Celebrating Inclusion Figures

As the UK’s first blind and Black female barrister, the name Jessikah Inaba is inscribed in history. Last October, after five years of study and painstakingly transcribing all her own lecture notes into Braille, Inaba was called to the bar, smashing what she refers to as “the triple-glazed glass ceiling”.

Celebrating Inclusion Figures

When James Martin was born, doctors told his parents that he might never speak. However, he did not only learn to speak, but 31 years later, on his birthday, he walked on Hollywood’s biggest stage to collect his Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film, An Irish Goodbye.

Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Utah raises over $14,000 for individuals with IDD!

Friendship Walk Success & Willams Syndrome Awareness Month – May 2023 Newsletter

Celebrate National Volunteer Week with us. – April 2023 Newsletter

Aug 10, 2023
Jefferson Hills, PA

Come Join Us at the Pittsburgh Summer Picnic!

“Wait, no, really!?” Chapter President Meredith Bell exclaimed in excitement and disbelief as…

BBNY is excited to have selected the 11 State Ambassadors for the 2023-2025 term.

The 2nd Annual Best Buddies Friendship Ball exhibited joy, love, and inclusivity.

May 31, 2023
Zoom

Flip on the radio and brush up for Wednesday, May 31st!

The 6th Annual Best Buddies Celebrating Mothers will honor Best Buddies’ Mother of the Year — Holly Robinson Peete, a phenomenal actress and passionate advocate for individuals with IDD.

“Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.” – Lilo and Stitch

Our USM chapter was celebrated for their dedication to inclusion and friendship!

Best Buddies works alongside Reel Abilities!

July 16, 2023
Portsmouth, RI

The classic 6-chukker match will begin at 5pm. Gates open at 3pm.

Watch the video to learn more.

June 2023
Statewide

Join us for fun virtual and in-person activities!

Friendship Walk brings awaress to support inclusion for people living with disabilities in Hawai’i

Walk for inclusion on Saturday, May 20th at Weaver Lake Park

Check out the guest column featuring Best Buddies in Hawaii in MidWeek!

Best Buddies in Hawaii was featured on HI Now!

Read about Hunter’s dedication to fashion and inclusion!

Walk for inclusion on Saturday, May 20th at Weaver Lake Park

Leina’ala Nakoa – On Autism Spectrum – Talks Friendship Walk

Best Buddies in Ohio congratulates Ryan Hoffman on becoming a Global Ambassador for Best Buddies International!

Compassionate aid enriches the lives of those with intellectual and developmental differences

MIAMI (WSVN) – It was a fun morning at loanDepot Park in Miami, as the Best Buddies community and the 7News family came together to send a message of inclusion.

Over 100 teams celebrated inclusion at our first-annual BBME Cornhole Tournament!

Every Wednesday
Online

Join us every Wednesday for trivia on Zoom!

The Best Buddies Young Professional’s Network is a group of young professionals dedicated to supporting the mission of inclusion and fostering friendships. Members benefit by taking part in hands-on volunteer opportunities, serving in a leadership capacity, or through the various networking and friendship opportunities the organization provides. Who can join? Any [...]

NFL Able is created!!!

The non-profit organization Best Buddies builds bonds through its friendship program…

May 6, 2023
College Park, MD

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

June 10, 2023
Albuquerque, NM

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

April 2023
O’ahu, Maui, & Hawai’i

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

April 2023
Atlanta & Savannah

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

The Best Buddies Citizens program is looking for volunteers without disabilities!

April 29, 2023
Tempe, AZ

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

April 22, 2023
Pelham, AL

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

Spring 2023
Statewide

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

April & May 2023
Statewide

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

May 7, 2023
Denver, CO

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

Saturday, April 22, 2023
Kellogg Zaher Park

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

Spring 2023
Statewide

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

March 6
Carnegie Science Center
Pittsburgh, PA

Join Best Buddies Pennsylvania for a night of food, fun, and friendship at the Carnegie Science Center!

May 6th, 2023
Wilmington, DE

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

May 2023
Portland & Bangor

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

April 22, 2023
Detriot, MI

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

April & May 2023
Kirkwood & Kansas City

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

With the grant provided by The Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation, Best Buddies will focus on furthering our mission of inclusion through launching Friendship programs

Happy Best Buddies Month! – March 2023 Newsletter

Celebrating Inclusion Figures

When bestselling author John Elder Robison was a child, few had ever heard of Asperger’s syndrome. As a kid, Robison was often punished for “misbehaving” and “laziness.” It wasn’t until adulthood that a doctor suggested to him that he might have Asperger’s.

Celebrating Inclusion Figures

Meet Mayli Gibson, a tenacious girl born with a neuro tube defect called Spina Bifida, which left her paralyzed from the waist down. She uses a wheelchair but that has never slowed her down, actually it has propelled her into a life of exciting adaptive sports!

With the money provided by Insight Global, Best Buddies will focus on furthering our mission of inclusion through securing employer partners and placing participants with IDD in integrated employment.

With the money provided by The Dan Thompson Memorial, Best Buddies will focus on furthering our mission of inclusion through securing employer partners and successfully placing participants with IDD in integrated employment.

Celebrating Inclusion Figures

Esther Vergeer was born in Woerden, Netherlands, on July 18, 1981. When she was eight years old, she had surgery on her spine. The surgery left her unable to move her legs. As she adapted to her injury, Vergeer learned to play basketball and tennis in a wheelchair.

April 1st, 2023
Las Vegas, NV

Join us for training to become a Best Buddies Ambassador!

The crowd held their breath, then cheered as players rebounded and scored.

Hear about our local impact & the Friendship Walk in King of Prussia!

Albany Best Buddies heads to Fox 23

Best Buddies NY promotes inclusivity, ends isolation in the community

Best Buddies is crucial in eradicating stereotypes, discrimination of neurodiversity

April 2023
Philadelphia & Pittsburgh

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

The “White Men Can’t Jump” star returns to the basketball court in a new comedy as a coach of a fun-loving team of players with intellectual disabilities.

Matthew Von Der Ahe stars in “Champions,” Bobby Farrelly’s refreshingly unsentimental, hilarious and rather gritty remake of the 2018 Spanish hit “Campeones.”

April 29, 2023
Louisville, KY

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

November & December 2023
Philadelphia & Pittsburgh

Join us for our annual fundraising competition and gala.

March 21, 2023
Minneapolis, MN

B-I-N-G-O! Join us for Bingo for a Cause!

April 15, 2023
Minneapolis, MN

Morpheus is back with their 2023 concert benefitting Best Buddies in Minnesota!

April 29, 2023
Minnetonka, MN

It’s Best Buddies in Minnesota Prom! School chapters — time to dance the night away!

April 23, 2023
Cheshire, CT

Team Best Buddies is an exciting and fun charity event that supports the programs and services of Best Buddies in Connecticut.

TAMPA — Elementary school classmates made fun of Joshua Felder’s weight.“Just kids being kids,” the 25-year-old Tampa resident said. He also struggled to speak clearly. “I had a slur,” Felder said. “I didn’t know how to pronounce words.” He’s come a long way.

April & May 2023
Indianapolis & Lake County

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

Starts on March 11, 2023
North Texas

Join us for a screening of the movie, CHAMPIONS. Register for your preferred date and location.

March 22, 2023
Virtual

Identify negative emotions and transform them into positive ones!

March 30, 2023
Virtual

Put your knowledge to the test with Best Buddies in New Jersey

March 23, 2023
Houston, TX

Interested in the Citizens Program? Join us for a Houston Citizens Pop-up!

March 28, 2023
Houston, TX

Join us as we kickoff the 2023 Friendship Walk season in Houston!

Penn State Helps Foster Personal Friendships

Thank you to our friends at Covalent for this incredible video, your constant support of Best Buddies.

April 24, 2023
Houston, TX

Our amazing Board members, Duke and CC Ensell are hosting Bingo to benefit Best Buddies.

April 29, 2023
Hartford, CT

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

Best Buddies has a cure from age 5 to forever for loneliness.

Various Dates in 2023
Virtual

Join Best Buddies New Jersey Staff for our virtual volunteer open house.

December 4, 2023
Pittsburgh, PA

TasteBuds is back! Check out this unique tasting event supporting our local mission.

July 24, 2023
Louisville, KY

A day out on the links to help fundraise for Best Buddies in Kentucky.

October 6, 2023
Farmington, CT

Join us for our annual fundraising competition and gala.

Spring 2023
Statewide

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

Multiple Dates in March 2023
Multiple Locations, NY

We are so excited that Best Buddies own Joshua Felder is starring in the upcoming film “Champions”!

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The non-profit organization Best Buddies builds bonds through its friendship program between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Celebrate and take action!

March 19, 2023
Beaverton, OR

Join the Oregon Citizens group for our March Meet up at the Cedar Hills Shake Shack!

Lead your Friendship Walk team to success!

Kickoff 2023 with buddies by your side!

Best Buddies was recently featured on Everyday Northwest.

April , 2023
Altoona, IA

Annual Statewide Dance for High School, College, and Citizens (Adult Friendship) Chapters

March 1, 2023
Trussville, AL

Join Best Buddies in Alabama on 3/1 to learn more about the launch of our Citizens Program in 2023!

Best Buddies Advisor wins Move 4 Less recognition.

November 9, 2023
Albuquerque, NM

Join us for our annual fundraising competition and gala.

November 18, 2023
Las Vegas, NV

Join us for our annual fundraising competition and gala.

March 24, 2023
Longwood, FL

Join us for our annual Friendship Ball.

Sessions were held in Rochester, Albany, Long Island and NYC!

April 2, 2023
New Gloucester, ME

Join us for a community-run cornhole tournament to benefit Best Buddies in Maine!

Best Buddies Ambassadors is a program that provides training for participants with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in areas of speech writing, public speaking, and self-advocacy. Ambassadors develop the skills to professionally share their life stories, promote Best Buddies programs, network, and most importantly, advocate.  The Ambassadors program [...]

November 3, 2023
Seattle, WA

Join us for our annual fundraising competition and gala.

RSVP: We appreciate your interest; however, this year's event has sold out. We hope you can join us next year!

February 21, 2023
Zoom

Hope Kiehl’s Achieving Your Dreams: Setting Goals and Sticking to Them.

Fall 2023
St. Louis & Kansas City

Join us for our annual fundraising competition and gala.

Students at Donald M. Payne Sr. Tech have been practicing skills in the Pre-ETS program.

Sessions were held in Rochester, Albany, Long Island and NYC!

Fall 2023
Statewide

Champion of the Year is a fundraising competition featuring prominent community leaders.

February 23, 2023
Zoom

Join Best Buddies New Jersey Staff for our virtual volunteer open house.

October 27, 2023
Birmingham, AL

Join us for our annual fundraising competition and gala.

Feburary 15, 2023
Zoom

Join us for our monthly Virtual Hang-In: Show and Tell!

November 2023
Austin, Dallas & Houston

Join us for our annual fundraising competition and gala.

February 11, 2023
Las Vegas, NV

We’ll be covering topics that help your chapter continue to be successful.

June 2023
Statewide

Join your Best Buddies in California for fun virtual and in-person activities!

November 12, 2023
Honolulu, HI

Join us as we celebrate and crown our new Champion of the Year.

Best Buddies in Ohio to partner with Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities to broaden offerings in Central Ohio

First ever Grand Champion in Alabama raises over $23,000!

Learn more about our adult friendship program!

Feburary 15, 2023
Boston, MA

Join us at the Garden for Best Buddies Night!

Meet Bret, a Best Buddies in New Jersey Advisory Board Member and a Best Buddies Global Ambassador with William’s Syndrome.

January, 2023
Virtual

Monthly virtual sessions for parents of Best Buddies participants.

Year-Round
Statewide

Join us for fun virtual and in-person activities!

February 03, 2023
Houston, TX

Friendship Ball for Best Buddies in Houston

February 24, 2023
Dallas, TX

Friendship Ball for Best Buddies in North Texas Chapters

March 12, 2023
Plantsville, CT

Join Best Buddies in Connecticut for food, dancing, and awards.

November 10, 2023
Dearborn, MI

Champion of the Year is a fundraising competition featuring prominent community leaders.

Best Buddies in Ohio to partner with Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities to broaden offerings in Central Ohio

Meet Bret, a Best Buddies in New Jersey Advisory Board Member and a Best Buddies Global Ambassador with William’s Syndrome.

January 25, 2023
Zoom

Join fellow Citizens and host Sean Heaney for a virtual trivia night!

October 20, 2023
Atlanta, GA

Our annual fundraising competition featuring a select group of prominent community leaders.

February 13, 2023
Parma, OH

Join us for a Best Buddies Ambassador Training!

May 20, 2023
Franklin, WI

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

February 23, 2023
Grandview Heights, OH

Help us kick off Franklin County Citizens!

March 4, 2023
Austin, TX

Friendship Ball for Best Buddies in Central Texas Chapters

March 02, 2023
Cedar Park, TX

Best Buddies Night at the Austin Spurs!

October 13, 2023
Wilmington, DE

Annual fundraising competition and Gala featuring prominent community leaders.

Lindstrom’s work with the Georgia chapter of Best Buddies, focused on creating opportunities and a network of support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

October 19, 2023
West Des Moines

Join us for an evening of food and friendship.

November 9, 2023
Phoeniz, AZ

Join us for our annual fundraising competition and gala.

May 13, 2023
Bloomington, MN

Kendra Scott and Best Buddies in MN Host Giveback Event

November 11, 2023
Denver, CO

Champion of the Year is a fundraising competition featuring prominent community leaders.

October 27, 2023
Portland, ME

Our annual fundraising competition and gala.

Fall 2023
Statewide

An annual fundraising competition featuring prominent community leaders.

April 4, 2023
Zoom

Team Captain Night, a virtual gathering for Best Buddies Friendship Walk Team Captains

April 4, 2023
St. Newark, NJ

Join Best Buddies for the NJ Devil’s Autism Acceptance Night!

April 26, 2023
Township of Washington, NJ

Support Best Buddies New Jersey while glimpsing the next wave of fashion!

January 09, 2023
Chicago, IL

We’ll be covering topics that help your chapter continue to be successful.

January 10, 2023
Glen Ellyn, IL

We’ll be covering topics that help your chapter continue to be successful.

January 12, 2023
Bradley, IL

We’ll be covering topics that help your chapter continue to be successful.

Our partners align to make the world more inclusive.

February 24, 2023
Riverview, FL

Join us for our our annual Friendship Ball.

Feb 4, 2023
Chicago, IL

Join Best Buddies to watch the Chicago Steel Hockey on February 4!

April 8, 2023
Chicago, IL

Come volunteer with BBIL at the Chi-Town Half Marathon!

At our Best Buddies Homecoming Champions Gala – we had the culmination of our Champion of the Year competition.

2022 Wrapped: Inclusion Edition

April 22, 2023
Chicago, IL

Come volunteer with Best Buddies in Illinois for our Chicago Friendship Walk

Spring & Fall 2023
Massachusetts & Rhode Island

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

Students donate Lego sets to children in need.

January 12, 2023
Birmingham, AL 35223

Join Best Buddies in Alabama on 1/12 to learn more about the launch of our Citizens Program in 2023!

Watch Pre-ETS participant, Danny, play holiday hits on his steel drum!

December 14, 2022
Troy, NY

Join us for a basketball game.

January 2023
Statewide

2023 Back to Best Buddies Trainings

Feb 18, 2023
Scottsdale, AZ

Let’s celebrate friendship & inclusion!

Best Buddies adult friendship program comes to Rochester, MN

Best Buddies Creates Social Opportunities for Students with IDD and Improves School Culture According to New Faculty Advisor

MIAMI (WSVN) – It was a night of celebration in Miami for the non-profit organization Best Buddies. Best Buddies International held its 24th annual gala celebrating the organization’s mission and honoring the dedication of supporters and volunteers.

March 14 & 16
Statewide

Ambassadors Trainings: Speech Writing and Public Speaking

John P. Drew the 2022 recipient of The Diane Ray Brown Lifetime of Friendship Award

February 03, 2023
Glens Falls, NY

Best Buddies Albany goes to the Hockey Rink!

February 08, 2023
Long Island, NY

Stony Brook Basketball Game with BB Long Island!

March 4, 2023
Rochester, NY

Festival of Inclusion is BACK!!

December 14, 2022
Zoom

Pick your ugliest sweater and join us over zoom to play holiday games.

April 7th and April 14th
Zoom

Best Buddies and Pierro, Connor & Strauss, LLC Parent Webinars.

April 8, 2023
Hempstead, NY

Join us for a Hofstra Lacross Game!

March 9, 2023
Zoom

Parents of participants with IDD and adults with IDD are invited to learn about the NY ABLE program

April 13th, 2023
Saratoga Springs, NY

Best Buddies in Albany Spring Walk

Multiple Dates
New York

Dance the day away and celebrate inclusion with your fellow NYC Best Buddies!

May 12, 2023
Zoom

Virtual Chair Exercise Session!

July 25, 2023
New York, NY

Free for employer partners, Additional Tickets $75/person

March 7, 2023
Cleveland, OH

Join us for a fun evening at the Cleveland Monsters Hockey Game!

DC’s top chefs and restaurants are opening their kitchens to young adults with IDD for Best Buddies Homecoming Gala

The holiday season is a time of reflection and gratitude. Now more than ever, we are thankful for the communities that accept and unite us.

“Anything is possible if you work hard, dream big, and have the support and encouragement from friends.”

MIAMI (WSVN) – It was a night of celebration in Miami for the non-profit organization Best Buddies. Best Buddies International held its 24th annual gala celebrating the organization’s mission and honoring the dedication of supporters and volunteers.

MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) – A non-profit organization brought love to Miami Beach with a huge fundraiser. Best Buddies hosted an event that challenged participants to bike 75 miles through Miami alongside a fleet of police officers, Friday morning.

MIAMI, November 17, 2022 – Best Buddies International is thrilled to present its 24th Annual Best Buddies Gala: Miami at Ice Palace Studios on Friday, November 18.

Grand Champion raises a record-breaking $68,000 for Best Buddies programs in Minnesota.

Our Champions have been Crowned

The impact of teaching inclusion at a young age.

Recently featured on CBS MINNESOTA.

Tommy McFly is a decade-long champion of Best Buddies, a once-local, now-global nonprofit.

Alexander Bolden appreciates creating a family out of friends…

November 16, 2022
Bethpage, NY

Best Buddies LI visits an Art Show!

Best Buddies in Hawaii was featured on HI Now!

Check out our Fall newsletter.

November 18, 2022
Menands, NY

Join us for a howling good time at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society.

December 1st
Rochester NY

Join us for WNY’s Holiday Movie Night.

Marin County, CA. – (October 25, 2022) – The 19th annual Best Buddies Challenge: California presented by Core Hydration & Safeway Foundation raised $2 million for Best Buddies International.

Best Buddies Rochester Citizens chapter is officially open!

Oct 26, 2022
Zoom

Join the New Jersey Citizens to show off something cool you own!

Bangor Citizens Participant Brian Harnish Shares What Inclusion Means to Him.

November 11, 2022
Zoom

Learn to cook from a Michelin-star chef while benefiting Best Buddies!

Marianne Rosa, Pre-ETS participant, highlights what she’s learned so far.

Oct. 13, 20, & 27
Houston, TX

Champion Dora Gutierrez is hosting three give back nights at a
Grub

Celebrating Inclusion Figures

After being born with cerebral palsy, Abbey Curran grew up in a world of “no”. She was told what she could and couldn’t do and after 7 straight years of loss, Abbey decided to take hold of her future and make her life something she’d always dreamed of!

Best Buddies CA staff receives sensory inclusive certification from Kulture City.

October 20, 2022
Houston, TX

Join us for a happy hour/networking event.

October 26, 2022
Zoom

Wear a mask and join your Ohio buddies to solve the mystery of who is who!

Decreasing Barriers and Improving Access For People with Intellectual and Development Disabilities.

Ever since a childhood diagnosis that resulted in the amputation of a limb, Ted Kennedy, Jr., has been an advocate for the civil rights of people with disabilities.

Join us on October 19th from 1 pm. – 2 p.m. ET for the virtual event

Celebrate Rosemary’s Legacy

Celebrating Inclusion Figures

Madeline Stuart is a worldwide phenomenon. Madeline is an Australian model described as the world’s first professional model with Down syndrome, becoming a powerful advocate for inclusiveness and diversity in modeling. This incredibly courageous, beautiful, and talented young woman has had astonishing success in the short time she has been modeling and has captured media attention in Australia and internationally.

Celebrating Inclusion Figures

Kerry Magro was two years old when he was diagnosed with autism. He felt isolated and found it difficult to be around others. Magro grew up being told what he could not do, what he could not achieve, and how his life would be. It was also a time when there was not widespread information on autism, which made it harder to navigate life. He found the world very confusing.

Celebrating Inclusion Figures

Collette Divitto was born in 1990 with Down syndrome. She grew up in Ridgefield, Connecticut, where she developed a passion for baking after taking classes in high school. After testing out several cookie recipes, she came up with an original cinnamon chocolate chip cookie that people really enjoyed. Because all of her friends and family raved, “This cookie is amazing,” Collette decided to call her recipe “The Amazing Cookie.”

October 6, 2022
Zoom

Spend time with fellow Best Buddies Ambassadors to play games, chat, and learn more about being an Ambassador.

October 11, 2022
Zoom

Our Citizens Community will be gathering for a special Halloween-themed hangout.

Best Buddies Living Miami is the first location in the state of Florida. The program officially launched in February 2022 and is currently accepting residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Best Buddies’ has teamed up with pageant queens for a day of fun and friendship. Reigning Miss Colombia and Miss Germany enjoyed Wednesday afternoon with Best Buddies participants.

September 20, 2022
Baltimore, MD

Join us for a ballgame.

October 3, 2022
Hyannis Port, MA

Tee off for Best Buddies on the Cape!

Best Buddies International congratulates the Best Buddies Racing Team on an incredible two-years of racing with a purpose by competing in elite bike races across the U.S. to illuminate the skills and people within the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) community.

September 25, 2022
Clifton, NJ

Meet the Champion candidates and celebrate inclusion.

October 6, 2022
Houston, TX

Kick off Champion of the Year season in Houston!

October 25, 2022
Zoom

Join us for fun games and Halloween-themed activities

September 28, 2022
Zoom

Join your fellow Best Buddies in New Jersey Citizens for a group hangout!

Saturday, October 29, 2022 4:00 - 8:00 pm Avon Oaks Tennis Center 32300 Detroit Rd, Avon, OH 44011 Join friends and family for a pickleball and tennis tournament in memory of Matthew Roggenburk Sr. There is no minimum donation to attend or play but Colleen Roggenburk has designated Best Buddies [...]

Board member Valerie Strange talks about her involvement in Best Buddies.

Year Round
Statewide

Join members of the Best Buddies Citizen programs for upcoming events.

November 3, 2023
Hunt Valley, MD

Champion of the Year is a fundraising competition featuring prominent community leaders.

Best Buddies in Pennsylvania to Receive Funding from Pennsylvania Department of Education

Exceptional student leaders tell how Best Buddies shaped their path

Discover the power of one-to-one friendship.

Discover the impact of Best Buddies from a parent perspective.

One lucky winner to take home price package consisting of Pappy Van Winkle, Buffalo Trace Antique and E.H. Taylor Bourbons!

September 8, 2022
Zoom

Citizens members will be chatting about favorite fall traditions, cozy drinks and snacks, and more!

August 29, 2022
Zoom

Grab your pumpkin spice treats and join us for a Pumpkin Spice Party!

Learn more about a musical created by Best Buddies participant, Tyler Daynes!

Starting their 12 week campaign with an awesome news feature!

Starting the 2022 Champion Season off right!

September 24, 2022
Philadelphia, PA

Join us as the Philadelphia Phillies take on the Atlanta Braves!

September 25, 2022
Pittsburgh, PA

Join as the Pittsburgh Pirates take on the Chicago Cubs!

October 22, 2022
Virtual Event

Join us for an inclusive fitness class!

September 24, 2022
Solon, OH

Join us for a cookout!

November 11, 2022
Philadelphia

Join us as we crown Pennsylvania’s Best Buddies Champion of the Year.

NYC Citizens Match: Carole and Sheridan

Champion of the Year is here. Find out how to get involved!

Let the Local Leaders Shine

September 27, 2022
Zoom

Join us for a virtual costume party!

Buffalo Bill Tyrel Dodson and Friends join Buddies for a day of fun!

Best Buddies on Long Island visits new facilities of John’s Crazy Socks

Second Mondays
Zoom

Best Buddies Citizens members are invited to our monthly virtual game night!

Local Leadership Conferences were a HUGE success!

Learn about this incredible community project & their support of local programs!

Discover how much Best Buddies has meant to Aldyn over the past 11 years.

A message from Judy about her friendship with Janice…

November 11, 2022
Cleveland, OH

Our annual fundraising competition and gala.

August 24, 2022
Zoom

Join Sean Heaney for a game of Name that Tune on Wednesday, August 24th.

Bixby West has been recognized as Elementary School Chapter of the Year!

High School and College Students Gather for Best Buddies Leadership Conference

December 6, 2022
Solon, OH

Join us for an evening of bowling!

October 5, 2022
Hanover, MA

Learn about resources and programs to support young adults approaching transition age.

Three Texas students have been selected for the upcoming YLC term.

September 7, 2022
Houston, TX

Join us for an evening of bingo, bubbles, prizes, and fun!

August 21, 2022
Columbus, OH

Join Best Buddies Champion Team Sharla Thomas and Alex Rogers at their 5th Annual Open Mic event!

Student leaders enjoyed a fun and engaging Leadership Conference in Washington!

Student leaders enjoyed a fun and engaging Leadership Conference in Kentucky!

October 23, 2022
Dallas, TX

Join us for the North Texas Fall Fest!

September 24, 2022
Philadelphia, PA

Join us as the Philadelphia Phillies take on the Atlanta Braves!

Student leaders enjoyed a fun and engaging Leadership Conference in Colorado!

USC Beaufort has been recognized as College Chapter of the Year!

Student leaders enjoyed a fun and engaging Leadership Conference in Georgia!

November 2, 2022
Houston, TX

KP’s Kitchen will donate 10% of food sales to Best Buddies.

April 11, 2023
New Albany, OH

Please join us for a Happy Hour event at BrewDog New Albany.

Nov. & Dec. 2022
Virtual and In-Person

Join Best Buddies in New Hampshire for fun activities!

April & May 2023
Cleveland, Cincinnati & Columbus

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

May, 7 2023
Hillsboro, OR

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

Every Sunday
Zoom

Join us weekly for some fun games and virtual activities.

November 10, 2023
Portland, OR

Join us for our annual fundraising competition and gala.

June 20, 2023
Shaker Heights, OH

Meet up with members of the Cuyahoga County Citizens Chapter!

August 18, 2023
Columbus, OH

On the run from the mob, Whoopi Goldberg’s lounge singer trades in her cocktail dress for a nun’s!

October & November 2023
Cleveland & Columbus

Join us for our annual fundraising competition and gala.

Trainings held in Rochester, Albany and New York City

July 26, 2022
Zoom

Learn about Best Buddies Citizens in California.

July 26-28, 2022
Zoom

Ambassador training on speech writing and public speaking.

Happy Disability Pride Month!

June-August 2022
Long Island, NY

Join your friends on Long Island for fun in-person events and activities this summer!

August 11, 2022
New York, NY

Join us for a movie screening of Peanut Butter Falcon hosted at The Dalton School

July 23, 2022
Columbus, OH

Join us at MOD Pizza to eat and socialize after Leadership Conference!

July 21, 2022
San Jose, CA

We encourage all Best Buddies leaders in our schools and communities to join us in July!

July 20, 2022
Pittsford, New York

We’ll be celebrating all things inclusion and friendship in WNY!

December 1, 2022
Boston, MA

An celebration of the growth and success of the Best Buddies Jobs program

July 16, 2022
Irvine, CA

We encourage all Best Buddies leaders in our schools and communities to join us in July!

June – August, 2022
Albany, NY

Join your friends in Albany for fun in-person events and activities this summer!

August 20, 2022
Rochester, NY

Join us for a fun soccer game benefiting Best Buddies in New York!

We held our annual Brewers Tailgate event in April.

Our Best Buddies chapter dance was held in March.

September 9, 2022
Albany, NY

Come enjoy lawn games, a craft, the sensory gym, and sensory room.

July 15, 2022
Zoom

Learn how you can get involved with Best Buddies in California!

July 12, 2022
Zoom

Join us for an explosive art night hosted by volunteer, Laura and her son, Vincenzo!

September 16, 2022
Zoom

Learn about how to be the best advocate for your community!

Sept. & Oct. 2022
Statewide

Join us across the State for our Local Leadership Training Day!

September 17, 2022
Schenectady, NY

Community Studios will be hosting a Best Buddies art class on September 17.

July 9, 2022
Bronx, NY

Join us to watch a NYC FC Soccer Game on Saturday, July 9th at 1 pm!

October 4, 2022
Virtual Event

Join us for a complimentary webinar.

July 8, 2022
Fresno, CA

We encourage all Best Buddies leaders in our schools and communities to join us in July!

July 30, 2022
Bloomington, MN

All BBMN members, supporters, volunteers, and their families are invited to join us for food and friendship!

BBCO recognizes Chapters that uplift our mission even when challenges arise!

July 13, 2022
Zoom

Put on your artist caps and join us this July!

Celebrating Inclusion Figures

Susanna van Tonder is a Luxembourg disability rights activist, patient advocate and blogger. Van Tonder’s first obvious symptoms of multiple sclerosis caused her to suffer a Grand Mal seizure in 2015. In 2016, exactly a year later, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This experience of being diagnosed with an incurable disease in her early adult years led van Tonder to work on inclusion and wider understanding of the needs for people with disabilities and patients affected by chronic conditions.

October 12, 2022
Zoom

A virtual educational event that highlights the importance of disability inclusion.

October 20, 2022
New York, NY

Party for a Purpose will celebrate the inclusion of people with IDD in New York.

October 22, 2022
Saratoga Springs, NY

JoJoin us for some fall fun at Pitney Meadows Community Farm.

November 18, 2022
Totowa, NJ

Mark your calendars for the Best Buddies in New Jersey Champion of the Year Gala!

Now through August 22nd, Best Buddies is MOD’s inaugural Value(s) Menu partner!

Nov 30, 2022
Zoom

Join your fellow Citizens for a Thanksgiving-themed Bingo game!

October 28, 2022
Statewide

Boo Balls are back!

Oct. & Nov, 2022
Albany & Rochester

Our annual fundraising competition and gala.

Spring 2023
Princeton, North Jersey, & Morris County

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

June 30, 2022
Zoom

Learn ways you can stay involved with Best Buddies after graduation!

A Record-Breaking Spring for BBMN!

July 14, 2022
Fairfax, VA

Join us for an outdoor movie at Mosaic District and watch “In The Heights”!

June 29, 2022
Zoom

Draw, guess, win!

June 28, 2022
Zoom

Let’s get cooking!

June 28, 2022
Zoom

Get ready for summer with this summer-themed trivia night!

On April 22nd, our friends at Handel Architects hosted an Art Workshop for our participants…

Sorry, but this year's event has sold out. We hope you can join us next year.

June 21, 2022
Cleveland, OH

Meet up with people who are currently in the Citizens program!

June 21, 2022
Zoom

Social Media & Self Esteem Workshop with Hope Kiehl

Check out what Best Buddies has been up to in Albany, New York and Western NY!

August 21, 2022
Indianapolis, IN

Join Best Buddies Indiana in cheering for the Indianapolis Indians vs Iowa Cubs!

April 13 & June 15, 2022
Zoom

PLAN is offering educational webinars for our Best Buddies community.

Feb. 26, 2023
Nashville, TN

A party celebrating friendship and inclusion for Best Buddies participants in Tennessee!

June 23, 2022
Zoom

Join Accenture for this year’s virtual Rainbow Room Dance Party!

June 13, 2022
Zoom

Join us for Chapter 15 of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone!

Thank you to all our friends, walkers, followers, sponsors!

Get to know Elizabeth and Kelsey!

June 11, 2022
Poway, CA

Please join us in kicking off the summer, socializing, and making new friends!

June 11, 2022
Washington, DC

Join Best Buddies for a day watching the Nationals play the Milwaukee Brewers!

June-August 2022
In-person & Zoom

Stay involved with Best Buddies over the summertime!

June 10, 2022
Zoom

Join us for an hour of fun-filled activities to channel your inner Michael Scott!

BOSTON (WHDH) – The Best Buddies Challenge returned for its’ 23rd ride on Saturday as some bike riders made up to a 100-mile trek from Boston to Hyannisport to raise money for the nonprofit.

November 19, 2022
Concord, NH

Champion of the Year is a fundraising competition featuring prominent community leaders.

Every 3rd Wednesday
Charlotte, NC

Join us for virtual job readiness training.

June 4, 2022
San Francisco, CA

Join us in person for some fun and games!

November 18, 2023
Concord, NH

Join us for our annual fundraising competition and gala.

Learn more about our partnership and get to know Jobs program participants, Deanna

June 26, 2022
Zoom

We will discuss the types of relationships in our lives, information on consent and touch, and how to build healthy relationships.

May 28, 2022
Riverhead, NY

It’s time to put on your bowling shoes!

May 26, 2022
Zoom

Dance the night away with your Best Buddies friends and sing along to your favorite songs!

May 25, 2022
Zoom

Citizens Members: Join us for BINGO night!

MOD’s inaugural Value(s) Menu partner – now through August 22 – is Best Buddies International, the world’s largest organization dedicated to helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). With today’s announcement, MOD plans to donate $500,000 to Best Buddies to help support their mission of inclusion through programs that support integrated employment, one-to-one friendships, leadership development, and inclusive living communities.

Our 2022 Best Buddies Friendship Walks were a HUGE success!!

Henrietta, N.Y. — On a day off from training camp at St. John Fisher University, several Buffalo Bills players took a field trip to Henrietta. They met up with their Best Buddies.

Spring 2023
Statewide

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

MAY the BEST be yet to come!

Best Buddies’ first community Citizens pair celebrated their one-year friend-a-versary!

May 18, 2022
Zoom

Learn how you can stay involved with Best Buddies after graduation!

June 8, 2022
Zoom

We will be learning about the history of ice cream and enjoying a refreshing treat!

May 16, 2022
Boston, MA

Join Best Buddies in MA & RI for a Red Sox game!

July 16, 2022
Arlington, VA

We are staying local and holding in-person Leadership Conference for our region’s participants!

May 12, 2022
Zoom

Come learn what it’s like to LIVE under the sea from someone who’s actually done it.

May 19, 2022
Zoom

Learn the basics about tipping, budgeting, and more.

Best Buddies International raised $450,000 at the 5th Annual Best Buddies’ Celebration of Mothers in Malibu, California. The funds will expand the organization’s mission of inclusion through one-to-one friendships, leadership training, jobs, and integrated living opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Congratulations to our 2022 Best Buddies Graduates!

Thank you to all our friends, walkers, followers, sponsors!

Meet Elaina and Nathan.

May 21st & 22nd
Tysons, VA

Enjoy a sneak peek of the 18-hole miniature putt putt course at The Perch in Tysons, Virginia.

May 5, 2022
Zoom

Join us for BINGO night!

April 30, 2022
Blacksburg, VA

Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.

Eastview High was one of state’s first chapters…

April 26, 2022
Worcester, MA

Join Best Buddies in MA & RI for a WooSox game!

April 25, 2022
Zoom

Join your Best Buddies friends as we “travel” to a new and exciting location!

April 23, 2022
James Madison University

Join walkers at JMU to support the Best Buddies programs

Before Erik Wanberg graduated from Eastview High School in 2019, he had been part of the school’s Best Buddies chapter for two years.

Thank you, Pantheon, for helping us make the world a more inclusive place!

A wonderful opportunity for people 45 years of age and under.

Best Buddies Katelyn Quintero State Director of Best Buddies in California, sat down with Alex Savage from Fox’s KTVU…

Year-round
Virtual Event

the Inaugural Best Buddies Birthday Bash FUNdraiser for New Mexico!

Year-round
Virtual Event

the Inaugural Best Buddies Birthday Bash FUNdraiser for New Mexico!