The 2026 Best Buddies Friendship Walk was a remarkable celebration of friendship, inclusion, and the power of community. Despite chilly temperatures and even a few snowflakes in the air, more than 500 walkers, volunteers, families, sponsors, and supporters came together at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo to champion a world where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are fully included and valued.

The energy throughout the day was inspiring. Teams from across Northeast Ohio proudly represented their schools, workplaces, and communities, all united by a common belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience friendship, connection, and belonging. From longtime supporters to first-time participants, the event showcased the incredible spirit that makes the Best Buddies community so special.

The impact of this year’s walk extends far beyond a single day. Together, our community raised nearly $70,000 to support Best Buddies programs throughout Northeast Ohio. These funds will help sustain and grow our one-to-one friendship programs, leadership development opportunities, and family support initiatives, creating life-changing experiences for individuals with IDD and their families.

Today, Best Buddies Northeast Ohio serves more than 1,250 participants through 35 school friendship chapters and an expanding adult Citizens program. Every dollar raised through the Friendship Walk helps ensure that these programs continue to thrive and that more people have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and develop the confidence to reach their full potential.

The video below captures many of the unforgettable moments from this year’s event—the smiles, hugs, celebrations, and genuine connections that define the Best Buddies mission. It serves as a powerful reminder that inclusion is more than a goal; it is something we create together through acts of friendship, acceptance, and community support.

We are deeply grateful to every walker, volunteer, sponsor, donor, and family member who helped make the 2026 Friendship Walk such a success. Your commitment is building a more inclusive Northeast Ohio, one friendship at a time.

Take a moment to watch the video and relive the joy, excitement, and heart of this incredible day. Together, we are proving that friendship has the power to change lives.