2016 ANNUAL REPORT
Mason Shank & Matt Moore Friendship program buddy pair BESTBUDDIES® Three Mission Pillars:
One-to-One Integrated Leadership Friendships Employment Development Annual Report 2016 Table of Contents
Message from Why We Changing Integrated Leadership Signature Event 2016 Our Chairman Matter Lives Employment Development • Best Buddies Challenges 4 6 7 20 • Best Buddies Jobs 28 • Ambassadors and 34 • Galas • Jobs Highlights Promoters • Friendship Walks • Global Presence • Leadership • Proms Development Program • Jobs Program • Leadership Conference Mission Best Buddies Who We Are Participant Story - Participant Story - • Global Program • Best Buddies Month Vision Programs Michael Dykman Christina Hundley 8 Goals 9 10 Snapshot • EKS Day Our Leaders Meet Our Supporters Participating • Board of Directors • Corporations Employers 2016 Highlights Milestones One-to-One 52 • Executive Team 54 • Individuals 60 • Launches Friendships • Foundations 12 • Partnerships 13 14 • Government • Middle Schools, High • Key Events Schools, Colleges, Financials • In-Kind • Top Fundraising Teams Citizens and e-Buddies • Where the Dollar Goes • Friendship Program 62 • Consolidated Statement Participant Story - of Activities Our Global Angelica Allsup • Balance Sheet Movement & Madison Snipes 64 Message from Our Chairman
Dear Friends,
2016 marked another exceptional year for Best Buddies International, as our organization worked relentlessly to strengthen our three key mission pillars --- one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development --- which serve as the foundation of our programs. The heart of our mission continues to thrive around the globe as we witnessed increased awareness and growth across all programs this year. To date, we have over 2,400 school chapters --- impacting the lives of more than 1.1 million individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
0U )LZ[)\KKPLZVWLULK[^VUL^Z[H[LVMÄJLZVULPU*SL]LSHUK Ohio and the other in Charlotte, North Carolina, further expanding our services and mission across the United States. Best Buddies also expanded its global YLHJO^P[O[OLVWLUPUNVMUL^VMÄJLZPU:HU:HS]HKVY,S:HS]HKVY":HU 1VZL*VZ[H9PJH"8\P[V,J\HKVY",U[LIIL Our U.S. Jobs programs continued to develop competitive employment opportunities for individuals with IDD, in industries spanning from healthcare and tech, to sports and entertainment. This year, The Best Buddies Jobs WYVNYHTILNHUVWLYH[PUNPU+HSSHZ;L_HZ"0UKPHUHWVSPZ0UKPHUH"5L^@VYR *P[`5L^@VYR"HUK6YSHUKV-SVYPKH*\YYLU[S` WHY[PJPWHU[ZHYLLTWSV`LK throughout the U.S. and 617 participants are employed internationally. Best )\KKPLZ1VIZWHY[PJPWHU[ZPU[OL (S[OV\NO^L»]LTHKLZPNUPÄJHU[Z[YPKLZMVYPUKP]PK\HSZ^P[OPU[OL0++ community, we have quite a ways to go, as the startling statistics remind us. An astounding 81% of individuals with developmental disabilities do not have a paid job in their community, half of students with IDD spend 60% of their school day in segregated settings, and people living with disabilities are twice as likely to live in poverty. This cannot be our reality. We must work harder to create more friendships, more jobs, and a more inclusive society for our friends with special abilities. On behalf of the 1.1 million (and counting) individuals whose lives are impacted by Best Buddies, thank you to all of our supporters, participants, volunteers, and staff and to everyone who makes our mission possible. The magnitude of what we continue to accomplish together is absolutely phenomenal and I am beyond grateful that you are walking side by side with our buddies on this journey that we call life. Here’s to another year of friendship, integrated employment and leadership development. Now, let’s get to work. In friendship, Anthony Kennedy Shriver Anthony K. Shriver with Evangelina "Gelli" Ressa Aventajado at the Founder, Chairman & CEO Best Buddies Mother's Day Weekend Brunch in Malibu, California. 4 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 5 Why We Matter Changing Lives 6]LY[OLWHZ[ `LHYZWLVWSL^P[OPU[LSSLJ[\HSHUK Each day as Skye approached the car after school, I could tell by developmental disabilities (IDD) have gained many rights the look on his face whether it had been a pleasant or an unpleasant [OH[OH]LPTWYV]LK[OLPYSP]LZ@L[V\YZVJPL[`PZZ[PSS day. On this particular afternoon, his smile laid the foundation as far from inclusive. Tragically, a great number of people he talked about his new friend, Kim. She was a volunteer in a high within the IDD community are stereotyped, marginalized school organization called Best Buddies International. Day after day, and live life as an invisible minority, often times we began hearing about this girl who was eating lunch with him unemployed and without the simple joys of genuine at school. After a few weeks, I popped into Skye’s classroom and friendships that others may take for granted. asked his teacher to give me the scoop, and her words of praise and endorsement actually surprised me. Kim asked Skye to come *As one study notes, “Legal mandates cannot, however, to an intramural dodge ball tournament that Pearce (our other son) mandate acceptance by peers, neighbors, fellow was playing in at the high school and sit with her. She was cute, employees, employers or any of the other groups of vivacious, full of energy, and seemed to be genuinely concerned individuals who directly impact the lives of people with about Skye. I decided to ask Kim to join us at home for dinner. That disabilities." This is where Best Buddies International was ten years ago. comes in. Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical It would be months before we learned the true story of Kim’s life. and economic isolation of the 200 million people with Her father, who had never lived in her home, had been the victim IDD. For individuals within this community, Best Buddies of a violent act when she was 12 years old and had been living in serves as a lifeline to creating life-long friendships, a nursing home since that time. Her mother, a native of another securing successful jobs, living independently and country, had returned to her home country for health reasons and feeling valued and respected by society. Kim and her older brother were left alone in the U.S. Kevin, four years older than Kim, supported them by working in a restaurant. Currently, an estimated 81% of adults (18+) with Kim had decided there was no God, partially because she had never developmental disabilities do not have a paid job in experienced safety and security in her life. Kim began joining our the community. The Best Buddies Jobs program has family for all holiday celebrations. The customs that we had carried participants employed full-time who each have the out for years were suddenly more meaningful as she experienced potential to earn a total income upwards of $1 million THU`VM[OLTMVY[OL]LY`ÄYZ[[PTL V]LY`LHYZHUKJVU[YPI\[L PU[H_LZIHJR Shortly thereafter, Kim moved into our home and Kevin also found into the economy, rather than costing the government a “surrogate family.” Kim became our daughter emotionally and HWWYV_PTH[LS` LHJOPU-LKLYHS::0HUK ÄUHUJPHSS`HS[OV\NO^LKPKUV[SLNHSS`HKVW[OLY;OLIVUK[OH[ZOL Medicaid support during that time period. shares with Skye is unique. She can push him in ways that none of This is just one of many key examples of how Best us can and she is the only one who can hug him and touch him. Buddies is working to improve quality of life for Throughout the years, Kim has learned that she is a cherished individuals with IDD. Through the creation of meaningful, member of a family who loves her. She has made courageous and lasting one-to-one friendships with peers without KPMÄJ\S[KLJPZPVUZHUKLHJOYLSH[PVUZOPW[OH[ZOLOHZLU[LYLKOHZ disabilities and the promotion of integrated employment been healthier than the last. After graduating college, she was opportunities, Best Buddies is changing the world one offered a position with Apple starting at $70,000, but turned it down friendship, one job and one leader at a time. [V^VYRMVYHUVUWYVÄ[PU-SVYPKH:OLPZHTLU[VY[VH[YPZRJOPSKYLU HUK[LLUZ"ZOL^HU[Z[VTHRLHKPMMLYLUJLPU[OL^VYSK>OLUZOL For more information, please visit got married in December 2016, Skye was the ring bearer. Kim and www.bestbuddies.org. her husband visit Skye on weekends when they can, and Skye spends some weekends with them. Kim and my niece are now *Teen Attitudes Toward Individuals with Mental Retardation, 2002 listed in our will as the executors of Skye’s trust fund when we pass away. Kim insists that he will simply live with her family, and her husband Noah agrees. 2PT^HZHKH\NO[LY^P[OUVOVTL"^L^LYLHOVTL^P[OUV daughter. Best Buddies is the magnet that brought us together. :\ITP[[LKI`4VUH*VMÄLSK7HYLU[VM)LZ[)\KKPLZWHY[PJPWHU[:R`L*VMÄLSK 6 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 7 One-To-One Friendships Builds friendships between people with and without IDD, offering social mentoring while improving the quality of life and level of inclusion for a population that is often isolated and excluded. Best Buddies International is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower the BESTBUDDIES® Middle Schools, e-BUDDIES® special abilities of people with IDD by helping them form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful High Schools and Colleges Offers an e-mail program, in which a participant with IDD jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills and feel valued by society. Creates an inclusive school environment for students with communicates online with a friend without IDD. and without IDD during times of social and emotional development. Mission BESTBUDDIES® Citizens )LZ[)\KKPLZ0U[LYUH[PVUHSPZHUVUWYVÄ[ JVYNHUPaH[PVUKLKPJH[LK[VLZ[HISPZOPUNHNSVIHS]VS\U[LLYTV]LTLU[[OH[ Helps adults with and without IDD develop meaningful creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with IDD. friendships and become more involved in their local communities. Vision To put Best Buddies out of business. Best Buddies envisions a world where people with IDD are so successfully integrated into schools, workplaces, and communities that its efforts and services will be unnecessary. Until that vision becomes a reality, the Integrated Employment organization will continue to educate middle school, high school and college students, community members, corporations, and Secures integrated employment for people with IDD, allowing them to earn an income, pay taxes, and continuously and employers about the emotional, functional, and natural needs and abilities of people with IDD. independently support themselves. Who We Serve BESTBUDDIES® Jobs The IDD community that Best Buddies serves includes, but is not limited to, people with Down syndrome, autism, fragile X 4H[JOLZZRPSSLKX\HSPÄLKPUKP]PK\HSZ^P[O0++^P[OI\ZPULZZLZZLLRPUNLU[O\ZPHZ[PJHUKKLKPJH[LKLTWSV`LLZ;OYV\NO[OL1VIZ syndrome, Williams syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury and other undiagnosed disabilities. program, Best Buddies develops partnerships with employers, assists with the hiring process and provides ongoing support to the employee and employer. Goals | The 2020 Initiative )LZ[)\KKPLZJYLH[LK[OLPUP[PH[P]LPU^P[O[OLNVHSVMVWLUPUNVMÄJLZPUHSS Z[H[LZI`[OLLUKVM;OL initiative also includes plans to train 4,000 Buddy Ambassadors, develop 1,000 jobs for people with IDD around the world, and An estimated 81% of adults (18+) with developmental disabilities do not have a paid PUJYLHZL[OLU\TILYVMZJOVVSIHZLKJOHW[LYZ[V (ZHYLZ\S[VM[OLZLHTIP[PV\ZLMMVY[Z)LZ[)\KKPLZOVWLZ[VILJVTL job in the community.* The Best Buddies Jobs program has participants employed full a household name by the end of 2020. [PTL^OVLHJOOH]L[OLWV[LU[PHS[VLHYUH[V[HSPUJVTL\W^HYKZVM TTV]LY Programs `LHYZHUKJVU[YPI\[L RPU[H_LZIHJRPU[V[OLLJVUVT`YH[OLY[OHUJVZ[PUN[OL Best Buddies programs sit on the three key mission pillars listed below: NV]LYUTLU[HWWYV_PTH[LS` RLHJOPU-LKLYHS::0HUK4LKPJHPKZ\WWVY[K\YPUN that time period. 5H[PVUHS*VYL0UKPJH[VYZ One-to-One Friendships Integrated Employment Leadership Develop- Leadership Development Educates and empowers people with and without IDD to become leaders, public speakers and advocates. BESTBUDDIES® Ambassadors BESTBUDDIES® Promoters Offers people with and without IDD the opportunity to gain the Empowers youth to become advocates for people with IDD W\ISPJZWLHRPUNZRPSSZZLSMLZ[LLTHUKJVUÄKLUJLULLKLK and help open new Best Buddies chapters and programs by to successfully advocate for themselves, their peers and organizing special events that promote awareness to the disability Best Buddies in communities, workplaces and government. rights movement. 8 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 9 Global Programs Snapshot: 2016 2,352 113,909 1,139,090 ;V[HS*OHW[LYZ ;V[HS7HY[PJPWHU[Z 047(*;,+ 50 :[H[LZ 54 *V\U[YPLZ 6*VU[PULU[Z 4PKKSL:JOVVSZ /PNO:JOVVSZ *VSSLNLZ 357=10,768 1,184=60,222 493=27,583 *OHW[LYZ ;V[HS7HY[PJPWHU[Z *OHW[LYZ ;V[HS7HY[PJPWHU[Z *OHW[LYZ ;V[HS7HY[PJPWHU[Z *P[PaLUZ L)\KKPLZ 3,960 1,857 ;V[HS7HY[PJPWHU[Z ;V[HS7HY[PJPWHU[Z 21,826 $12,876,550 1VIZ (]N>RS`/V\YZ>VYRLK (]N@YS`>HNLZ,HYULK 1,069,481 $2,575,310 993 (]N@YS`/V\YZ>VYRLK (]N@YS`;H_LZ7HPK ;V[HS)\KKPLZ,TWSV`LK (TIHZZHKVYZ 7YVTV[LYZ 877 318=7,479 ;V[HS7HY[PJPWHU[Z *OHW[LYZ ;V[HS7HY[PJPWHU[Z *All BESTBUDDIES® global program statistics, including the Jobs participants statistics, are as of 12/31/16. Average hourly wage = $11.91. Average hours worked per week = 21.8 (in the U.S.) Lali Esposito & Maria InesGavazzi Friendship program buddy pair from Argentina 10 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 11 2016 Highlights Launches Milestones X)LZ[)\KKPLZVWLUZ[^VUL^Z[H[LVMÄJLZVULPU*SL]LSHUK6OPVHUK[OLV[OLYPU Anthony Kennedy Shriver founded the original Best Buddies Chapter while a junior at Georgetown University in 1987. Charlotte, North Carolina, expanding its services and mission. XThe Best Buddies Jobs program, which places skilled participants with employers, begins 0UJVYWVYH[LKHZH JUVUWYVÄ[VYNHUPaH[PVUVU1HU\HY` ),:;BUDDIES®ILJVTLZ(TLYPJH»ZÄYZ[UH[PVUHS VWLYH[PUNPU+HSSHZ;L_HZ"0UKPHUHWVSPZ0UKPHUH"5L^@VYR*P[`5L^@VYR"HUK6YSHUKV-SVYPKH \UPÄLKZVJPHSHUKYLJYLH[PVUHSWYVNYHTMVYWLVWSL^P[O0++ • The Best Buddies Fine Art Collection is developed, featuring masterpieces by Keith Haring, Roy Lichtenstein and Robert X)LZ[)\KKPLZVWLUZVMÄJLZPU:HU:HS]HKVY,S:HS]HKVY":HU1VZL*VZ[H9PJH"8\P[V Rauschenberg. ,J\HKVY",U[LIIL • Best Buddies launches BESTBUDDIES® Citizens with the goal of pairing adults with IDD with their non-disabled working peers. X;OL)LZ[)\KKPLZ(S\TUP(ZZVJPH[PVUVMÄJPHSS`SH\UJOLZ^P[O[OLMVJ\ZVMKL]LSVWPUN a lifelong friendship between Best Buddies and its Alumni, which includes all former • Best Buddies launches BESTBUDDIES Jobs, a supported employment program, targeting high-paying, white-collar jobs for volunteers, students, staff, and board members. ® people with IDD in Florida, California and Massachusetts. • Best Buddies establishes BESTBUDDIES® High Schools with the goal of pairing special education students in one-to-one X)LZ[)\KKPLZSH\UJOLZP[ZÄYZ[VMÄJPHSZTHY[WOVULHWWBest Buddies Mobile friendships with high school volunteers. -- through the Apple App store. The app allows participants to follow chapter 1994-1998 • The BESTBUDDIES® Middle Schools pilot program launches, reaching out to an even younger age group with the hope that HUUV\UJLTLU[ZYLJLP]LUV[PÄJH[PVUZMVY\WJVTPUNL]LU[ZZ\ITP[TVU[OS` inclusion of people with IDD will have a lasting effect on societal norms for the next generation. friendship updates and much more. • e-BUDDIES® launches as a cutting-edge online friendship program. Partnerships • Best Buddies launches the most successful fundraising event in its history, the nationally televised inaugural Volvo Hearst Castle ChallengeHTPSLIPRLYPKLHSVUN[OL7HJPÄJ*VHZ[/PNO^H`JOHPYLKI`*HSPMVYUPH-PYZ[3HK`4HYPH:OYP]LY XA&E Network's Born This Way docuseries’, featuring Best Buddies -VY[OLÄYZ[[PTL)LZ[)\KKPLZOHZWYVNYHTZPUHSS VM[OL XIn an effort to raise awareness and promote the organization's • In honor of its 20th anniversary, Best Buddies updates it mission statement to: “To establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with mission throughout the U.S., Best Buddies joins forces with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).” Albertsons & Tom Thumbs supermarkets, Celebrity Cruises, Chobani, 2007-2010 -VY[OLÄYZ[[PTL)LZ[)\KKPLZOHZWYVNYHTZPU JV\U[YPLZHYV\UK[OL^VYSK Cold Stone Creamery, and Sanford Harmony in dynamic corporate • BESTBUDDIES Ambassadors becomes Best Buddies’ seventh formal program. partnerships. ® XBest Buddies welcomes two celebrated Global Ambassadors • BESTBUDDIES® Jobs expands to Washington, D.C. and San Francisco, CA. to its family -- NBC’s Today Show Savannah Guthrie and • BESTBUDDIES®7YVTV[LYZVMÄJPHSS`SH\UJOLZHZ[OLVYNHUPaH[PVU»ZLPNO[OWYVNYHTMVY[OLZJOVVS`LHY0[PZ[OL supermodel turned business mogul Kathy Ireland. ÄYZ[)LZ[)\KKPLZWYVNYHTVWLU[VLSLTLU[HY`ZJOVVSZ )LZ[)\KKPLZJLSLIYH[LZP[Z th anniversary. • Best Buddies launches the I’m In To HireJHTWHPNU[VWYVTV[L[OLI\ZPULZZILULÄ[ZVMOPYPUNWLVWSL^P[O0++ Key Events 0U6J[VILY ( ,5L[^VYRWHY[ULYLK^P[O)LZ[)\KKPLZ0U[LYUH[PVUHSHUKWYLTPLYLKHUL^KVJ\ZLYPLZ¸)VYU;OPZ>H`¹ which chronicled the lives of seven young adults with Down syndrome, several of whom were Best Buddies participants. XBest Buddies Global Ambassador Guy Fieri hosts the inaugural Guy Cooking with Best Buddies Celebrity Chef Food and Wine Festival at Harvard Stadium as part of the )LZ[)\KKPLZ*OHSSLUNL!/`HUUPZ7VY[. XBest Buddies hosts its inaugural Best Buddies Adventure in the breathtaking city of Aspen, Colorado with 20 cyclists, led by former professional cycling legend Lance Armstrong leading the way. XNBA superstar and Best Buddies Global Ambassador Kyrie Irving hosts the inaugural Best Buddies Kyrie Irving Basketball Challenge in Cleveland, Ohio. 12 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 13 One-to-One Friendship Programs Without love, support and friends, life would be empty – a life people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have often been forced to live throughout history. Best Buddies offers people with IDD [OLJOHUJL[VOH]LHMYPLUKNHPUZLSMJVUÄKLUJLHUKZLSMLZ[LLT and share interests, experiences and activities that many other individuals enjoy. Image shown: Jesyah White & Trae Geier Friendship program buddy pair BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 15 One-to-One Friendship Programs In today’s schools, students with IDD often programs pair students with IDD in one-to- Middle Schools enter the same building and walk the same one mentoring friendships with students hallways as their peers, but they are left without IDD. Each student agrees to a one- High Schools out of social activities. These students year commitment in which they will call and miss out on so many key elements of the go on an outing with their buddy at least Colleges ZJOVVSL_WLYPLUJLZ\JOHZÄUKPUNMYPLUKZ once a week. to sit with at lunch, attending homecoming The Best Buddies Friendship program or prom, joining a club, or meeting a friend offers a peer mentoring relationship that with whom to share their experiences. affects both the person with and the person Best Buddies offers students with IDD without IDD. Not only do our programs the chance to have a friend and to share create lasting friendships, but they help interests, experiences and activities that so facilitate an environment of inclusion many other students their age enjoy. The throughout the school and in Middle Schools, High Schools and Colleges the community. For people with IDD, the absence of communities. Volunteers share their time Citizens meaningful friendships extends into and energy with new friends. Citizen buddy adulthood. After age 21, some individuals pairs are asked to commit to a one-year with IDD may never spend time with relationship during which the pair agrees to anyone besides a paid caregiver and talk once a week and see each other twice family. Best Buddies Citizens pairs adults a month. These relationships usually grow with IDD in one-to-one friendships with into friendships that last for a lifetime. other individuals in corporate and civic Computers are an integral part of society, yet on age, gender and common interests. e-Buddies VUS` VMWLVWSL^P[OKPZHIPSP[PLZYLWVY[ e-Buddies agree to e-mail each other at using a computer or other electronic device least once a week for one calendar year. to access the internet.* This program offers a safe way to make a new friend and connect with someone By joining e-Buddies, participants can across the country. develop the skills necessary to become technology-literate, and therefore, able to 0U L)\KKPLZZLY]LK [V[HS compete for higher-level employment and participants. These participants exchanged communicate using a variety of sources. more than 40,000 e-mails, and also posted TVYL[OHU TLZZHNLZVU[OLL)\KKPLZ e-Buddies is an e-mail pen pal program that Community message boards. e-Buddies pairs people with IDD in one-to-one e-mail was also used as a teaching tool in the friendships with peer volunteers who do classroom by over 114 special education UV[OH]L0++7HY[PJPWHU[ZMYVT[OL <: teachers and other disabilities professionals states, as well as international participants across the country. from various countries, are matched based *Kessler Foundation 2012 Madison Peterman & Emily Novicki Friendship program buddy pair 16 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 17 Angelica Allsup Angelica Allsup and Madison Snipe’s friendship demonstrates the true power of the Best Buddies Friendship program. They have been best buddies for more than two years and love to spend time together shopping, watching movies, traveling, and competing in beauty pageants. Angelica is the National Miss Amazing 2016 — a pageant that celebrates and LTWV^LYZNPYSZHUK^VTLU^P[OKPZHIPSP[PLZ4HKPZVUHUK(UNLSPJHHYLHSZVÄLYJLHK]VJH[LZVM[OL:WYLHK[OL>VYK[V,UK the Word campaign that works to eliminate the use of the hurtful R-word in society. “My best buddy Angelica has been such a light in my life! We traveled to Chicago together so that she could compete in Miss Amazing, which Angelica won!" said Madison Snipes. "She’s my best friend and has become an integral part of my family. That’s what’s so great about Best Buddies, you don’t just get a friend, you also get family. We’ve had the opportunity to travel together to the annual )LZ[)\KKPLZ3LHKLYZOPW*VUMLYLUJL in Indiana and we’ve presented speeches in front of LSLJ[LKVMÄJPHSZHUKJVTTPZZPVULYZ ZHPK4HKPZVU I’ve gained so much from this friendship. Angelica is a testament of how to live your life. She’s overcome so many hardships in her life, graduated college and is working hard at her life goals. She’s absolutely amazing. She is the kind of woman I want to be.” “Instead of seeing my disability, Madison sees me,” said Angelica Allsup. “She’s someone I can talk to and be myself with. We love to get our nails done, go out to eat, and attend each other’s pageants. Best Buddies has not only given me Madison, but her family as well — we are one big family. I love Madison and her parents. I don’t know what I would be doing with my life if it weren’t for Best Buddies. I’m incredibly thankful that the University of Memphis had a Best Buddies program!” Best Buddies has given me so many wonderful opportunities and allowed me to meet so many amazing people...this organization has been a life saver. One-to-One Friendships Buddy Pair Madison Snipes & Angelica Allsup 18 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 19 Integrated Employment Program Since its inception, Best Buddies Jobs has assisted thousands of WHY[PJPWHU[ZPULHYUPUNHUPUJVTLWH`PUN[H_LZYLJLP]PUNILULÄ[Z and working in an environment alongside others in the community. The Jobs program offers the opportunity for people with intellectual HUKKL]LSVWTLU[HSKPZHIPSP[PLZ0++[VILJVTLÄUHUJPHSS` independent through their own efforts, removing the need for government assistance or parental support. This program focuses on white-collar jobs, which sets it apart from so many others. Best )\KKPLZHZZPZ[ZPUKP]PK\HSZPUÄUKPUNQVIZ[OH[HYLLUQV`HISLHZ well as, inclusive and competitive in terms of pay. Image shown: Daniel Mirtes Jobs program participant Verus Healthcare 20 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG Integrated Employment Program Best Buddies Jobs furthers the integration of people with IDD into the community through Jobs supported employment. The focus is on developing competitive, integrated jobs that allow participants to earn an income, pay taxes, and work in an environment alongside their peers in the community, leading to full inclusion and independence. Best Buddies Jobs conducts a person-centered approach with each participant, working with the individual to ultimately achieve their personal employment goals. Coaching is provided in essential job interviewing skills, and once a job is secured, there is assistance with on-the-job training. Job placement for participants depends on factors such as their skills and abilities, location and vocational preference. Once fully adjusted to their job, Best Buddies supports participants with job coaching for continued career development. The Jobs program prides itself on developing jobs in professional environments and MVJ\ZLZVU^OP[LJVSSHYQVIZZ\JOHZ!YLJLW[PVUPZ[THPSYVVTHZZPZ[HU[ÄSLJSLYRVMÄJL assistant, front desk assistant, and retail associate. ,TWSV`LYZYHUNLMYVTZVTLVM[OL[VWSH^ÄYTZHUK[HSLU[HNLUJPLZ[V^LSSRUV^U retail businesses and luxury hotels. The states with active Best Buddies Jobs programs, HZVM+LJLTILY PUJS\KL*HSPMVYUPH-SVYPKH0SSPUVPZ0UKPHUH4HY`SHUK 4HZZHJO\ZL[[Z5L]HKH5L^4L_PJV5L^@VYR;LUULZZLL;L_HZHUK=PYNPUPH Jobs Highlights OUR PARTICIPANTS Best Buddies Jobs participants in the United States work an Curt H. LHYUZ H`LHYH[>PSSPHT4VYYPZ,UKLH]VYPU H]LYHNLVM OV\YZWLY`LHYHUKLHYUHWWYV_PTH[LS` California. Curt also receives holiday pay and health care $14.9 million combined annually. ILULÄ[Z Anne J. LHYUZ H`LHYH[(JJLU[\YL-LKLYHS:LY]PJLZPU HIGHEST SALARIES* =PYNPUPH)LULÄ[ZPUJS\KLWHPK]HJH[PVUOVSPKH`WH`HUKOLHS[O Cristen M.LHYUZ H`LHYH[/VSSHUK 2UPNO[SH^ÄYT JHYLILULÄ[Z in Boston, Massachusetts. This is approximately a 18% increase ZPUJL :OLHSZVYLJLP]LZSPMLPUZ\YHUJLTLKPJHSHUKKLU[HSJHYL /0./,:;/6<93@>(.,: Jobs Hourly Employer / Location ILULÄ[ZYL[PYLTLU[WSHUZHZ^LSSHZWHPK]HJH[PVUHUKZPJR[PTL participant Wage Michael D.LHYUZ WLY`LHYH[.LULU[LJOPU*HSPMVYUPH /LHSZVYLJLP]LZTLKPJHSHUKKLU[HSJHYL]PZPVUJHYLÄ[ULZZ Cristen M. $22.72 Holland & Knight / MA center access, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick days and RECEIVING BENEFITS holidays. Michael D. $22.00 Genentech / CA • Medical & Dental: 24% 7HPK=HJH[PVU:PJR+H`Z! Mukhil S. earns $41,600 per year at Genentech in California. He • 401K Plan: 7% HSZVYLJLP]LZTLKPJHSHUKKLU[HSJHYL]PZPVUJHYLÄ[ULZZJLU[LY Anthony S. $20.91 Kaiser Permanente / CA access, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick days and holidays. Jessica C. LHYUZ H`LHYH[;LZVYVPU*HSPMVYUPH:OLHSZV Mukhil S. $20.00 Genentech / CA 2,@16):796.9(4:;(;: receives medical, dental, and vision care, as well as access to an • Average Total Weekly Hours worked: 21,826* Institute for Community Ashley W. $20.00 (]LYHNL;V[HS@LHYS`/V\YZ^VYRLK! education assistance program, employee assistance program, Inclusion / MA JVTWHU`KPZJV\U[Z^LSSULZZHUKÄ[ULZZWYVNYHTZHUKWHPK (]LYHNL;V[HS@LHYS`>HNLZ,HYULK! Central Park Conservancy sick days. Chantom P. (]LYHNL;V[HS@LHYS`;H_LZWHPK! 5@ Nelia Jobe )HZLKVU<:QVIZWSHJLTLU[9LMLY[VPUMVNYHWOPJVUWHNL Jobs program participant Franklin Marriott Cool Springs 22 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 23 Integrated Employment Program BESTBUDDIES® JOBS 2016 International Jobs Program Locations Global Presence BESTBUDDIES® JOBS Active Jobs Program 2016 U.S. Program Locations Leon Countries Guadalajara Mexico City Ciudad de Guatemala San Andres Barranquilla Cartagena Turbaco Santa Marta Valledupar Monteria Sao Paulo Rionegro Cucuta Bucaramanga Barrancabermeja Medellin Envigado Pereira Bello Manizales Chia Yopal Tocancipa Asuncion Active Jobs Program Bogota Mosquera/Funza 12 States / 16 Cities Girardot Armenia Cali Ibague Palmira Villavicencio Neiva Tuquerres Pasto Santiago Ipiales LEGEND BB Jobs Programs BB Jobs Expansion Carolyn Meyer Jobs program participant Asurion 24 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 25 Michael Dykman Genentech / California Michael Dykman is the embodiment of a courageous and successful Best Buddies Jobs participant in San Francisco. While working at a grocery store for 10 years, Michael joined Best Buddies Jobs to work towards his professional development. A few years ago, Michael said “I always wondered what I could do to get to the next level.” He had ambitious goals to achieve a full-time job with a competitive salary, maintain long-term employment and develop professional skills that would allow him to achieve his goals. Before Michael became involved with Best Buddies, his life was challenging. He worked full-time, but he wasn’t being pushed to his full potential. After several night shifts at the grocery store, Michael showed commitment by allowing Best Buddies Jobs to assist him with resume building, interview preparation and his overall future goals. In November 2016, Michael interviewed for a Lab Service Technician position at Genentech in San Francisco. “The interview went great, and the managers seemed to be very interested in my past work experience. I knew Genentech was the WLYMLJ[Ä[VUJL[OLTHUHNLYZ[VVRTLVUH[V\YVM[OLSHI0JV\SKU»[ILSPL]L[OPZJV\SKILT`QVI¹ZH`Z4PJOHLS (ML^KH`ZSH[LY4PJOHLS^HZVMMLYLKHM\SS[PTLWVZP[PVU^P[O[OLJVTWHU`4PJOHLSLHYUZ WLY`LHYH[.LULU[LJO[OLZLJVUK OPNOLZ[ZHSHY`PU[OL)LZ[)\KKPLZ1VIZWYVNYHTHUKOLHSZVYLJLP]LZTLKPJHSHUKKLU[HSJHYL]PZPVUJHYLÄ[ULZZJLU[LYHJJLZZ retirement plans, paid vacation, sick days and holidays. This position at Genentech has afforded Michael the opportunity to earn a great income, pay taxes, independently support himself and rely less on government assistance, engage in meaningful work that he loves and form new friendships with his coworkers. Michael turned his challenges into success. Since Michael joined Genentech, he is closer to reaching his full potential, thanks to his supervisor, co-workers and Best Buddies job coach. Michael explained that the culture at Genentech is the best place for him, a place that’s welcoming, dynamic and making a difference each day. “My co-workers depend on me, as much as I depend on them, and it really makes me feel appreciated,” says Michael. Furthermore, it was Michael’s goal to earn a competitive wage to reduce his debt. Michael is now debt-free! He says, “Now I get to spend my hard- earned money on things that make me happy.” Michael has a plan to implement new ideas at Genentech. He is currently involved in improving the lab’s supply cleaning process by IYHPUZ[VYTPUNZVS\[PVUZ^P[OJV^VYRLYZHUKZ\WLY]PZVYZ0U[OLTVU[OZ[VJVTL4PJOHLS^PSSILHRL`WSH`LY[VYVSSV\[HTVYLLMÄJPLU[ way to clean supplies. Michael said, “Once I am involved, I am all-in for the win.” Michael feels more empowered than ever before." Since Michael achieved his goal of obtaining a great job, he will continue to focus on his goals at Genentech and establishing professional relationships, with his peers. Best Buddies helped me land a job that changed my life for the better. Integrated Employment Program Participant Michael Dykman 26 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 27 Leadership Development Program Best Buddies educates and empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to become leaders, public speakers and agents of change. These leaders inspire their peers, communities, employers and the government to join Best Buddies' mission of friendship and social inclusion. Image shown: Katie Meade Best Buddies Ambassador speaking at the 2016 Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 29 Leadership Development Program Best Buddies Ambassadors is a program that provides training for participants with and Ambassadors without IDD in areas of speech writing, public speaking and self-advocacy. Ambassadors develop the skills to share their life stories, promote Best Buddies programs, network, and most importantly, advocate. The program prepares people to become active agents of change and informed, compelling advocates for the disability rights movement. Ambassadors participate in trainings focused on the art of public speaking and advocacy. Once trained, they are expected to identify opportunities in their chapters, communities, and state to share their stories and become more involved and empowered as citizens. They are LUJV\YHNLK[VTHRLOPNOWYVÄSLJVUULJ[PVUZZWLHR[VZ[H[LHUKUH[PVUHSSLNPZSH[VYZHIV\[ opportunities for people with IDD, present at recruitment fairs and Best Buddies events, and develop partnerships in the community, given their skills and awareness as advocates. Ambassadors also help collect donations, present to other interest groups, and train others with IDD. Participants are paired with a speech coach for the duration of their Ambassador training to assist with the writing and presentation of a speech. Speech coaches help Ambassadors in areas of brainstorming and organization, and serving as guides who provide one-on-one attention, as needed. (ZVM+LJLTILY )LZ[)\KKPLZOHKTVYL[OHU [YHPULKHJ[P]L)\KK`(TIHZZHKVYZ in 16 states and 22 countries. Many Ambassador program participants attended the Best )\KKPLZ3LHKLYZOPW*VUMLYLUJL in July and took part in novice or advanced speechwriting courses during the event. Best Buddies Promoters empowers youth to become advocates for people with intellectual Promoters and developmental disabilities (IDD) by organizing and attending special events that promote inclusion and bring awareness to the disability rights movement. Students attending a school without a special education program can join a Promoters chapter to develop connections with WLVWSL^P[O0++VYJHUZ[HY[VULI`JVU[HJ[PUN[OLPYSVJHS)LZ[)\KKPLZZ[H[LVMÄJL Each Promoters chapter is led by a chapter president from the student body and a faculty advisor, and is assigned a Best Buddies staff person who offers regular support and guidance. Once formed, Promoters chapters host events, activities, fundraisers and assemblies where they advocate for people with IDD, educate the public about inclusion and promote the ideals of Best Buddies’ mission. Throughout the school year, Best Buddies encourages all Promoters chapters to host as many activities as possible on and off campus that are inclusive of people with IDD. Through involvement in their local chapters, Promoters participants demonstrate how easy it is to create an inclusive environment and exemplify how to embrace and accept people of all abilities for their peers and in the community at large. Sam Piazza Best Buddies Ambassador speaking at the 2016 )LZ[)\KKPLZ*OHSSLUNL!/`HUUPZ7VY[ 30 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 31 Leadership Development Program Christina Hundley Best Buddies Ambassador Hello, everyone! My name is Christina Hundley and I am a Best Buddies Global Ambassador and participant at the University of South Florida (USF). I gained my independence after joining Best Buddies, which helped me gain friends too. 0^HZIVYUH[;HTWH.LULYHS/VZWP[HSPU "0^HZYHPZLKI`T`H\U[)1PU-SVYPKHHM[LYT`WHYLU[ZKYVWWLKTL off at my grandmother’s house and never came back. School was hard for me. I was teased until I found Best Buddies in middle school. My bond with my middle school buddy helped me because I felt protected from everyone’s teasing and her friendship gave me something to look forward to every day. My Best Buddies’ friendships carried me through high school and now through college at USF where I am a part of the STAGES (Successful Transition After Graduation for Exceptional Students) program. With the support of my )LZ[)\KKPLZ»MYPLUKZOPWZ0NHPULK[OLJVUÄKLUJL[VÄUKHQVIH[[OL-YLZO-VVK*VTWHU`H[<:-^OLYL0»]L worked for the past 11 years. These friendships and my job have put me on the road to independence and success. Gaining friends and being independent are two things I hold dear, but singing also has a special place in my heart! At the age of nine, my aunt gave me a karaoke machine to help me open up more. 4`SV]LVMT\ZPJÅV\YPZOLK)LZ[)\KKPLZOLSWLKTL[HRLT`SV]LHUKWHZZPVUMVYZPUNPUNHUKZOHYLP[^P[O the world. I’ve had the opportunity to sing at )LZ[)\KKPLZ-YPLUKZOPW>HSRZ in Tampa and have been invited to sing at the Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle in California and the )LZ[)\KKPLZ*OHSSLUNL!/`HUUPZ7VY[in Massachusetts. Of all my accomplishments, I am proudest of winning the 2016 Buddy Talent competition and traveling to the 27th Annual)LZ[)\KKPLZ3LHKLYZOPW*VUMLYLUJL in Indiana last summer to perform on stage in front of thousands of people. I have had a lot of amazing experiences thanks to Best Buddies! 0UJSVZPUN0^HU[[VSLH]L`V\^P[OH[OV\NO[VUVULVMT`MH]VYP[L^VYKZ!¸\UPX\L¹;OL^VYKPZKLÄULKHZ¸ILPUN the only one of its kind.” Nobody shares exactly the same combination of traits, characteristics or hobbies. The moral of my story is that it is who you are and what you do that matters—not how you look. )LZ[)\KKPLZOLSWLKTLÄUKT`¸\UPX\LULZZ¹HUK0»TWYV\KVM^OH[0»]LHJJVTWSPZOLK[OHURZ[V[OPZ great organization! Leadership Development Program Participant Christina Hundley 32 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 33 Signature Events 2016 The purpose of special events is to garner and acknowledge support for the Best Buddies mission, in addition to raising funds and awareness to reach our 2020 initiative. There are numerous ways to get involved with our events including: volunteering, advocating, and pursuing national partnership and sponsorship opportunities. A few of our more prominent events are featured in the following Image shown (left to right): Best Buddies participants Kyle Plunkett, Jason Brown, Nick Giovanazzo with Tom Brady at the 2016 )LZ[)\KKPLZ*OHSSLUNL!/`HUUPZ7VY[ 34 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG Signature Events Anthony K. Shriver & Tom Brady )LZ[)\KKPLZ*OHSSLUNL!/`HUUPZ7VY[ Cold Stone Creamery's Tastemaster Dr. Maya Warren with Best Buddies Global Ambassadors Katie Meade & Guy Fieri Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port WYLZLU[LKI`7LWZP*VSH :HU[HUKLY)HUR 1\UL )VZ[VU /`HUUPZ7VY[4HZZHJO\ZL[[Z ;OL)LZ[)\KKPLZ*OHSSLUNL!/`HUUPZ7VY[JOHPYLKI`;VT)YHK`PZH VYTPSLJ`JSPUNHK]LU[\YLMYVT)VZ[VU[V/`HUUPZ7VY[^P[OHUVW[PVUHS 2 run/walk chaired by Olympian Carl Lewis. The event kicks off with the Tom Brady Image on right: Football Challenge and the Guy Fieri Cooking with Best Buddies Celebrity Chef Best Buddies supporter Matthew Goss Food and Wine Festival and concludes with celebrity tandem races, a celebratory Cyclists departing from the start line at the & Tom Brady at the Best Buddies )LZ[)\KKPLZ*OHSSLUNL!/`HUUPZ7VY[ *OHSSLUNL!/`HUUPZ7VY[ clambake and a private concert by the legendary Beach Boys. 36 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 37 Signature Events Lieutenant Governor of California, Gavin Newsom")LZ[)\KKPLZ.SVIHS Ambassador, Maria Shriver"SLM[[VYPNO[)LZ[)\KKPLZ(TIHZZHKVYZ Paul Brooks, Eric Matthes, & Justin Toler HearstHeaearst CastleCCaastltleCe ChallengeChlhalllengee cyclistscyclilisstts Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle WYLZLU[LKI`7LWZP*VSH September 9-10, 2016 *HYTLS :HU:PTLVU*HSPMVYUPH The Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst CastlePZH VY TPSLJ`JSPUN HK]LU[\YLHSVUN[OL7HJPÄJ*VHZ[/PNO^H`MYVT*HYTLS[V[OLYLUV^ULK/LHYZ[ *HZ[SLPU:HU:PTLVU^P[OHUVW[PVUHS 2Y\U^HSRSLKI`6S`TWPHU*HYS3L^PZ;OL Image on right: event included celebrity tandem races, a festive barbecue, and private concert by Cyclists riding down the Bixby Creek Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle VIP reception )YPKNLWVY[VM[OL7HJPÄJ*VHZ[/PNO^H` the legendary Beach Boys at Hearst Ranch. 38 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 39 Signature Events Michael Hadler & Jeff Rich at Marlins Park in Miami, Florida Best Buddies supporter and cyclist George Hincapie (on left) with guests enjoying the Hublot photo booth during the 20th Annual Best Buddies Miami Gala Best Buddies Challenge: Miami 20th Annual Best Buddies Miami Gala November 18, 2016 Miami, Florida The Best Buddies Challenge: MiamiPZH TPSLYPKLSPTP[LK[V J`JSPZ[Z;OPZ exclusive ride features a Tour de France style police-escorted peloton and three fully stocked rest stops, beginning and ending at Marlins Park. The Challenge was followed by the 20th Annual Best Buddies Miami Gala: Rock Legends at Ice Palace :[\KPVZPU>`U^VVK;OLZ[HYZ[\KKLKL]LU[YHPZLK TPSSPVUPU[V[HSKVUH[PVUZ Image on right: and included a fabulous cocktail hour, gourmet dinner, unique live and silent Miami Challenge riders making their way Marlana VanHoose performing at the 2016 Best Buddies Miami Gala down the MacArthur Causeway auctions, and live performance by pop-star Kesha. 40 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 41 Signature Events Best Buddies Ambassador Charles Calhoun (center) with guests at the Houston Gala Skills Group of Charlotte at the inaugural Best Buddies in North Carolina Cirque de Nuit Gala. From left to right: Max Musser, Sarah Gregory, Kyle Stober, Matthew Isley & Michelle Gil Best Buddies Galas Best Buddies Galas celebrate individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and play a key role in generating funds and awareness. The funds raised help program participants form meaningful friendships, secure employment, and develop skills that allows them to serve as advocates for themselves and their peers. Best Buddies North Carolina’s inaugural Le Cirque de Nuit Gala raised over ^OPJOHSSV^LK)LZ[)\KKPLZ[VVMÄJPHSS`L_WHUKPU[V5VY[O*HYVSPUHI` VWLUPUNHUVMÄJLHUKLZ[HISPZOZJOVVSIHZLKJOHW[LYZHJYVZZ[OL;HY/LLS:[H[L The Best Buddies Dallas Gala hosted by Jan Miller & Jeff Rich and Tara & Bill Durham was another spectacular event that included prominent business leaders and longtime supporters who gathered to honor Best Buddies while enjoying a gourmet dinner, auction, and dazzling entertainment. The 2016 )LZ[)\KKPLZ7HST Beach GalaHISHJR[PLH[[PYLOVSPKH`L]LU[H[*S\I*VSL[[LYHPZLK ;OL Image on right: intimate event featured singer Steven Maglio, who performed classic tunes from the Best Buddies participants (left to right) Jamie Torres, Jacob Pasternak and Sinatra Songbook. In total, Best Buddies Galas across the U.S. raised more than $2 Andrew Chea with Anthony K. Shriver Jan Miller & Jeff Rich (center) with guests during the Dallas Gala at the >LZ[7HST)LHJO.HSH million for individuals with IDD. 42 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 43 Signature Events Best Buddies supporters at the Friendship Walk in South Florida Buddy pair at the )LZ[)\KKPLZ3LHKLYZOPW*VUMLYLUJL-YPLUKZOPW>HSR Best Buddies Friendship Walks The )LZ[)\KKPLZ-YPLUKZOPW>HSRcontinues to be the number one walk in the country raising awareness and funds to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The Friendship Walks play a key role in funding Best Buddies programs dedicated to one-to-one friendships, leadership development, and integrated job opportunities for Best Buddies participants. In TVYL[OHU WHY[PJPWHU[ZPU JP[PLZ^HSRLK[VYHPZLH^HYLULZZMVY inclusion, friendship, leadership, and opportunities for people with IDD. These Friendship Walks, Best Buddies’ largest community awareness event, collectively YHPZLK MVYSVJHSWYVNYHTZ,HJO-YPLUKZOPW>HSRWYV]PKLZHUVWWVY[\UP[` to see the Best Buddies mission in action at the local level. Proceeds from the Image on right: Best Buddies Global Ambassador )LZ[)\KKPLZ-YPLUKZOPW>HSR provide necessary resources for people with IDD to The iconic Washington Monument sets the scene for another successful and NBA star Kyrie Irving leads the become more independent and valued members of our society. )LZ[)\KKPLZ-YPLUKZOPW>HSRin the Capital Region Friendship Walk in Ohio 44 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 45 Signature Events Steven Magner & Caitlin Avery at the )LZ[)\KKPLZ7YVT in Tennessee Best Buddies Proms )LZ[)\KKPLZ7YVTZ – and the support and fun they bring to the mission – are a Best Buddies participants Andrew Donaldson & Sam Birky NYV^PUN^H`[OLVYNHUPaH[PVU»ZZ[H[LVMÄJLZHUKJOHW[LYZHYLZOHYPUN[OLPY^VYRHUK celebrating program participants. )LZ[)\KKPLZ7YVTZ were celebrated across the country in 2016, through 40 local events held from coast to coast with more than WHY[PJPWHU[ZPUH[[LUKHUJL0U4PHTPTVYL[OHU Z[\KLU[ZWHJRLK[OL 4HYSPUZ7HYRZ[HKP\TMVYHM\UÄSSLKL]LUPUNHUK4LTWOPZMVSSV^LK^P[OHWYVT H[[OL(NYPJLU[LY^OLYL WHY[PJPWHU[ZKHUJLK[OLUPNO[^H`0U0V^H[OLZ[H[L OVZ[Z[OLPY-YPLUKZOPW)HSSZ[OLÄYZ[^LLRVM(WYPSHZH^YHW\W[VBest Buddies Month. Des Moines celebrates with Metro region participants, engaging over 400 participants annually. In eastern Iowa, Iowa City hosts their prom to thank buddy pairs for an inclusive year of fun and engages nearly 200 volunteers in their annual festivities. The North Shore in Massachusetts held their )LZ[)\KKPLZ7YVT with special guests Sean and Megan from the A& E Network’s hit-show Born this Way who attended via Skype on a mobile iPad so that they were able to roam the crowd and dance with participants! In Nashville, they had some special guests joining the Image on right: fun: country artist Lauren Alaina, and singer/songwriters Drew and Ellie Holcomb, Friendship program participants at the who also performed for the 2,000 students in attendance. Program participants enjoying a night at the )LZ[)\KKPLZ7YVT in Florida )LZ[)\KKPLZ7YVT in Tennessee 46 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 47 Signature Events Student leaders at the 27th Annual )LZ[)\KKPLZ3LHKLYZOPW*VUMLYLUJLin Indiana 27th Annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference 0U1\S` TVYL[OHUZ[\KLU[SLHKLYZZLSMHK]VJH[LZLTWSV`LLZ teachers, volunteers and community leaders gathered from across the globe Friendship buddy pair at the BBLC Friendship Walk to unite in Bloomington, Indiana, for the 27th(UU\HS)LZ[)\KKPLZ3LHKLYZOPW Conference, All For Best Buddies. The event celebrated life-changing friendships and the lasting impact volunteers with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities are making in the world as a result of their leadership. The 2016 conference proved to be a once-in-a lifetime experience for attendees who came together to discuss social inclusion, leadership and community, fundraising, and advocacy for people with IDD. Speakers and special guests such as motivational speaker Kevin Wanzer, television stars from the hit shows Glee and American Horror Story, Lauren Potter and Jamie Brewer, and :WPYP[VM*V\YHNL(^HYK winner Lisa Smith challenged attendees with and without IDD to explore their full potential as leaders and advocates, tap into their power to motivate and encourage others, and translate awareness into quality friendships between people of all abilities. Through lessons from global leaders in the disability rights movement, inspiring performances, moving testimonies, and empowering education sessions, Image on right: Best Buddies Ambassador Jack Clark thousands of attendees returned from the conference inspired, and motivated to delivers a speech during the Best Buddies Students and chapter leaders at the educational workshop change the world! during the )LZ[)\KKPLZ3LHKLYZOPW*VUMLYLUJL 3LHKLYZOPW*VUMLYLUJL closing ceremonies 48 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 49 Carlos Ramires & Jorge Fernandez Eunice K. Shriver with a Best Buddies Friendship program buddy pair from Paraguay program participant Signature Events Best Buddies Month March 2016 EKS Day September 26, 2016 What started 21 years ago as a one-day event has evolved into a month-long celebration commemorating Best Buddies’ mission. Best Buddies Month, which ,\UPJL2LUULK`:OYP]LY,2:+H`was created in 2010 in her honor, to inspire [HRLZWSHJLLHJO`LHYPU4HYJOPZH[PTLMVY)LZ[)\KKPLZWHY[PJPWHU[Z[VYLÅLJ[ people to remember her legacy and embrace the movement she founded to bring on the importance of friendship, jobs, and the development of future leaders. awareness to the disability rights movement. EKS Day promotes a global call for 4VYLPTWVY[HU[S`P[PZH[PTL[VZOV^[OL^VYSK[OLZPNUPÄJHUJLVM[OLZLLZZLU[PHSZ individuals to commit actions of inclusion, acceptance and unity for people with in every individual’s life. In March 2016, Best Buddies’ chapters and individual IDD. The third annual EKS Day was observed on September 26 throughout the volunteers showcase their passion for Best Buddies by participating in community United States and in 100 countries. Activities included playing sports, picnics, carnivals, regional dances, and school-wide assemblies. canned-food drives, leadership trainings and pledges to stop using the R-word. 50 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 51 Board of Directors Executive Team Our Leaders )6(9+:,*9,;(9@ BOARD TREASURER Brad Blank Ronald L. Book Romero Britto Arturo Elias Ayub Robert Friedman Aaron Gershenberg 7YLZPKLU[([[VYUL` 7YLZPKLU[ 0U[LYUH[PVUHS7VW(Y[PZ[ Director, Strategic Alliances 7HY[ULY 4HUHNPUN7HY[ULY )YHK)SHUR (ZZVJPH[LZ0UJ 9VUHSK3)VVR7( Britto Central 0UZ[P[\[PVUHS9LSH[PVUZ /VSSHUK 2UPNO[ :=)*HWP[HS Telmex Foundation John M. Carlin Lisa Derx Alexander Senior Director =PJL7YLZPKLU[ Hernandez-Dessauer 4HQVY.PM[Z 7SHUULK.P]PUN Government Relations =PJL7YLZPKLU[ 0U[LYUH[PVUHS7YVNYHTZ :WLJPHS7YVQLJ[Z Michael Hardman Ph.D. Stephen T. Hearst Alexander Jamie Hintlian Kellie Howard Hon. Patrick J. Kennedy +PZ[PUN\PZOLK7YVMLZZVY =7 .4VM Hernandez-Dessauer 7HY[ULY7YPUJPWHS Buddy Ambassador Former U.S. Congressman, HUK*OPLM.SVIHS6MÄJLY >LZ[LYU7YVWLY[PLZ =PJL7YLZPKLU[0U[LYUH[PVUHS ,YUZ[ @V\UN Founder, The Kennedy University of Utah ;OL/LHYZ[*VYWVYH[PVU 7YVNYHTZ :WLJPHS7YVQLJ[Z Forum Best Buddies International Mark Lewis Jen Miller Stephanie Moore Gerard A. Klingman, CFP Philip Levine Carl Lewis James Lintott Don List Lisa Lutoff-Perlo =PJL7YLZPKLU[ :LUPVY=PJL7YLZPKLU[ =PJL7YLZPKLU[ 7YLZPKLU[ 7YLZPKLU[ *,6 <:6S`TWPJ Chairman, Sterling =PJL7YLZPKLU[ 7YLZPKLU[ *,6 4HYRL[PUN -PUHUJL 6WLYH[PVUZ :[H[L6WLYH[PVUZ 4PZZPVU 2SPUNTHU (ZZVJPH[LZ )HYVU*VYWVYH[PVU Gold Medalist Foundation Mgmt. (KLW[-HZ[LULYZ Celebrity Cruises :[YH[LNPJ+L]LSVWTLU[ Advancement BOARD CHAIR Jose Maria Olle John P. Oswald ;OVTHZ8\PJR Ruben Reyes Jeffrey A. Rich Anthony Kennedy Shriver Investor 7YLZPKLU[ *,6 7OPSHU[OYVWPZ[ @3**OHPY Managing Director -V\UKLY*OHPYTHU *,6 *HWP[HS;Y\Z[.YV\W Harvard Student 7S\T[YLL7HY[ULYZ33* Best Buddies International +H]PK8\PSSLVU Anthony Kennedy Shriver Julie Torres :LUPVY=PJL7YLZPKLU[ -V\UKLY*OHPYTHU *,6 =PJL7YLZPKLU[ Global Mission, State /\THU9LZV\YJLZ 6WLYH[PVUZ +L]LSVWTLU[ 6WLYH[PVUZ Tom Sullivan Becca Cason Thrash Ralph Winter )LYUPL@\THU Founder 7OPSHU[OYVWPZ[ Founder 7YLZPKLU[ Lumber Liquidators *VYLZ[H[L*HWP[HS.YV\W )LYUPL@\THU4NT[ Honorary Board Member Honorary Board Member Eunice Kennedy Shriver Keith Allen Haring Founder 7VW(Y[PZ[ Scott Tracy Mark J. Wylie :WLJPHS6S`TWPJZ0U[LYUH[PVUHS Creator of the Best Buddies Logo =PJL7YLZPKLU[ =PJL7YLZPKLU[ *OHSSLUNLZ:WLJPHS,]LU[Z Talent Relations :WVUZVY9LSH[PVUZ 52 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 53 Meet Our Supporters “All the programs Best Buddies can provide – leadership training, employment for people with intellectual disabilities, Bayanihan Student Organ Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital one-to-one friendships, and mentoring opportunities – none of it would ever be possible if it was not for our generous Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Mayer Brown, LLP Contributors Beteiligungs - Und Grundbesitz Merrill Edge supporters who invest their time, their money, their energy and their passion into ensuring that Best Buddies is a success BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. Metro Auto Auction not only now but in the future.” Blaze Pizza, LLC Midcap Financial Services, LLC Edmond English Bloomberg, L.P. Midstate Auto Group, Inc. Jan Risi & Jim Field – (U[OVU`2:OYP]LY-V\UKLY*OHPYTHU *,6)LZ[)\KKPLZ0U[LYUH[PVUHS Blue Fish Bowl Volleyball Club, Inc. Miller & Long DC, Inc. Tony Figueros Cisneros BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee MK Presents, LLC Marietta & Ken Harte Branch Banking and Trust Company National Security Services Don List CORPORATIONS Florida International University Industrial Molinera CA Buildium Nomura Securities International, Inc. John Wright Martin Global Disability Inclusion Jerry Farmer Auto Sales, Inc. Caesars Enterprise Services, LLC Nordstrom Luis Noboa [V Great River Carnival Association, Inc. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Capital Group Northeast Professional Planning Group, Inc. ;VT8\PJR ALEX AND ANI Mack Cycle & Fitness 2SLPULY7LYRPUZ*H\ÄLSK )`LYZ Capstone Event Group, LLC Novacopy, Inc. Jan Miller & Jeffrey Rich Pepsi-Cola ManpowerGroup Kohl's Department Stores, Inc. The Center For Financial Counseling Pantheon Venture Jackie Soffer & Craig Robins Santander Bank Midland National Life Insurance Company KOVAR Children's Hospital of Wisconsin PCI Strategic Management, LLC Marlyne Sexton MONTBLANC North America, LLC Lipscomb University $100,000 to $249,999 Choates Air Conditioning, Inc. PEPCO 7HJPÄJ.HZHUK,SLJ[YPJ*VTWHU` Lucwork Enterprises, Inc. Chopra Imaging Center, Inc. PNC Bank [V Audi of America, Inc. Andrew Barowsky RAI Services Company Maguire-Maguire, Inc. CopperPoint Insurance Companies Prairie Meadows Carnival Cruise Lines/Seabourn Cruise Trina & Robert Dean Royal Caribbean Cruises International Maritz, Inc. Cox Target Media Pratt Holdings, Inc. Line Lisa D'Urso San Diego-Imperial Counties MassMutual Financial Group Creekside High School Prestige Medical Services Hublot Luisa & Horst Ferrero :LY]JV7HJPÄJ0UJ Mercedes-Benz of South Charlotte Cucinelli Holding Co., LLC PriceWaterhouseCoopers, LLP Kahala Corp. Domenic Forino Seyfarth Shaw Attorneys, LLP NextGear Capital Deer Management Company, LLC Push America MGM Resorts International Eric Foss Sun Capital Advisors, Inc. Paddle 8, Inc. Delaware Diagnostic & Rehabilitation The Region I Industry Liaison Group, Inc. Milford Stone Company, Inc. Mary & Mark Freitas UBS Financial Services, Inc. Pioneer Investments Mgmt USA, Inc. Center, P.A. Reliance Natixis Global Asset Management, L.P. Donald Guloien Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Promoter Line Incorporated Festival & Delta Dental of Kentucky Ribbit Management Company, LLC Gary Hammond [V Watermill Institutional Trading, LLC Concert Division Deustche Bank Trust Company Americas RICOH Barbara & Stephen Hearst A & E Television Networks WestRiver Management, LLC Riemer & Braunstein, LLP Drivetime Sales and Finance Corporation Rosetta Stone, Ltd. David Herro Albertsons Safeway, Albertsons Ronald Book, P.A. Duvine Adventures Rulon International World Commerce Center $10,000 to $24,999 Arlene Hillerson Companies, Inc. Schlesinger and Associates, P.A. Dynamic Therapy Services, LLC Saltz, Mongeluzzi, Barrett & Bendesky, P.C. Accenture, LLP Nancy & Mark Holowesko Chobani, LLC Shulman, Rogers, Gandal, Pordy & EpiSource, LLC :OVVR/HYK` )HJVU3H^6MÄJL337 ACN Global Reach Charities, Inc. Nancy & Kobi Karp Cutrale Citrus Juices U.S.A., Inc. Ecker, P.A. Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company Snell Prosthetic & Orthotic Laboratory AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company Carl Lewis CVS Pharmacy, Inc. SPS General Contracting Services, Inc. of Iowa St. Norbert College AZ Wireless Association Sheba Lucas E & J Gallo Winery Stanford Health Care FedEx State Systems, Inc. Babson Capital Management, LLC Sydell Miller Foxwoods Resort Casino The Potter's House of Dallas Fedtech Carles Stifel Nicolaus Bank of America Corp. Mona & John Oswald Hirayama Investments, LLC Tusk Strategies, Inc. First Republic Bank Technologyadvice, LLC BankUnited, N.A. Lydia & Rudy Prio Touzet Las Vegas Sands Corporation TUUCI Florida Blue Timothy E. McNutt, Sr. D.D.S. Beauty & Pin-Ups, LLC Susan Ragon Manulife Financial Viacom Fresh Tilled Soil, LLC Textiles, LLC Blum Shapiro Nancy & Richard Rogers National University System Vital Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson, LLP 54 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 55 Meet Our Supporters INDIVIDUALS (continued) Emily & Michael White Barbara Husrt Ariel Saldivar Liberty Mutual Foundation, Inc. Emilio Burillo Azcarraga 3PZH@HUN David Jagolinzer Dominick Salzano Longwood Foundation Incorporated Contributors Tom Campion James Javaras Myrna & Robert Schlegel The Sharon D. Lund Foundation [V Stephen Colgan Michael Joblove Ann & Don Short Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust Margaret & John Abdo Arlyn & Stephen Cypen Taqtile John Tomizuka and Dirck Schou Lara & Lucas Bacardi Shriftman Ann G. and James B. Ritchey Foundation Marshall R. Matley Foundation William Adams Kristina Daglio Mitchell Katz Maria Shriver Thunderbirds Charities Maui United Way William Anderson Barbara & Don Daseke Kayla Keefe Lucy Simkins Troesh Family Foundation Middlesex Savings Bank Charitable Dwayne Andreason Michael Descheneaux Ted Kennedy Alex Simpson Foundation Gabriela Barrientos [V Lashanna Farley Catherine & Tim Kowalski Glenn Singer Millennium Trust Company Eilah Beavers William S. Abell Foundation, Inc. Harrison Field Melissa Kratz Ellen & Kenneth Slater Nashville Predators Foundation David Belluck Helen Bader Foundation, Inc. Karen Fricker Anne Kubik David Spade Nationwide Insurance Foundation Lindsay Bodkin The Bank of America Charitable Foundation Gina Ginsburg Donald Lazas Robert Stevanovski Kenneth T. & Eileen L. Norris Foundation Christopher Bramlett Berges Family Foundation Scott Ginsburg Mark Leeds Stacy Stewart The Omega Foundation Benjamin Bronston The Crown Family Roni & Gerald Goldsmith James Lohse Elliot Stone Parsen Foundation Bob Brown Drew Foundation *OYPZ[PUH.YPMÄ[O Alfred Longtin Laurence Stott Phoenix Suns Charities, Inc. Kurt Buttenhoff The Samuel J. and Connie M. Allen Hansen Eric Lorenz Christina Sunthonlap Winifred M. Purdy Foundation Peter Campbell Frankino Foundation Georgina Hartland Mark D. Lovell Colleen Tate Nora Roberts Foundation Timothy Carey The GEO Group Foundation, Inc. Sally Heyman Donna Lucas Hutch Tyree Schoenleber Foundation, Inc. Robert Carey The Gheens Foundation, Inc. David Hornik Roy Luongo Joseph Vattamattam Sherman Fairchild Foundation Ryan Cavanaugh Gore Family Memorial Foundation Trust Marc Iacovelli Earl Lysaker Gil Walsh The Leon J. Simkins Charitable Foundation Kimberly & Tyson Chandler Wycliffe Kent Grousbeck & Corinne Basler Carol Iacovelli Kevin MacDermott John Watson Sorenson Legacy Foundation Sam Chase Grousbeck Trust kathy ireland Loretta & Michael Maguire Josh Wechsler Stackner Family Foundation Daniel Cisneros Invest In Others Charitable Foundation, Inc. Serita Jakes Sarah Markowitz Robert Weed Team Shaan Foundation John Connors Joy in Childhood Foundation, Inc. Esperanza Kelly Michael Markowitz Matthew Witkos The Tolleson Family Foundation Danny Cook The Lampert Foundation Patrick Kennedy Juerg Marquard Trends International Charitable Diane Corieri The Leavitt Corporation Martin Lamas Christina & David Martin Foundation, Inc. Debra Daley FOUNDATIONS Miles for Miles Foundation Michael Lerner Lynn Matos Variety - the Children's Charity David Dawson Peacock Foundation Philip Levine Susan Mays HUK(IV]L Bruce Weber Nan Bush Foundation, Inc. Donald & Carole Dell Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust Alexander Leyviman Tom McDermott Telmex Foundation Herbert and Adrian Woods Foundation Beeni & Devin Destefano Wal-Mart Foundation Mary Lipka John McLaren ;OL@LYYPK-V\UKH[PVU0UJ Dennis Diehl [V E.G. Watkins Family Foundation Thomas Marcham Shari Miller Tara & Charles Durham Annenberg Foundation Wells Fargo Foundation Carlos Migoya Bey Miltenberger [V Kelly Eaton Engelstad Family Foundation Gary Miller Gaylord Miyata $10,000 to $24,999 Gary & Pennie Abramson Charitable Scott Fain Susan Molton Maria Montanino $100,000 to $249,999 The Anne and Ronald Abramson Family Foundation Lorenzo Fertitta Albuquerque Community Foundation Janet & Robert Nakushian Paul Morales Ferraro Family Foundation, Inc. Foundation Thomas Fisher Aon Foundation Selena & Stephen Nuell Marissa Nakahara Helping Hands Foundation, Inc. Agee Family Foundation Tom Fluehr The Apax Foundation Marley & Brett Overman Colleen O'Brien 7/3@-V\UKH[PVU Charles E. Benidt Foundation, Inc. Kenn Francis Arlington Community Foundation Abigail Pollak Dylan Olson The Dr. P. Phillips Foundation Boston Bruins Foundation Clint Freeland The Kyle J. Barker Foundation Jon Pritchett Mary Ourisman May and Stanley Smith Charitable Trust The JE & ZB Butler Foundation Robert Friedman BC Partners Foundation (US), Inc. Frey Rainer-Marc Waverly Peakes The Tom Sullivan Foundation, Inc. Chartwell Charitable Foundation Lisa Frisby 1LMMHUK@VSHUKH)LYRV^P[a-HTPS` Linda & Peter Raphael Elizabeth Pence The Taft Foundation Chichester duPont Foundation Mark Gagnon Charitable Foundation, Inc. Kenneth Reilly Pablo Penuela B. Thomas Golisano Foundation Incorporated Maureen Gemma John N. Blackman, Sr. Foundation Antonio Richardson Stephen Perich The TJX Foundation, Inc. The Comcast Foundation Jim Gianopulos TC Schuttler Debra & Tom Perich Davis Love III Foundation, Inc. The Blum Family Foundation, Inc. David Giunta Lisa & Robert Segert John Phelan [V The Discovery Land Company Foundation The Boomerang Foundation, Inc. Patricia Golumbic-Tang Ajay Shah Harrison Polsky Anthony R. Abraham Foundation, Inc. George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Brees Dream Foundation Charles Goodman Connie & Joseph Shay George Pontikes The Charlie & Moll Anderson Foundation Foundation Joseph Briere Foundation Charles Gordon Jeff Shelton Kim Premo Ansin Foundation -HPYÄLSK*V\U[`*VTT\UP[`-V\UKH[PVU California Community Foundation Darryl Green Sudhakar Shenoy *PUK`8\PNSL` Micky and Madeleine Arison Family FISA Foundation Cardinals Charities +VUUH .HY`.YLLUÄLSK Michele King Soffer & Don Soffer /LH[OLY8\PUU Foundation John J. & Pauline Gerlach Foundation Central Indiana Community Foundation Ruth Gunning Scott Sohr Mycki & Stuart Ratzan Burns Family Foundation The Craig & Kathryn Hall Foundation The Scott A. & Elizabeth V. Christensen Dc Harrington Mary Ellen & Ronald Spears Ernest Remmey The Caesars Foundation Harley-Davidson Foundation Foundation Stacy Hicks Laura James Stankard @HTPSLK[9LZ[YLWV The Community Foundation for the IPA Foundation Community Foundation of Howard County James Hintlian Deborah Ann Sullivan Sarah Richie National Capital Region KeyBank National Association Trust Division The Community Foundation of Louisville, Inc. Jeffrey Hirsch Ken Veach J. Rippeto CWK Foundation Lakshmi Foundation Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa Donald Hoffman Patricia Villareal Denise & Walter Robinson The Hearst Foundation, Inc. Lennar Foundation The Dancats Foundation Dan Holzmann Nan Bush & Bruce Weber Marilyn & Ronald Rotter Highland Street Foundation The Lester CAIT Trust Dart Group II Foundation, Inc. Scott Hunt Bilal Saeed The Kessler Family Foundation LNR Property/ Starwood Property Trust Michael & Susan Dell Foundation 56 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 57 Meet Our Supporters FOUNDATIONS (continued) Maryland State Department of Education Guy Fieri [V Team Matthew Doligale Family Charitable Foundation, Inc. Massachusetts Department of Elementary Aaron Gershenberg Carlton Media Team Natixis Contributors -YLLTHU,-HPYÄLSK-V\UKH[PVU and Secondary Education Goorin Bros Courthouse Express Team Nestle The Foundation For Those Without A Voice New Mexico Public Education Department Maureen & John Hailer e .frastructure Technologies, Inc. Team Pioneer Geico Philanthropic Foundation Texas Education Agency Penney & Gerry Klingman Evening Entertainment Group Team ROAR Team Blake of Berkshire Hathaway John G. Gosnell & Jean R. Gosnell San Francisco Chronicle Genovese Joblove & Battista Team Sadie-Jack Cycling Team Caleb [V Foundation, Inc. Seyfarth Shaw Getty ImagesGoorin Bros Team Sierra/Olson Steel Team Carl Lewis Arizona Department of Education The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Health Warriors Team Colin Boston, Massachusetts Public Schools [V $10,000 to $24,999 Foundation Jacob Dietz Team CVS Health Maui County, Hawaii Department of Accenture Federal Services Team 1776 Financial & Friends George & Mary Josephine Hamman Jacobs Design Team DeStefano Housing and Human Concerns CBS/KPIX Team 6Degrees Foundation King Dahl Event Design Team Ditka 4PHTP+HKL*V\U[`-SVYPKH6MÄJLVM Cooking with Kids Team Accenture Heron Family Trust LacosteLGi Linens Team Duxbury Management and Budget E. & J. Gallo Winery Team Ashlee Courage Team Hometown Foundation, Inc. Milwaukee Brewers Community Foundation Team Harrington Utah Department of Health and Human Alexander Hernandez-Dessauer Team ATHOLTONBB Houston Trust Company NextCare Team Harry and Karla Services Tara & Kenn Hitchcock-Francis Team B-4 / BCCClub Jana Foundation, Inc. Peets Coffee & Tea Team Kates Barlow NBC/WHDH Team BBTX Staff JMS Family Foundation, Inc. [V Edwards Wildman Team Loomis Pilot Freight Services Team Best Buddies Garden City High School The Kantian Foundation Miami-Dade County, Florida School Board Team Lucas 8\HPS3VKNL .VSM*S\I Team Best Buddies helping Best Buddies Kittenbrink Family Foundation Montgomery County, Maryland Department Team Mary Ann TOP FUNDRAISING TEAMS Team Blood Sweat and Gears Legacy Foundation of Human Services Team PG&E [V Team Carnival Cruise Line June Rockwell Levy Foundation, Inc. 9OVKL0ZSHUK6MÄJLVM[OL7VZ[:LJVUKHY` 90.9 WBUR HUK(IV]L Team Santander Team Carrollton The George & Judy Marcus Family Commissioner Aventura Worldwide Transportation Service Team Silicon Valley Bank Team St. Mary's (Alexandria) Team Centreville High School Foundation Ricardo Bellino Team Tom Brady Team ScottTracy $10,000 to $24,999 Team Citizen Buddies Marin Community Foundation Boston Globe Team The James Gang Anne Arundel County, Maryland [V Team Citizens Celebrating Friendship! Joseph G. Markoly Foundation, Inc. Classic Party Rentals Team THEMTEAM City of Tempe, Arizona Team Natixis Team Clovercroft Elementary School The Katharine Matthies Foundation Rafael Feliz Jr. Team Washington-Lee High School Delaware Legislature Team Patriot Pedalers Team Creekside High School Best Buddies Merrymac McKinley Foundation Gary Fears Milwaukee County, Wisconsin Department Team Crown & Anchor The Mead Foundation Getty Images $100,000 to $249,999 of Human Services Team Daniel's Dynamos Moorehead Family Foundation JCDecaux North America Team Eaton Vance Shelby County, Tennessee Team FRA The Moran Family Foundation May Liang & James Lintott Team Greenberg Traurig Team Google Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation Catherine-Anne & Patrick Markert [V Team John Hancock Team ISU Best Buddies Renee and Ted's Big Heart Foundation Michael Meldman Butler County, Ohio Board of Developmental Team King James Buddies Team Jamison's Gifts The Richard Lovett Trust of 1996 Niche Media Disabilities Team ManpowerGroup Team Jon's Gronkers Robin Foundation Southern Wine & Spirits City of Alexandria, Virginia Team Maria Team KINETIC WILL RSM Boston Foundation The Soffer Family & Fontainebleau Hotel City of Falls Church, Virginia Team Marlowe Team Lakshmi Joseph J. Schott Foundation FAO 8H[HY(PY^H`Z City of Peoria, Arizona Team Life Is A Miracle Charles and M.R. Shapiro Foundation, Inc. 8\HPS3VKNL .VSM*S\I [V Team Lisa @ participant media Snyder Family Foundation Team Audi IN-KIND Team Marquelle Taco Bell Foundation for Teens $10,000 to $24,999 Team Believe Team McKay Best Buddies United Way of Southern Nevada Amgen Tour of CA Team Gallo HUK(IV]L Team Oakton Best Buddies Waukesha County Community Foundation Boston Globe Team Hearst Tom Brady Team Plant Panthers Wilbur and Dolores L. Woo Charitable Classic Party Rentals Team Holland & Knight Hearst Corporation* ;LHT8\PUUPWPHJ)LZ[)\KKPLZ Lead Trust Fairmont Hotel Team Priscilla Jan Miller & Jeff Rich Team Rated PG Paul Goldschmidt Team Seyfarth Shaw Maria Shriver Team Ronin's Roadies Gourmet Catering Team Sunshine GOVERNMENT Becca Cason Thrash & John Thrash Team SAP NS2 Harpoon Brewery Team Swirl Team Saratoga Springs High School $249,000 to $499,999 Hublot Team Webcor HUK(IV]L Team ServiceNow Joanne Jaxtimer Kenneth Cole California Department of Developmental Team Seven Lakes High School Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III Kurt Warner Foundation [V Services Team Shulman Rogers Silicon Valley Bank MadisonSouth #TeamMaximus Florida Department of Education M.C. Dean, Inc. Team 6Fifteen Cyclery Team Starwood Property Trust Illinois Department of Human Services $100,000 to $249,999 4@:RPUJHYL Team Biking Buddies Team Strollin' With Nolan $100,000 to $249,999 Bicycling Magazine The Moorings Village and Spa Team Bloomberg LP Team Antonio Contreras Romero Britto Team Asurion City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii Randy Perkins ;LHT)5@4LSSVU Cannondale Team Badgers Connecticut Department of Developmental Brett Ratner Team FOX *):9HKPV ;OL:WVY[Z/\I Team Ben Services Southern Wine & Spirits Team Grinta! Clear Channel Team Bertinator Indiana Department of Education Swirl Marketing Team Henry Sara & Ugo Colombo Team Blach Maryland Department of Health and Tiffany & Co. Team Jacob Comcast Team Blake Mental Hygiene Team Mark's Buddies 58 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 59 Participating Employers ANIMAL SERVICES XSport Fitness HEALTH CARE The Mentor Network First Class Vending Chicago Zoological Society @4*( Addgene Westside Regional Center George Washington TOMA PetSmart @V\Ä[/LHS[O*S\IZ Brookdale Senior Living Morgan Memorial Goodwill Contributors 60305+<:;9@ VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital Cambridge Nursing & Rehab Center Party City -66+ ),=,9(.,05+<:;9@ Andeavor Dr. Patricia L. Carolan, DMD, General Primark Aramark Globetrotters, LLC NFL Network ARTS & CULTURE Dentistry PHARMACEUTICAL Service Systems Associates Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Ocean Drive Magazine Britto Pop Art Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital Genentech Sports Memorabilia Cousin's Maine Lobster Food Truck Seminole Casinos Park West Gallery Fenway Health Stein Mart Culver's Staples Center Jewish Healthcare Center REAL ESTATE Target AUTOMOTIVE Davio's Restaurant Vivid Entertainment Johns Hopkins - Facilities & Design Berglund Construction The Guitar Nook Audi Denly Gardens Fuller House - Warner Brothers Construction Capital Properties VERC Enterprises, Inc. DCH Gardena Honda Fazenda Coffee Roasters Kaiser Permanente Medical Center Hobbs Brook LLC Walgreens TALENT AGENCIES Mcgee Super Store Fiji Water Mt. Auburn Hospital John Phillips Property Management Walmart Paradigm Fruit Center of Milton My Choice Jones Lang LaSalle William Morris Endeavor ),(<;@ Georgia Nut Company SPORTS / ENTERTAINMENT Oliver-Pyatt Centers LNR Property LLC CosmoProf Heinen's 20th Century Fox ;,*/5636.@ One HomeCare Solutions Swire Properties Hermitage Steakhouse Baltimore Ravens Asurion COMMUNICATIONS On Pointe-Princeton Place Hojas Tea House RECREATION Boston Red Sox Avid Conill UMass Memorial Independent Purchasing Cooperative Central Park Conservancy Exceptional Theatre Co. Rosetta Stone Kel & Partners University of New Mexico Hospital Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant Presidio Golf Course Flagship Cinemas TadiBrothers Olson Engage Verus Healthcare LongHorn Steakhouse at Homestead FOX Broadcasting Company Xactly Corporation Participant Media RETAIL LongHorn Steakhouse at Kendall /6:70;(30;@ FOX Networks Royal Media Partners 7-Eleven TELECOMMUNICATIONS Mariano's Embassy Suites Fuller House - Warner Brothers Team One Aaron's Brightstar Corporation Misha's Cupcakes Fairmont Miramar Grand Ole Opry AEG/Merchandising Tracfone CONSTRUCTION & ARCHITECTURE Panera Bread Franklin Marriott Cool Springs Lucky Strike Apple Store OGB Architectural Millwork Price Rite Hilton LAX Miami Marlins Aventura Mall TRANSPORTATION Publix Holiday Inn Express Monumental Sports & Entertainment/ EDUCATION Barnes & Noble FastPark Ralph's Fresh Fare Hyatt Hotels Washington Wizards Angier Elementary School Bath and Body Works Safeway Marriott Burlington National Basketball Association WAREHOUSING & STORAGE Bright Horizons Bob's Discount Furniture Sodexo MGM Resorts International 5L[ÅP_ U-Haul Moving & Storage Calvary Methodist Preschool Carson's Clearance Store Sprouts Thunderbird Inn Military Dining NewTV Value Store It Dana Middle School CVS Star Market Institute for Community Inclusion Starbucks INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES / WHOLESALE Kerry Curley Daycare Stub Hub Center/Levy Restaurants D.S. Hull Company, Inc. KinderCare Swine Southern Table & Bar Discount Welds Miami Dade County Public Schools Tedeschi Food Shops Special Thanks Pierce Middle School LAW FIRMS The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Robert Morgan Educational Center Chasen and Boscolo ;OL4HYRL[PUNHUK:[YH[LNPJ+L]LSVWTLU[+LWHY[TLU[^V\SKSPRL[V[OHUR)LZ[)\KKPLZOLHKX\HY[LYZZ[H[LVMÄJLZHUK0U[LYUH[PVUHS Three Square teams for all of their help in creating this report. This collaborative effort was supported by the entire organization and across all Trinity MOPS Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson Trader Joe's departments. While we wish to thank everyone for their contribution, please also note the following people that played a major role in UMass Lowell Goldberg & Rosen, P.A. Wahlburgers its development: Worcester Public Schools Holland & Knight Whole Foods Market Kates & Barlow Copy and Editing: Nicole Maddox, Senior Manager, Sponsor Development & Communications FINANCE & INSURANCE GOVERNMENT Latham & Watkins, LLP Jessica Schwartz, Senior Director, Marketing Advance Financial Accenture Federal Services Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP Stephanie Moore, Vice President State Operations & Mission Advancement BDO City of Baltimore Seyfarth Shaw Jo Ann Dollard, Manager, Donor Relations and Communications Eaton Vance City of Doral Shulman, Rogers, Gandal, Pordy & Ecker, PA Global Statistics: Bill Maurer, Director, Online Programs H.I.G. Capital, L.L.C. City of Hialeah Jessica Patton, Director, Jobs - National, State Operations and Programs IMC Financial Markets MANUFACTURING City of Indianapolis Financials: Jen Miller, Senior Vice President, Finance & Operations Imperial Capital Dasco Engineering City of Long Beach John Hancock TUUCI Design: Vanessa Beltran, Director, State Marketing City of Los Angeles Mastercard Worldwide City of Miami NON-PROFIT / FOUNDATIONS Thank yoyou,, Natixis Global Asset Management City of Miami Beach Best Buddies International PenCal Administrators Department of Developmental Services Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center Santander Mark Lewis Federal Aviation Administration Jewish Los Angeles Special Needs Financial Silicon Valley Bank Vice President, Marketing & Strategic Development Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Services, Inc FITNESS Council Monon Community Center Equinox Westwood North Bay Village Shalom Institute / Shemesh Enterprises Fit Factory Village of Pinecrest Special Olympics Northern California 60 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 61 Financials Financials Middle School Friendship program participants at the Besties event in Tennessee. )(3(5*,:/,,;(:6-+,*,4),9 ASSETS YEAR TO DATE Current Assets Cash in Bank Marketable Securities Pre-Paid Expenses Accounts Receivable 677,127 Contributions Receivable 2,148,771 Grant Receivables Investments - Deferred Compensation Plan Total Current Assets $ 10,437,733 2016 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES* Fixed Assets Computers 'RPHVWLF5HYHQXH Total Fixed Assets $ 15,119 *RYHUQPHQW KD ^d/Z s Eh TOTAL ASSETS $ 10,452,852 )RXQGDWLRQVDQG&RUSV /ŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂů ,QGLYLGXDO ϭϭй LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCE 6SHFLDO(YHQWV &ŽƵŶĚĂƚŝŽŶƐ 2WKHU ĂŶĚŽƌƉƐ͘ Liabilities ^ƉĞĐŝĂů ǀĞŶƚƐ ϭϳй ϰϯй Accounts Payable 'RPHVWLF([SHQVHV Deferred Revenue 3URJUDPV Deferred Compensation Plan Liability 0DQDJHPHQWDQG*HQHUDO )XQGUDLVLQJ 'ŽǀĞƌŶŵĞŶƚ Total Liabilities $ 1,455,765 Ϯϱй KƚŚĞƌ ϰй 'RPHVWLF1HW$VVHW6XPPDU\ Fund Balance 1HW$VVHWV EHJLQQLQJRI\HDU Beginning Fund Balance $ 8,997,086 &KDQJHLQ1HW$VVHWV 1HW8QUHDOL]HG*DLQV /RVVHV RQ,QYHVWPHQWV yW E^ ^ Total Fund Balance $ 8,997,086 'RPHVWLF1HW$VVHWV HQGRI\HDU TOTAL LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCE $ 10,452,851 DĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ'ĞŶĞƌĂů &ƵŶĚƌĂŝƐŝŶŐ ,QWHUQDWLRQDO5HYHQXH ϱй ϭϯй BEGINNING BALANCE WITH CURRENT YEAR ADJUSTMENTS $ 8,174,361 7RWDO*URVV5HYHQXH NET SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) $ 822,724 6WDWHPHQWRI$FWLYLWLHVIRUFDOHQGDU\HDUEDVHGRQ%HVW%XGGLHV,QWHUQDWLRQDO V)RUP ENDING FUND BALANCE $ 8,997,085 WƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ 2WKHUUHSUHVHQWVUHYHQXHJHQHUDWHGIURPDFROOHFWLRQRIVRXUFHVLQFOXGLQJ&KDSWHU ϴϮй 'XHV$QQXDO/HDGHUVKLS&RQIHUHQFH,QYHVWPHQW,QFRPHDQG&DXVH5HODWHG0DUNHWLQJ *URVVFRQVROLGDWLRQRI,QWHUQDWLRQDO/LFHQVHHVWKDWRSHUDWHDVWKHLURZQ1*2V 62 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 63 BESTBUDDIES® INTERNATIONAL Europe Northern Belgium Ireland Asia North America Bulgaria Norway China Canada Finland Russia Hong Kong St. Kitts & Nevis Germany Scotland Indonesia USA Greece Spain Korea Ireland Turkey Macao Israel Ukraine Malaysia Italy United Kingdom Mongolia Netherlands Philippines Singapore Thailand Latin America Vietnam Mena Argentina El Salvador Africa Egypt Bolivia Guatemala Ghana Lebanon Brazil Mexico Kenya Qatar Chile Panama Uganda Oceania Colombia Paraguay Australia Costa Rica Peru New Zealand Dominican Venezuela Republic Ecuador 50 States / 6 Conti nents / 54 Countries 64 | BESTBUDDIES.ORG BESTBUDDIES.ORG | 65 Markayla Watkins & Meg Barber Friendship program buddy pair Global Headquarters [email protected] 100 Southeast Second Street, Suite 2200 Miami, Florida 33131 P 305.374.2233 | F 305.374.5305 MAKE A FRIEND | DONATE | JOIN THE JOBS PROGRAM BESTBUDDIES.ORG