Attending one of our national or local events is a great way to learn more about Best Buddies programs and to experience our mission in action. For more information about our special events, please contact Scott Tracy , Vice President, Special Events, Development & Sponsor Relations at 305-374-2233 ext. 217 or by e-mail: scotttracy@bestbuddies.org. If you are interested in volunteering at one of our national events, please complete our event volunteer request form.
Best Buddies Friendship Walk
Year-Round | Nationwide
You’re invited to walk with us! Join 40,000 walkers across the country to support the Best Buddies programs in your schools, workplaces and communities. You’ll be making the world more welcoming to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities – one friendship, one job, and one life-changing connection at a time.
Best Buddies Leadership Conference
July 21-24, 2017| Bloomington, Indiana
This annual conference welcomes more than 2,100 student and community leaders with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities from Best Buddies’ eight programs, and more than 200 staff professionals from around the world to a four-day conference that prepares students to lead successful Best Buddies chapters in the upcoming year.
Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle
September 9, 2017 | Carmel & San Simeon, California
The Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle is a 100, 62, 30, or 15-mile cycling adventure along the Pacific Coast Highway, from Carmel to the renowned Hearst Castle in San Simeon, with an optional 5K run/walk led by Olympian Carl Lewis. The event includes celebrity tandem races, a festive barbeque, and private concert at Hearst Ranch.
Best Buddies in North Carolina Gala
Fall 2017 | Charlotte, North Carolina
The Best Buddies North Carolina Gala is the newest Best Buddies event, featuring sumptuous cocktails, a gourmet dinner, live and silent auctions. Launched in 2016, the Gala was a smashing success and allowed Best Buddies to officially launch programs in North Carolina. The Gala, hosted by local Best Buddies supporters, will raise funds to support and promote our newest programs in the Tar Heel State.
Best Buddies Friendship Walk: Capital Region
Fall 2017 | National Mall, Washington, D.C.
The 2016 Best Buddies Friendship Walk: Capital Region is a powerful social movement that supports inclusion and acceptance for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Open to all ages and athletic abilities, the Capital Region Walk has the energy of a big family gathering as more than 2,000 Best Buddies program participants, with and without intellectual disabilities walk side-by-side to promote friendship and community inclusion.
11th Annual Best Buddies Dallas Gala
November 2017 | Ritz Carlton in Dallas, Texas
The Dallas Gala is an incredible event, featuring a gourmet dinner, live and silent auctions, and a private concert, with Jan and Jeff Rich serving as Honorary Chairs to help support Best Buddies endeavors in Texas.
Best Buddies Challenge: Miami
November 17, 2017 | Miami, Florida
The Best Buddies Challenge Miami is a world-class cycling event limited to just 50 riders. This 62-mile ride features a Tour de France-style police escorted peloton with road and intersection closures, support vehicles, and three fully-stocked rest stops. Lunch at the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove ends the ride followed by the Miami Gala that evening.
21st Annual Best Buddies Miami Gala
November 17, 2017 | Miami, Florida
The 21st Annual Best Buddies Miami Gala is a spectacular event supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities around the world. Each year, more than 850 prominent local and international guests attend this elegant event, including notable celebrities, athletic superstars, and incredible performers. Guests will celebrate Best Buddies while enjoying a gourmet dinner, a top-notch auction, and dazzling entertainment.
White Mass
November 18, 2017 | Miami Beach, Florida
The White Mass is a special Mass honoring the gifts of persons with special needs.
When: Saturday, November 18 at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Saint Patrick Catholic Church • 3716 Garden Avenue, Miami Beach
Best Buddies Palm Beach Gala
Winter 2017 | Palm Beach, Florida
Long-time supporters Michele and Howard Kessler, Mary and Mark Freitas and Best Buddies International Board Member Tommy Quick will co-chair the Best Buddies Palm Beach Gala, hosted at an opulent Palm Beach locale. The evening will include cocktails, dinner and an exclusive auction, followed by a special live musical performance.
Best Buddies Month
March 2018 | Worldwide
What started 22 years ago as a one-day event has evolved into a month-long celebration commemorating Best Buddies’ mission. Best Buddies Month, which takes place each year in March, is a time for Best Buddies participants to reflect on the importance of friendship, jobs, and the development of future leaders. More importantly, it is a time to show the world the significance of these essentials in every individual’s life. In March 2018, Best Buddies’ chapters and individual volunteers will showcase their passion for Best Buddies by participating in community carnivals, regional dances, and school-wide assemblies.
Spread the Word to End the Word
March 2018 | Worldwide
A global day of awareness for Best Buddies’ and Special Olympics’, the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign is designed to raise the consciousness of society about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the r-word (“retard(ed)”) and encourage people to pledge to stop using it.
Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port
June 2, 2018 | Boston & Hyannis Port, Massachusetts
The Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port, chaired by Tom Brady, is a 100, 50, or 20-mile cycling adventure from Boston to Hyannis Port, with an optional 5K run/ walk chaired by Olympian Carl Lewis. The event kicks-off with the Tom Brady Football Challenge and concludes with celebrity tandem races, a celebratory clambake and a private concert by a special musical guest.