Best Buddies International to Host Virtual Friendship Walk in Support of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Join Best Buddies Founder Anthony K. Shriver, along with participants, celebrities and more online to virtually walk for inclusion
Miami, FL, June 16, 2020 — Best Buddies International, a groundbreaking nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver to establish 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, is excited to announce the first-ever national Best Buddies Virtual Friendship Walk on June 20, 2020. The Best Buddies Virtual Friendship Walk is the latest life-changing movement. Since 2009 more than 200,000 participants have walked in over 50 cities and raised more than $21 million for Best Buddies International.
“Our Friendship Walks are one of Best Buddies’ most celebrated events, bringing communities together online where they can experience our mission in action. This year, we’re excited to share a concept that’s unique, captivating and different than anything we’ve ever done with our first-ever virtual walk,” said Anthony K. Shriver, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Best Buddies International. “Walk participants significantly impact the achievement of our mission along with the employer partners that continuously empower our participants with special abilities by actively making not just country, but the world, a more inclusive place.”
Best Buddies International is proud to have over 20,000 (and counting) participants and over 2,500 walk teams participating in our walk for inclusion. Participants will share a video or photo on social media of walking in their home, neighborhood or other chosen location and inspire friends and family to support the Walk. Opening Ceremonies will kick off at 11:15 a.m. EST on respective Best Buddies state office Facebook pages to highlight the top fundraising, corporate and school teams in each state. The national Virtual Friendship Walk will continue at 11:45 a.m. EST on the Best Buddies International’s Facebook page and Instagram account led by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies Senior Vice President of Global Mission, State Development and Operations David Quilleon, Peanut Butter Falcon Co-star Zachary Gottsagen, program participants and supporters from all over the world to virtually walk for acceptance, inclusion and FRIENDSHIP! This online journey will showcase the Best Buddies mission first hand – creating a more inclusive world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Proceeds from the Virtual Friendship Walk are fundamental in supporting state programs that provide one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development and inclusive living. These programs can be found in all 50 states and will create promising opportunities for more than 350,000 people this year.
Walk for inclusion. Walk for friendship. Walk for a better world.