News & Stories

“Being positive is the key to my existence and everyone has a struggle that they want to overcome. I do not want my cerebral palsy to define me.”

Daniel was one of the first participants in the Best Buddies Tennessee Jobs program in 2015, and listed his dream job in an office setting, with a focus on tech work. After several interviews, he found a full-time position at Verus Healthcare as a medical equipment technician.

Carolyn and Haley’s friendship is unique in more ways than just its beginnings as a natural friendship. The two have a bond that is absolutely beautiful to watch, attending concerts and sporting events together, and having girl’s nights and sleepovers regularly.

Anneliese’s primary hope for Matt was to experience true friendship and love, so when she found Best Buddies online, it seemed like the perfect fit. But there was just one problem: Best Buddies didn’t have programs in Tennessee.

Steve Naff and Mike Maquire have been paired through the Best Buddies Citizens program since 2016. Steve, a veteran of the Gulf War, and Mike, a Best Buddies participant and Best Buddies Tennessee office assistant, are described as a perfect match by those who know the pair.

Team Construction’s Best Buddies Prom presented by McNutt Pediatric Dentistry and The Charley Foundation was a night where the magic reigned supreme and the dance floor stayed packed with beaming faces. 2,000 Best Buddies participants came together for an evening that did not disappoint.

The 5th annual Best Buddies Gala & Casino presented by Jim Keras Subaru in Memphis hosted over 250 faithful friends, supporters, and sponsors who came together for an unforgettable evening in support of our mission.

Livi Aldrich has been a part of the Best Buddies School Friendship program since the third grade. This exceptional young woman is a shining example of how Best Buddies has the ability to transform the lives and create leaders.

This year’s Best Buddies Leadership Conference focused on “Passing the Torch” and igniting the globe with the values of our mission. Over 2,300 student leaders, volunteers and community advocates from around the world united July 21-24, 2017 at Indiana University in Bloomington to develop the skills needed to organize and lead a Best Buddies chapter at their school, while also sharing the mission within their community.

Morgan Tibbens is a participant in Best Buddies’ School Friendship Program at Lewisburg High School where she has formed an undeniable bond with her buddy, Taylor. This past year, Morgan achieved local fame when she was crowned “Miss Amazing Teen Mississippi”, the state title to a national pageant that focuses on the strengths and abilities of women with IDD.

We are looking for volunteers to fill some important roles for the event! This year we are celebrating the best kind of ship ~ Friendship! Featuring a gourmet dinner, silent and live auction, live band, gaming and much more…

Jamie Taylor and Kyle Anderson were officially matched as a buddy pair through the Best Buddies School Friendship Program at Bartlett High School. This dynamic duo serves as a heartfelt reminder to everyone they meet of the power of friendship and its ability to change lives.

Best Buddies is excited to announce that Melissa Todd has been promoted to Regional Director for the newly created Mid-South Region, which encompasses Memphis, Arkansas and Mississippi programs.

The annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference is designed to inspire, train and equip thousands of students and community leaders to be Best Buddies advocates and bring about social change. Get ready to “Pass the Torch” at the 2017 Best Buddies Leadership Conference. This year’s conference will be held July 21-24, 2017 at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.

Noah Schepman and Joe McClellan’s friendship is truly something special. This exceptional pair sheds light on the true power of friendship at an early age. Joe first met Noah at the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year at Riverdale. With it being Noah’s first year at Riverdale, he was a little nervous, but eager to learn more about his new classmates.

Despite the severe weather, the 2017 Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Memphis saw hundreds of supporters from across the Mid-South ban together to celebrate inclusion. Featuring over 30 event sponsors, 160 community, corporate and individual teams, and over 600 walkers…

Best Buddies Citizens is one of the key programs represented in Best Buddies’ Friendship Program outreach. Our Citizens program pairs an adult with IDD in a one-to-one friendship with an adult without IDD from their local community. Since 2013, Best Buddies in Memphis has focused on expanding our School Friendship program from 5 active schools to over 30 schools representing successful Best Buddies chapters in the Mid-South to date.

Best Buddies in Memphis hosted an ‘Evening of Thanks’ at Jeff Johnson Restaurant Group’s Local on the Square honoring our most faithful friends whose unwavering generosity continues to propel our mission to enrich the lives of individuals with an intellectual and developmental disability.

The 2017 Best Buddies Friendship Walk (BBFW) allows us to support and build our programs right here in Tennessee, but we can’t do it without your participation. Fundraising can be intimidating, so we’re here to help with three simple steps to get you started and on your way to your goal!

The 2017 Best Buddies Friendship Walk (BBFW) allows us to support and build our programs right here in Tennessee, but we can’t do it without your participation. Fundraising can be intimidating, so we’re here to help with three simple steps to get you started and on your way to your goal!

Since 2013, Best Buddies in Memphis has worked tirelessly to expand the outreach of our school friendship programs throughout the Mid-South. What began with a handful of participating schools has expanded to over 100 school chapters influencing over 4,500 members and 848 buddy pairs across Tennessee.

Featuring over 550 students, 300 parents, 70 VIP guests, 80 volunteers and special celebrity appearances – it was an unforgettable evening. The party kicked-off as students with and without disabilities walked the red carpet together amid the excitement and flashing lights of our prom “paparazzi”.

Best Buddies Jobs program in Tennessee opened in January 2015. The results are phenomenal proving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have outstanding work-ethic and skills.