the night of the Gala. 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 gather at Tenk West Bank, where the newest Grand Champion of the Year will be crowned.

John is Managing Director of Bornhorst, Ingalls, Lee, O’Reilly Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, an annual corporate sponsor of Best Buddies in Ohio. Mary Beth is an event strategist that has worked with numerous charities and community organizations to bring their missions to life. They live in Westlake, where they have raised their three children, Maggie, Hannah, and John Patrick.

Help us continue to provide these meaningful opportunities to people with IDD by supporting our 2023 Champion’s Campaign, purchasing tickets, becoming a corporate sponsor, volunteering, or donating to the cause. If you are interested in sponsoring this event or becoming a Champion of the Year candidate, contact Catlin Skufca, State Director, at CatlinSkufca@bestbuddies.org.