DALLAS, TX March 11, 2024 – Best Buddies will hold its annual “Champion of the Year Gala” on Friday, November 22 at On the Levee in the Design District. Themed “Studio 89”, the event celebrates the 35th anniversary of the organization’s global impact of friendship, leadership, and jobs for people of all abilities.

In addition to the teams competing for the Grand Champion crown, Christie and Elbert Choi are chairing this year’s event. Christie and Elbert (featured above) live in Dallas with their two sons and three dogs. Their various sports schedules and 12 paws definitely keep them busy. When not at a basketball court or sports field, they like to spend their time supporting some of the absolutely amazing organizations in Dallas. They’ve grown a heart for helping those that can’t necessarily help themselves, mainly children and animals. Christie and Elbert have also developed a passion to empower individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through their involvement and support of Best Buddies and other organizations in the Dallas area.

“We absolutely love the mission that Best Buddies has set out to accomplish. They are fully dedicated to creating opportunities socially and in the workplace to form a fully inclusive world for those with IDD. We are positively overjoyed not only to partner with Best Buddies, but to have the privilege and honor to Chair the 2024 Best Buddies Champion of the Year Gala.”

Best Buddies will also present the “Visionary Award” to Allan Matthews. Allan recently retired as Director of Grants for the Moody Foundation after 32 years of service. He is proud of his several roles there and the deep relationships with his nonprofit colleagues. Allan attended Rice University (B.A. Poli Sci 1988). He and Lori reside in Galveston, TX and have three adult daughters and four young grandchildren.

According to Best Buddies State Director, Linda Kordek-Milton, “Anthony Kennedy
Shriver recognized the need for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) to live their lives to the fullest potential, so a year before the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed, he founded Best Buddies. With Friendship as its first mission pillar, the Best Buddies Jobs program was established five years later to ensure people with disabilities had the same opportunities for competitive employment as everyone else. We are immensely grateful to Elbert and Christie Choi for championing our mission, and to Allan Matthews for his work with The Moody Foundation which supported the launch of Best Buddies Jobs here in Texas.”

Best Buddies Champion of the Year is a competitive fundraising campaign that unites and recognizes leaders of inclusion in local communities nationwide. Champion Candidates commit to raising funds and awareness for Best Buddies throughout their campaign. Our Champions advocate for the Best Buddies mission and will generate countless opportunities for friendships, jobs, and leadership development. At the Best

Buddies Champion of the Year celebration, we honor the Champions’ collective impact and name the Grand Champion of the Year! Information about Best Buddies can be found here: For information about being or nominating a Champion of the Year candidate, or for sponsorship information, please contact TracyChurchman@bestbuddies.org.