Best Buddies and the A&E Network Gear up for Season Two of the Hit
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SPRING/SUMMER| 16 Best Buddies and the A&E Network Gear up for Season Two of the Hit TV Show Born This Way According to the U.S. Census, one-in-five Americans has a disability. Seventy percent of adults with disabilities are unemployed. The numbers are significantly lower for peo- ple with Down syndrome. These figures are disheartening because many studies have proven that people with disa- bilities can work successfully and bring a myriad of bene- fits to the workforce. Cameras follow the cast as they pursue their dreams and goals, defying society’s expectations. The show gives a voice to the parents of the cast members, who discuss the joys and challenges of rearing a child with IDD. Many hope their stories will encourage families in similar cir- cumstances. Best Buddies is proud to see Born This Way highlight the outgoing personalities and amazing abilities of Best Bud- dies participants like Rachel Osterbach and Sean Mcel- wee. It is our hope that this show will demonstrate to so- ciety that individuals with intellectual and developmental In December 2015, A&E Network premiered the docu-series Born disabilities are just like everyone else and must be fully This Way that chronicled the lives of people with Down syndrome. included in our communities, workplaces and lives. This program is reaffirming to those within the IDD com- For years there have only been a handful of programs munity that their lives have value and that they are capa- featuring individuals with intellectual and developmental ble of anything. The show has received rave reviews and disabilities (IDD), and even fewer programs showcasing has been renewed for a second season, and we can’t the lives and abilities of people with IDD. In 2015, the wait to see what’s next! A&E Network premiered Born This Way, a docu-series following seven young adults with Down syndrome in Southern California. These individuals have shown tre- mendous courage opening themselves up to the world and sharing their stories. 2 17th Annual Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port Raises $5.5 Million including Danny Amendola, Tedy Bruschi, Julian Edel- man, Christian Fauria, Dion Lewis, Dan Koppen, Rob Ninkovich, James White, and Scott Zolak, all joined Brady at the game; along with journalist and New Eng- land Native Maria Menounos,and actors Michael Chiklis, Greg Germann, Greg Fitzsimmons, and Jason Lewis. Guy Cooking with Best Buddies Celebrity Chef Food and Wine Festival, presented by Pepsi-Cola closed out the evening. Headlined by Fieri, the event featured more than thirty chefs from top local restaurants providing food tast- ings and complimentary wine and spirits options, and several Best Buddies sous chefs helped the pro chefs prepare delicious food for guests. On Saturday, June 4, Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port participants turned out in droves for a 100, 50, or 20 mile bike ride and laced up their running shoes for a 5K run/walk. Sev- eral of them teamed up with Best Buddies participants and competed on tandem bicycles in the “Friendship Races”, including Anthony K. Shriver, Tom Brady and his best buddy, Katie Meade. Best Buddies Global Ambassador Tom Brady and buddy participants The Challenge was capped off by a celebratory clambake during the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port. and private concert by the legendary Beach Boys, who rocked the crowd with several of their greatest hits. Dur- More than 2,500 people participated in the 17th Annu- ing the festivities, Anthony K. Shriver, Founder and Chair- al Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port, a run, walk man, Best Buddies International, encouraged guests to and cycle fundraiser from Boston to Hyannis Port, on “Sponsor a Buddy” (to attend the Best Buddies Interna- June 3-4. The Challenge raised $5.5 million in total do- tional Leadership Conference this July) through the Tom nations for Best Buddies International. Tom Brady, New Brady Football Toss. Brady tossed signed footballs to England Patriots Quarterback and Best Buddies Global guests who paid $1,500 or more for each one, giving nu- Ambassador, served as Honorary Co-Chair and led top merous buddies a chance to attend the Conference. In fundraising Team Tom Brady to the finish line. Celebrity total, the football tosses raised more than $100,000 at Chef Guy Fieri and Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy both Friday’s celebration and Saturday’s clambake in III joined Brady as the event’s Honorary Co- Hyannis Port. During the event, Pepsi-Cola was honored Chairs. John Hailer, President & CEO of Natixis Global with the organization’s Spirit of Friendship Award. Asset Management for the Americas & Asia, served as the Event Chair. “This weekend’s Best Buddies Challenge festivities were the embodiment of the organization’s mission and it was The weekend’s festivities kicked off with the Tom Brady a pleasure to once again support such a meaningful Football Challenge and Guy Cooking with Best Buddies event, especially given how perfectly it aligns with San- Celebrity Chef Food and Wine Festival at Harvard on tander’s commitment to make a difference in the local Friday, June 3. Nearly 4,000 spectators filled the stands communities we serve,” said Michael Cleary, Head of for the event to watch Team Pepsi-Cola take on Team Consumer and Business Banking for Santander. “Team 16 Santander, all for a great cause. The game was a close Santander was thrilled to work with Tom Brady and other one, but Team Santander came out victorious with a athletes, celebrities and Buddies to put points on the final score of 52-50. During the game, Brady played board at Friday night’s Football Challenge, and to join the quarterback for Team Pepsi-Cola and Team Santander 2,500 cyclists victoriously riding into Hyannis Port in sup- alongside Best Buddies participants, supporters and port of the cause on Saturday.” special guests. Past and present New England Patriots SPRING/SUMMER| SPRING/SUMMER| 3 5th Annual Best Buddies Challenge: Miami Madari Pendas, Coordinator, Communications, Best Buddies International The cyclists took off from Marlins Park and rapidly made their way onto the road, peddling into the cool Miami winds. The riders were escorted by police vehicles in a closed peloton. The sixty-two mile ride provided some of the most scenic views Miami has to offer, beginning along the Miami River and heading through the bustling downtown Miami area. The first pit stop was at Museum Park across from the Perez Art Museum. The riders where greeted by cheering buddies and volunteers as they arrived. After recharging, the riders took off once again cruising through the breathtaking waterfronts of Biscayne Bay, South Beach, Key Biscayne, and the classical architec- ture of Coral Gables. The riders returned to Marlins Park where the ride concluded. Shriver once again thanked the riders for their commit- ment and generosity to Best Buddies. The cyclists changed and prepared for the Best Buddies Miami Gala, where they would get to celebrate the day’s accomplish- ments and receive medals for their efforts. Anthony K. Shriver and Miami Challenge riders recharging at the first rest stop. The 5th Annual Best Buddies Challenge: Miami began bright and early in Marlins Park. The cyclists filled the stadium and changed into their Best Buddies embossed biking jerseys and bib shorts. The riders lined up near the dugout as they prepared for the opening ceremonies. An- thony K. Shriver, Best Buddies International Founder and Chairman, began the event with an encouraging speech. Shriver welcomed the cyclists, who each fundraised a minimum of $10,000 for Best Buddies. The riders were commended for their dedication and generosity; and for supporting the Best Buddies mission of one-to-one friend- ships, integrated employment, and leadership develop- ment. The opening ceremonies concluded with a beautiful rendi- tion of the National Anthem by Marlana Vanhoose, who has performed at the Best Buddies Leadership Confer- ence and the Miami Gala. 16 Riders cycling sixty-two miles through the city of Miami. SPRING/SUMMER| SPRING/SUMMER| 4 19th Annual Best Buddies Miami Gala Madari Pendas, Coordinator, Communications, Best Buddies International The much anticipated 2015 Best Buddies Miami Gala began with a fabulous cocktail hour in the Ice Palace Stu- dios in Wynwood. As guest arrived they were ushered down the red carpet to the music of a live marching band. The theme was “Back to School,” which celebrated the volunteer student movement, and paid homage to the first Best Buddies school chapter that began in Georgetown University. The Gala began with a silent auction that featured price- less works of art and collectible memorabilia, such as a signed Tom Brady Patriot’s Jersey and Romero Britto artwork. Many celebrities were in attendance and spoke about their involvement with Best Buddies. Actors Verne Troyer, Jason Lewis and Vivica A. Fox described how they first learned about Best Buddies and their current contribu- tions to the organization. Miami Challenge riders celebrating their accomplishments at the After the cocktail reception the guest took their seats and Miami Gala. listened to moving speeches by Best Buddies Global Am- bassadors Charles Calhoun and Molly Wiseman. After- wards, Marlana Vanhoose performed a lovely medley of pop-star Adele’s biggest hits. In a surprising and captivating moment Best Buddies Global Ambassador Romero Britto presented Steve Aoki with a custom portrait. The immense painting was done in Britto’s famous Pop-Art style, and garnered huge ap- plause from the rapt audience. The momentum continued as NBA legend Alonzo Mourn- ing autographed basketballs and Anthony K. Shriver auc- tioned them off to the guests in the audience. The exciting evening concluded with a performance by Best Buddies Global Ambassador and DJ Steve Aoki.