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 people with Down syndrome. These figures are disheartening because many studies have proven that people with disabilities can work successfully and bring a myriad of benefits 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 society 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 tremendous courage opening themselves up to the world and sharing their stories. 2 SPRING/SUMMER| 16 Port Raises $5.5 Million Port Raises$5.5Million 17th Annual special guests. Past and present New England Patriots Patriots England New present and Past guests. special and supporters participants, Best Buddies alongside Santander Team and Pepsi-Cola Team for quarterback played Brady game, the During 52-50. of score final with a outvictorious came Santander but Team one, was aclose game The great cause. a for all Santander, Team on take Pepsi-Cola Team watch to theevent for stands the filled spectators 4,000 Nearly 3. June Friday, Festival Wine and Food Chef Celebrity Challenge Football withthe off kicked festivities weekend’s The the Event Chair. as served &Asia, Americas the for Management Asset Global Natixis of & CEO President Hailer, John Chairs. Co- Honorary event’s asthe Brady joined III Kennedy JosephP. Congressman and GuyChef Fieri Celebrity line. finish tothe Brady Tom Team fundraising top led and Co-Chair as Honorary served Ambassador, Global andBestBuddies Quarterback Patriots England Brady, New Tom International. Buddies Best for nations June The 3-4. Port, on Boston Hyannis to from fundraiser and cycle al Annu- 17th in the participated people 2,500 More than Best Global Buddies Ambassador Best andbuddyparticipants Tom Brady Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port Hyannis Challenge: Buddies Best during the during the Challenge Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port. Hyannis Port. Best Challenge: Buddies and and Guy Cooking with Best Buddies Buddies Best with Guy Cooking raised $5.5 million in total do- intotal million $5.5 raised Best BuddiesChallenge:Hyannis at Harvard on on at Harvard , a run, walk walk arun, , Tom Brady 4, 4, June OnSaturday, guests. for food delicious prepare several Best Buddies souschefs helped the pro chefs and options, spirits and wine complimentary and ings tast- food providing toplocal restaurants from chefs thirty than more event featured the Fieri, by Headlined evening. Festival Wine and Food Chef Celebrity Buddies Best with Guy Cooking Lewis. Jason and Greg Fitzsimmons, GregGermann, Chiklis, Michael actors Menounos,and Maria Native land Eng- New and journalist with along game; the at Brady joined all Zolak, Scott and James White, Ninkovich, Rob Koppen, Dan Lewis, Dion Fauria, Christian man, Edel- Julian Bruschi, Tedy Amendola, Danny including Saturday.” on thecause port of sup- in Port intoHyannis riding victoriously cyclists 2,500 the tojoin and Challenge, Football night’s at Friday board the on points toput Buddies and celebrities athletes, other Brady and with Tom work to was thrilled Santander “Team Santander. for Banking andBusiness Consumer of Head Cleary, saidMichael we serve,” communities local in the adifference tomake commitment tander’s pe given how especially event, ameaningful such onceagain support a pleasure to was it and mission organization’s the of the embodiment weekend’s“This BuddiesBest Challenge festivitieswere Award. Friendship of Spirit organization’s the with honored was Pepsi-Cola event, the During Port. Hyannis in clambake Saturday’s and celebration both Friday’s at than $100,000 tossesraisedmore football the total, In Conference. the attend to chance buddiesa merous nu- giving eachone, for more or $1,500 who paid guests to footballs Brady tossedsigned Toss. Football Brady Tom the this July) through Conference Leadership tional Interna- BestBuddies the attend (to a Buddy” “Sponsor to guests encouraged International, Best Buddies man, Chair- and Founder K. Shriver, Anthony the festivities, ing with several thecrowd rocked who Boys, Beach legendary the by private concert and by clambake celebratory off a was capped Challenge The Meade. Katie buddy, best Races”, includingAnthony Brady K. Shriver, his Tom and “Friendship in the bicycles on tandem and competed with up teamed them eral of Sev- a5Krun/walk. for shoes running their up laced and a100, for droves in out turned

Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port Hyannis Challenge: Best Buddies , presented by Pepsi-Cola closed out the the out closed Pepsi-Cola by presented , Best Buddies participants BestBuddies participants 50, or 20 mile bike ride bike 20 mile or 50, of their greatest hits. Dur- hits. greatest their of rfectly it withSan- aligns participants participants 3 SPRING/SUMMER| 16 ence ence atthe performed has tion of the of tion rendi- beautiful a with concluded ceremonies opening The ment. develop- leadership and employment, integrated ships, friend- one-to-one of mission Buddies Best the supporting for and generosity; and dedication their for commended were riders Buddies. The Best $10,000 for of minimum a fundraised who each thecyclists, welcomed Shriver with event the began Chairman, and Founder International Buddies Best Shriver, K. thony fo prepared asthey dugout shorts. bib and jerseys biking embossed Buddies Best their into andchanged stadium the filled cyclists The Park. Marlins in early and bright The 5th Annual 5thAnnual The Madari Pendas, Coordinator, Communications, Best Buddies International 5th Annual and the the and Anthony K. and K. Shriver Anthony National Anthem Miami Gala Best Buddies Challenge: Miami Miami Challenge: Buddies Best recharging at the first rest stop. Best Buddies Leadership Confer- Leadership Buddies Best . . r the opening ceremonies. An- ceremonies. r theopening Best BuddiesChallenge:Miami by Marlana Vanhoose, who who Vanhoose, by Marlana Miami Challenge Miami Challenge The riders lined up near the near the up lined riders The an encouraging speech. speech. encouraging an riders riders began began ments and receive medals for their efforts. efforts. their for andreceive medals ments accomplish- day’s the tocelebrate would get where they the for prepared and changed cyclists The Buddies. Best to andgenerosity ment their commit- for theriders thanked again once Shriver concluded. ride where the Park Marlins to returned riders The Gables. Coral ture of architec- classical the and Biscayne, Key Beach, South Bay, Biscayne of waterfronts breathtaking the through cruising again once off took riders recharging,the After arrived. asthey volunteers and buddies cheering by where greeted riders The Museum. Art Perez the across Park from was atMuseum pit first stop The area. Miami downtown bustling the through heading and River Miami the along beginning tooffer, has Miami views scenic themost of some provided ride mile sixty-two The peloton. closed a in vehicles police by escorted were riders The winds. Miami cool the into peddling road, the onto way their made andrapidly Marlins Park from off cyclists took The R iders cycling sixty-two miles through the city of Miami. through the sixty-two cycling city miles iders Best Buddies Miami Gala Miami Best Buddies

, 4 SPRING/SUMMER | 16

DJ Steve Aoki performing at theirthe at accomplishments

Miami Gala.

Miami Gala. Miami the 2015 Miami ChallengeMiami riders celebrating Best Buddies Global Ambassador and Miami Gala Best Buddies Miami Gala Miami Buddies Best

Gala. Gala.

Themuch anticipated 2015 Best Buddies began with a fabulous cocktail hour in the Ice Palace Stu- Wynwood. dios in As guest arrived they were ushered down the red carpet to the music of a live marching band. The theme “Back was to School,” which celebrated the volunteer student movement, and paid homage to the first Best Buddies school chapter that began in Georgetown University. The began Gala with a silent auction that featured priceless works of memorabilia, collectible art and such as a signed Tom Patriot’s and Brady Jersey 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 their and current contribu- totions the organization. After the cocktail reception the guest took seats their and listened to moving speeches by Best Buddies Global Am- bassadors Charles Calhoun andWiseman. Molly 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 The portrait. 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 auctioned them off to the guests the in audience. The exciting evening concluded a with performance by Best Buddies Global Ambassador and DJ Steve Aoki. The guest and volunteers danced and celebrated another successful 19th Annual Annual 19th International Buddies Best Communications, Coordinator, Pendas, Madari 5 SPRING/SUMMER| 16 present. pastand country music, of best the celebrates that institution a legendary into hall thisconcert transformed atmosphere family Opry.” The Ole theGrand of part being of andambitions dreams asm “As Brooke. said Cline,” Patsy and McEnire Reba GeorgeStrait, Rimes, LeAnn are singers andmy favorite music country on “I grew up job. the for person perfect the found had they because cited ex- were so Staff, Jobs Tennessee Buddies Best an, the Bri- and Laura passion. and skills her combine would that one opening, job sharedapotential staff theJobs’ home, their at meeting After Brooke. said aboutmyself,” them told and house at my Brian and Laura Imet Soon, jobs. find friendsand make people helped they I that and dad my told Kristen, buddy, best Her party. birthday Olivia’s friend was atmy Buddies Best Iheardof time first “The in. tofit daughter his wasfor wanted most dad Brooke’s What Buddies. Best of heard never shehad Abbott, Steve 20 of summer the in Tennessee moved Abbott Brooke When Brian McNulty, Employment Consul Best BuddiesJobsParticipant:Brooke Abbott Best Buddies Jobs participant Brooke a participant Jobs Brooke Buddies Best from Alabama to Nashville, toNashville, Alabama from all town Alabama girl, I had Ihad girl, Alabama all town 15 to live with her father, her father, with live 15 to tant, Best Buddies Tennessee ssisting customers atthe Grandcustomers OleOpry. ssisting made!” have I friendships Ilovethe and very is rewarding worker as a to contribute able Being Opry family. the into way earningmy Iam like feel me also makes paycheck “The would want my job. people how many Iknow because Opry sorewarding is the from paycheck a Receiving atmosphere. the family Ienjoy and independent more feel me makes the Opry at “My job undeniable. is life Brooke’s on had has position new her theOpry and impact the months, quick In three her uniform. up picking and tour a backstage getting before rules and history Opry’s the about learned coach job andher Brooke orientation, At 2015. in October Ol a Grand startedas Brooke aposition!” me offered the Opry because job their did Buddies Best And fun. and fulfilling to promised and true passions my recognized They atmosphere. afamily ajobwith for was looking but service, infood working experience “I had boss. current my is who Shonci, with our interview for prepared and goals set aresume, Imade and coach Brooke Opry. Ole Grand at the hostess concessions ajobas for apply to like would she if asked Brian and Laura meeting, Brooke’s of end At the e Opry concessions hostess

help me find a job that was that ajob find me help couldn’t believe it. “My job job it. “My believe couldn’t 6 SPRING/SUMMER | 16

was hired in October 2015 by was a 2015 graduate of our Project SEARCH SEARCH of our Project graduate 2015 a was was the first Project SEARCH Intern of the of the Intern SEARCH first Project the was was a 2014 graduate of Project SEARCH, who KeyonSykes atday busy Staples prepares for the Center. a a 2015 graduate of Project SEARCH was hired at pulling orders. Brandon program. dreamHis to work was the food in industry. Whiletheinterning Kaiser at Permanente Hospital. Bran- don received foodhis handler’s certificate. After many interviews with local restaurants, Brandon was able to offeredinterviewposi-and Restaurants Levy with a was tion working in food concessions at the Stub Hub Center, in February 2016. Tala Ross Dress for 2015. Less Tala in is a vibrant and social young woman,in workingthewho excels public. with Af- ter a three month period of employment, she dissat- was isfied herwith position and was hired by Levy Restau- rants. Evan upon completion of rotation his in gastroenterology, was immediately hired for a part-time position. Evan came to us in late 2015 to discuss looking for employment outside the hospital which could provide more hours. Evan’s re- cent job with Stub Hub, provided him with a new part-time position allowing him to also keep his job at Kaiser Hospi- tal. Keyon 2016 class to be hired. He the Staples Center in Los Angeles, as part of the event team.crew position requires him His to set up for the LA Lakers, Clippers, and the Kings hockeyice team. In addi- sets the Keyon tion, floors for concerts and most recently, the Grammy Awards. ThisKeyon’s is truly dream job.

President, Global Mission, State Development and Operations and Development State Mission, Global President, was hired in in hired was Sean November 2015 by DASCO Engineering, a leader in the machining com- of and assembly structural compo-plex nents for a multitude of aerospace programs, located in Torrance, California He is a 2015 Project SEARCH graduate. His job duties include: helpingthe tools his with machinist in the manufacturing of stock- parts, airplane ing, and cleaning the experienceparts. His SEARCHwith Project and interningthe in Materials Management Department, gave him experience in stocking, delivering supplies and

ProjectSEARCH graduates celebrate employment. their new was a 2016 intern for Project SEARCH, whose Sean at DASCO Engineering. DASCO Sean at

Max Levy Restaurants, a food service provider for Stub Hub in California, and DASCO Engineering recently hired several Best JobsBuddies participants. Below are their stories. dream to job was work at the Stub Hub Center in Carson, California where the GalaxyLA soccer team Max plays. had experience in EnvironmentalServicesand Materials Management from Hospital. Kaiser In early February 2016, Max had the opportunity to interview with Levy Restaurants which provides the food services for Stub Hub, and was awarded the job. Max works alongside his SEARCH Project graduates.fellow

Jobs Participants Land their Dream Jobs Dream their Land Participants Jobs Vice Senior International, Buddies Best Quilleon, David 7 SPRING/SUMMER| 16 create a unique and fun workout for their trainers. This This their trainers. for workout fun and unique a create Trainer their for facility, athletic a local formance, with Nutri- joined forces Missouri also Buddies Best the participants. on cheer and up clean food, serve to helped Volunteers Services Intervention ioral Behav- the raised at funds of recipient was the Missouri Buddies Best Mission. Buddies Best the to spread helped that organizations local with several also partnered We Rams theSt.Louis for Back Running Stacy, Zac andhad participants over 300 hosted we as in April, Walk Friendship inaugural our at raised was Over $62,000 efforts. and events of variety a through in2015, $225,000 over Missouri raised Buddies Best in2016! chapters establishing of the cusp on schools several have and message the ly spread to hardlocal- work to continue We none! we had when year, over last increase infinite an is KC). This (in School High Hill andPark Avila University State University, Missouri StateUniversity, Truman University, Louis St. state—at across the existence in now chapters have five We efforts. ourfundraising with and ters chap- of formation in the advances significant we made thestate, across ourmission of awareness we increase did Notonly 2015! a fantastic had Missouri Buddies Best Kelly Quin,State Director, Best Buddies Missouri State Snapshot:BestBuddiesMissouri Best Buddies Missouri participants at Friendship at their participants Missouri Buddies Walk. Best event. Clients who donated money were able to to able were money donated who Clients event. (BIS) Washers Tournament. Tournament. Washers (BIS) as our honorary chair. chair. as ourhonorary

Train-the- year! year! loand future the about excited are Friendship. We of TRUE power the yet experience to have who schools 1,200 over and IDD, with in Missouri people 180,000 over are be. There to need we where yet wearen’t significant, been have efforts these allof While cause. our for over $155,000 raised event this donation, mous anony- generous toanextremely thanks and were united, friends new and Old video. promotional Buddies Best the of viewing a and inclusion of acelebration for us join people 60 over saw Family, Macon the by erously hosted gen- November, in early event Our “CheerstoFriendship” $15,000. nearly andraised Friendship Walk ourinaugural before week a occurred event high-energy Best Best Buddies Missouri walk participants. ok forward to another great great another to forward ok

8 SPRING/SUMMER | 16 campaign. campaign. th the civic, educational th educational the civic, our network and provide op- Spread the Word to End the Word Word the End to Word the Spread and corporate community. I will be forever grateful for the donations and messages of support that have poured in theover last two years. We big have plans to grow portunities for friendship and inclusion across the state. We working are currently on our strategic plan and launching seven more chapters spring. this It an is exciting time for Ohio us in and just the start of what we will do! high school this past year with a Best Buddies chapter on campus. Bud- Best our on volunteers passionate and talented Our Ohiodies Advisory Board and event committees amaze and inspireme their with generosity. I am proud and excited about the work they are doing every day to spread our mission and connect us wi

State Janettheson, DirectorOhio Callison’sSilas his of Best Buddies buddy promoting and

With tremendous support fromfamily and friends, I created the Best Buddies Expansion Board in Ohio in 2014. twoOver years workedwe together to raise the funds, community awareness and support to bring an official Best Buddies office to Ohio, and in January we officially opened! I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to serve as State Director and bring our dream of friendship and inclusion to Ohio. Even more exciting thatis began Silas When my son, Silas, was born with Down syndrome born with son, Silas, my was in When 2000, my focus turned toward the issues facingindividu- als and families impacted by intellectual and development (IDD). Indisabilities 2013, I began researching social inclusion programs that could support Silas when he reached high Despite a strong network of friends at his small school, he had few social opportunities outside of school. I quickly realized that Best Buddies was exactly manywhat parents and I were looking for and I made my mission it to bring Best Buddies to Ohio.

State Snapshot: Best Buddies Ohio Opens Ohio Buddies Best Snapshot: State Ohio Best Buddies Director, State Callison, Janet 9 SPRING/SUMMER| 16 Buddies.” “Summer hosted createdand she summer, the events over inclusive in participate to the opportunity have not may disabilities with students that realized she When community. as in the well as ties schools intheir activi- unified inhosting group leadership this leads She Tennessee. in Club Presidents the of the chair as as serving aswell summer, this past office Tennessee Buddies Best in the anintern as working the organization, in themission for her passion shares Ferguson, Haylee president, chapter The events. in disabilities without and with people include ways to new fun and offers spirit, acreative with and inclusion, of mission the exemplifies truly school at this leadership The their community. in disabilities without and with people engage ties and activi- school to several support andmonetary awareness the Word acampus-wide boasts school the atchapel, speak to invited are activities; ambassadors BestBuddies beyond goes nature inclusive school’s This mission. Buddies Best the ages through all dents of stu- with andfun development, leadership opportunities, social inclusive toshare chapter elementary an opening of process the are in and school middle in their chapter a opened they recently highschool; inBuddies their Best of mission the promoting beyond, and above gone have chapter this at leaders and students The nessee. enti an but school, their only not impacted has Nashville in Academy Road Franklin Missy Naff,Senior Program Manager, Best Buddies Tennessee State Snapshot:BestBuddies Tennessee The Best Buddies Chapter at Franklin Road Academy. Road at Chapter Academy. The Best Buddies Franklin campaign, and their fundraising efforts bring bring efforts fundraising their and campaign, re community incentral Ten- re community many different aspects of of aspects different many Spread the Word to End toEnd the Word Spread ing to change lives one friendship at a time. a time. at friendship one lives to change ing help- are truly They thinks. way acommunity the shaped re- has chapterthat promoter a is Academy Road lin Frank- involved. everyone of lives the it hason impact the and was Buddies mission Best the important how about ontheir focus not they did news, local the by was interviewed thechapter When mission. the about information with poster shirts, matching in race attendedthe members over fifty chapter pants; partici- race the to inaction mission the and showcase event joininthe to rallied Academy Road Franklin The Race inOctober. 13.1 Nashville the of beneficiary charity asthe selected was Tennessee Buddies Best when year past this evident was Haylee of and chapter this of support community The shoot. photo a and day a game screenings, movie parties, swimming tohost businesses other and YMCAs localwith the partnered chapter ly;the month- held events wide community of was aseries This Tennessee Jobs participant Jobs Tennessee school, but instead talked talked instead but school, s and a tent to share more more toshare tent s anda Ryan receiving an award. Ryan anaward. receiving 10 SPRING/SUMMER | 16 with unique needs feel like Studentscomputersthesoftwaretheir for adapted e-buddies. using at result theresult students have become proficient at independently creating properly formatted e-mails and navi- gating the e-mail process. The students also improve theirsocial communication skills through their e-mail ex- changes. “Many of our students have knowing difficulty tohow initi- ate conversations and keep them going smallwith talk, shared interests... etc. theBy end of the school year, most have shown dramatic improvement doing in so through emails to their e-Buddies,and we oftensee them utilize this new skill in person-to-person conversations at as said Ms. Carlson.school well,” “The changes in their writing and interpersonal skills from the beginning of the school toyear the end of the school year always amazes us!” Explained Ms. Carlson. relation- foster social positive “Programs e-Buddies like makes It ships. students our they a part of a group.” Mr. Smith said. “They are learning about people from over the all United States and recog- thenizing day-to-day differences among students from different places. “It helps them to recognize that people are different and makeyet We connections. social are so thankful we've had the opportunity to participate in the program for this long and look forward to continuing ourparticipation in the future,” concluded Mr. Smith.

m curriculum and that as a Studentstheir to e-Buddies.to ready and excited write

e-Buddies: Online in MinnesotaOnline e-Buddies: International Buddies Best Manager, Projects Wolford, Special Liz Not only does e-Buddies create friendships between two mightpeople who not normallytheopportunity have to exchange e-mails but it also serves as a fun toway learn and develop skills. Ms. Carlson and Mr. Smith feel that e-Buddies is an important part of classroo their Ms. Carlson and Mr. Smith explained that they decided to become in e-Buddies involved because, “we feel this is a fantastic opportunity for many reasons, most notably that allowsit our students to make a different kind of connec- tion in the general education setting. They truly look for- to emailingward their e-Buddy every week!” Kelly Carlson and Eric Smith at Kenwood Trail Middle School in Lakeville, Minnesota, have incorporated e- Buddies into their classroom Septembersince 2004. Individuals with intellectualdevelopmental or disabilities (IDD) can either join e-Buddies independently or as part of a group, such as a school or Weagency. are fortunate to have many active groups in e-Buddies. 11 SPRING/SUMMER| 16 One such chapter, Nova Southeastern University (NSU), University (NSU), Southeastern Nova One suchchapter, speech. everyday word intheir tosign people petition and communities and their schools toeducate events planned Acrossguage. theBuddies Best country chapters (retard(ed)) the"R-word" of use derogatory the eliminating on focuses campaign The paign. the for together rally and supporters participants Olympics Special and yearEachon inMarch,BestBuddies the first Wednesday Stefania Tattoli, Program Manager, Scho Spread theWord Spotlight End the World Students atNova Southeastern University Best Floridaparticipants Buddies during the Best Spread the Word to End the Word month. month. Word the End to Word the Spread campaign. Spread the Word to End the Word the toEnd Word Word the Spread a pledge to stop using the R- the using stop to a pledge and promoting respectful lan- respectful promoting and Spreading the to Word ol Friendship, Best Buddies Florida cam- and inclusive of all people! people! all of inclusive and respectful more oncampus language the made chapter NSU the language, marginalizing eradicating of sion mis- the andsharing awareness raising of week a After pairs. buddy between friendship of excitement the to share agame hosted Team Basketball Men's NSU the Finally, Mission. Buddies Best the supporting while treats, tasty toenjoy whole campus the for fundraiser food carnival-style with a week the ended members NSU was laterdisplayed. that a banner signing by pledge the totake wereencouraged Members R-word. the use of the ending of importance the about speech a shared Ambassador, Global Buddies Best a Money” Dozier, “Big Demetrius R-word. the toend commitment seetheir to everyone for Center University in the pictures the displayed They pledge. their and share photo a to snap the opportunity members gave campaign picture their Afterwards, r-word. the notusing of portance to spotlight Theyused this language. derogatory cating eradi- of gesture asymbolic it; all over written the R-word had that a banner turnsshredding took where attendees off celebration with akick week the chapterstarted The Word. the toEnd Word the Spread events of for week entire an hosted Florida, in Davie, Students at Nova SouthEastern University pledging end University use ofto the at Nova SouthEastern Students the R-word. educate people about the im- the about people educate 12 SPRING/SUMMER | 16 The employees of Asurion celebrating an inclusive work force. force. work inclusive an celebrating of Asurion The employees Asan Administrative Assistant in Asurion’s Human Re- sources Department, Carolyn cherishes her part-time schedule and the relationships she has developed amongst her colleagues. “I like that my difference doesn’t stand out and that I am recognized as part of a team.” has She developed com- puter, e-mail and scanning skills along with expanding her intrapersonal and social abilities. “I have a passion in my heart to work hard.” administrative assistant at Asurion. at Asurion. assistant administrative Best Buddies Jobs participant Carolyn Meyers, human resources human resources Meyers, Carolyn participant Jobs Best Buddies

the chattering keyboards, obs Employment Consultant Consultant obs Employment

From the ringing phones to working in an office setting always appealed to Carolyn Meyer. “When ten I was yearsI had old, the opportunity to go into my dad’s office,” Carolyn. said “Playing games was boring, so he let me play on the phones and shred paper. “That the most was funme.” for for Luckily newly estab- lished Best Buddies Tennessee Jobs Program, an administrative assistant position at Asurion became available and they had the perfect candidate. Carolyn held her previous job for eight years, but in her own words “knew she needed a transition to help her con- Workingtinue to grow.” an in office her passion, was but she soon realized the administrative field competitive is and bita overwhelming. As a Best Buddies Ambassador, she was familiar with the friendship and advocacy programs, so she decided to thegive Jobs program a chance. Carolyn says “Best Bud- dies Jobs provided me with the maturity and skills I needed to improve my self-esteem through interview practice, one-to-one job coaching and guiding me through training processes.”

Jobs Spotlight: Carolyn Meyer Carolyn Spotlight: Jobs J TN Nashville, Brian McNulty, 13 SPRING/SUMMER| 16 Best Buddies Brazil, Best Best Bu Brazil, Buddies Best from efforts by similar followed theprogram, implement wasBuddies Best In2013, Peru thesecondcountry to area. in the Program theJobs of expansion the promoting by presence Buddies’ Best strengthen to decided region American Latin the internationally, diversity workforce of landscape the changing for potential the seeing After Colombia.. in cities in twenty-seven companies over fifty of workforce the inside placed successfully been have (IDD) disabilities developmental and intellectual with uals individ- over 500 then, Since inclusion. and view diversity corporations Colombian way the change overand model the bring to decided Colombia Buddies Best ed States BuddiesBestUnit- inemploymentthe outby carried Jobs supported of model progressive the by inspired In 2005, Gustavo Soriano, AreaDirector, Latin America, Best Buddies International International Programs:JobsinLatin America Best Best Buddies Colombia Jobs participant, Jose Antonio Quijano Baez, stops for a photo during his workday at Juan Valdez. aphoto workday Valdez. duringhis for at stops Juan ddies Mexico, and more re- ddies Mexico, and more Best Buddies in the region. region. in the Buddies Best of mission the carrying tocontinue working Argentina, and in Bolivia program the launch to we expect 2017, By society. to useful feel and skills new develop to ourparticipants of desire the and institutions, parents and of commitment theclear businesses, of and credibility by trust the marked been has America inLatin Our story experience. employment positive a foster to needed and training support ongoing the ceive orga their within ent countries differ- in toplacecandidates BestBuddies with partnering now are businesses multinational that sopositive been has companies of culture organizational in the impact The community. the in others alongside work and taxes, pay income, an earn to participants tries, allowing coun- American Latin the five throughout five companies seventy- inover jobs integrated well as as positions; tive in competi- disabilities developmental and intellectual with participants 600 hasplacedover program datethe To cently Best Buddies Chile. Flavia Conde Fernandes onher works Flavia CondeFernandes ofGomes Best Brazil, Buddies job skills at Hyattthe Hotel, Sao Paulo. nization. In return, they re- return, In nization. 14 SPRING/SUMMER | 16 to see how Best Buddies Buddies Best how see to A, Best Buddies Philippines’ am, the PSA would not have here Philippines’ is promoting respectful language throughout the country and to watch their PSA! Team members from Best Buddies Philippines Philippines worked Buddies membersTeamfrom Best on thetirelessly PSA script toand gain support from local celebrities couldwho lend their names and talents to this cause.worthy Things started really to move forward when Beth Frondo- so, Head of Media and Production at Rappler, a Philip- basednewspines website, the heard about PSA. Beth volunteered to take a look at the script and offered studio time forfilming. Soon after, Best Buddies Philippines’ Ambassadors, par- andticipants supporters were hard at work the studio. in Without the help of Maria Ressa, CEO of Rappler, Beth Frondoso, and the Rappler te been possible. Because of the support of Rappler and the talentlocal featuredin the PS was able to bring their vision to life. Visit their Facebook page . ipants are all smiles on the green screenfilmingthetheirsmiles PSA. the during of ipants are all on & Special Projects, Best Buddies International International Buddies Best Projects, & Special the Philippines; and pro- SpreadWord the Word to End the

Best Buddies Philippines’ staff and partic staff and Philippines’ Buddies Best

Best Buddies Philippines’ participants. participants. Philippines’ Buddies Best

motion continued throughout March in celebration of Best and Month Buddies Best Buddies Philippines created a lot of buzz with their endadvocating PSA,new hurtful to language towards people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The PSA releasedwas in February in honor of Down syndrome Consciousness Month in

International Programs: Best Buddies Philippines Philippines Buddies Best Programs: International Director,Programs International Rihl, Deputy Diana

15 SPRING/SUMMER| 16 Best Buddies’ Global Ambassador in Russia. Participants Participants Russia. in Ambassador Global Buddies’ Best Chistyakova-Ionova), (Natalya Gluk’oza sensation -star pop Russian of arrival was the theevening of point A high dancing. of night a for ready everyone got and crowd the energized They Moscow. in school dance biggest the 9Halls, from tors instruc- featuring class wasZumba a agenda the Next on ornaments. holiday make to sculpting and weaving suchas techniques tional tradi- used Participants artists. volunteer by led classes crafting master of variety with a festivities began The residence. Moscow official dors Ambassa- the House, Spaso tothe participants Buddies Best over400 welcomed F.Tefft, John sador toRussia, Ambas- States’ United The remember! wasnight to a tion Year’s Celebra- New Annual 4th Russia’s Buddies Best Diana DeputyRihl, International Programs Director, International Programs:Russia’sNew Year U.S. Ambassador to Russia, Ambassador andJohn F. U.S. Tefft Russia Best Buddies participant, Vlad Sidtikov.participant, & Special Projects, Best Buddies International remember Best Buddiesfor Russia. remember to night a Celebration Year’s New Annual the4th made certainly guests, many special of the support with bined com- Tefft, Ambassador from welcome warm The Voice.” on “The featured band Russian apopular Kamerger, Radio by performance with a up wrapped evening The with her. floor dance the and share Gluk’oza to meet were thrilled Russian pop-star Gluk’oza dances with during buddies the New Best Buddies Russia participants learning Zumba. Year’s celebrations. 16 SPRING/SUMMER | 16 Potter, and Cindy Crawford. Crawford. and Cindy Potter, Bottom: Best Buddies Global Ambassador Nancy O’Dell Nancy Ambassador Global Buddies Best Bottom: Top: Anthony K. Shriver and guest at the De at the Re Gallery. Shriver K. and guest Top: Anthony Middle: Best Buddies Global Ambassadors Nancy O’Dell, Lauren O’Dell, Nancy Ambassadors Global Buddies Best Middle: ABC 7 ABC , and The Walking Walking The Entertainment To- Herb Ritts, Bruce Weber,Herb Ritts, Bruce Entertainment Tonight , West Hollywood, California. California. Hollywood, West event was hosted by

Best Buddies Art of Friendship event in event Friendship of Art Best Buddies

Good Day LA Day Good Nancy O’Dell, and Actress Lauren Potter, who are

, among others.

Event Spotlight: Art of FriendshipArt Spotlight: Event International Buddies Best Development, Sponsor & Communications Manager, Senior Maddox, Nicole On Thursday, March 3, Best Buddies hosted its “Art of Friendship” Benefit Photo Auction the at De Re Gallery in West Hollywood. The photographic artwork donated to the Best Buddies Collection was auctioned off that evening, raising funds to support the organization’s mission of friendship and social inclusion for people IDD.with The Art of Friendship night’s night’s both Best Buddies Global Ambassadors. The also festivities included food, signature cocktails provided by Casamigos Tequila, merriment, and most of all, friendship. Photographs by world-renowned and emerging photographers including Arthur Elgot, Martin Schoeller, Nick Brandt, and Greg Gorman, among others, were all on display for auction. In total, over thirty-five pieces of artwork sold and was more than $50,000 raised. was “We fortu- are incredibly nate to have such talented artists supporting the Best Buddies mission through their inspiring works of art,” says Anthony K. Shriver, Founder and Chairman of Best Bud- International.dies “Through this auction and the beauty of art, arewe em- powering individuals IDDwith and helping them secure rewarding jobs, live independently, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friends. This event a hugewas success and brought together some of Hollywood’s mostnotable celebrities and Best Buddies supporters including Supermodel Cindy Craw- ford and Actors Jason Lewis, Lauren Potter, Kelly Hu, and Michael Cudlitz from the hit TV show, Dead. The also event coveredwas by several media outlets including News 17 SPRING/SUMMER| 16 life. life. her in had has she opportunities positive the given been have not would she community that without and people, aneighbor to similar community a is like Buddies Best that expressed activities. Gabriele afterschool wellbeyond extends friendship their However, Program. Friendship BestBuddies the for gratitude and passion their voiced and their experiences of some shared students day. Both everyother each support they how and their friendship about crowd toacaptivated spoke Christina and Gabriele community. disabilities the facing lenges chal- and progress the about speak leaders local ten to tolis- came D.C. residents and Virginia of hundreds and Side,” by “Side was celebration year’s this of theme The D.C. in Washington, Celebration Month Awareness Disabilities Annual the at speech inspiring an Bastin gave Gabriele and Burnley Christina pair buddy 29, On March Alex Capobianco, Program Manager, Best Buddies Capital Region Buddy PairSpotlight:Christina&Gabriele Buddy PairChristina Burnley and Ga for Disability Awareness Month. Month. Awareness Disability for briele Bastin in Washington D.C. hood filled with supportive with supportive filled hood life.” life.” my therestof for have will who I friends make me helped it importantly most and ajob, get me helped it has school, in me helped has it and Buddies, Best is My community I am. who for me accepts my community because community ed inmy support- very “Ifeel by stating concluded She day! some shelves on store hernovel for look to audience urged the and fiction, writing for passion her shared also Gabriele lives. their improved has friendship their abouthow tandem in spoke as they thenight of theme the embodied Gabriele and Christina Buddy Pair Christina Pair andGabriele Buddy spending together. time 18 SPRING/SUMMER | 16 Best Buddies Leadership Conference. BestBuddies Challenge: Hearst Castle. Best Buddies Friendship Walk: Walk: Capital Best Buddies Friendship Region.

chaired by by chaired and concludes and (Continued19) on page l Events, Best Buddies International Buddies Best l Events, le with intellectual and onals from throughout the fromthroughout onals (IDD). Open to all ages and and ages all (IDD). Open to movement that supports inclu- that supports movement welcomes nearly 2,000 lead- nearly welcomes

the Capital Region Walkhas the ener- Region the Capital is a 100, 62, 30, or 15-mile cycling adven- , Conference MariaShriver VIP Reception

Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle,

uly 22-25, 2016 Scott Tracy, Vice President, Specia President, Vice Scott Tracy, Washington, DistrictColumbia of and Leesburg, Virginia Re- Walk:Capital Friendship Buddies Best The 2016 social is a powerful gion for peop acceptance sion and October 15, 2016 15, October Walk: Best Buddies Friendship Capital Region disabilities developmental athletic abilities, athletic Best as more than 2,000 gathering family of a big gy intel- and without with participants, program Buddies friend- to promote side-by-side walk disabilities lectual inclusion. community ship and Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle Castle Hearst Best Buddies Challenge: 2016 10, September Carmel & San Simeon, California The Maria Shriver ture alongthe Pacific Coast Highway, from Carmel to the renowned Hearst Castle in San Simeon, anwith optional run/walk5K by Olympian led Carl Lewis. The event kicks- the with off

world to a four-day conference that prepares students students prepares that conference a four-day to world the up- in chapters Buddies Best to lead successful year. coming This annual annual This Bloomington, Indiana Best Buddies Leadership Conference Conference Leadership Best Buddies J with celebrity tandem races, a festive barbeque, and private concert atHearst Ranch.

ers with and without intellectual and developmental and developmental intellectual without and with ers and programs eight Buddies’ Best from disabilities staff professi 150 than more

National Events Events National 19 SPRING/SUMMER | 16 Miami Gala. Gala. Miami dies Dallas Gala. Gala. dies Dallas Best Buddies Palm Beach Beach Gala. Best Buddies Palm Olivia Jordan at the 2015 Olivia Jordan at

Miss Teen USA KatherineActorVerneMissTeen USA Troyer, USA Haik, and Miss Best Buddies Global Ambassador Charles Bud- Best AmbassadorBestBuddies Calhoun at the Global

as Gala: Gala: as l Events, Best Buddies International Buddies Best l Events, is a spectacular event event a spectacular is notch auction, and dazzling and dazzling notch auction, able celebrities, athletic athletic able celebrities,

is a unique event, featuring a featuring event, unique is a

is an incredible event, featuring a featuring event, incredible is an

Palm Beach Beach Gala Palm Best Buddies Miami Gala Miami Buddies Best Dallas Gala Dallas Annual Best Buddies Dall Best Annual

th Scott Tracy, Vice President, Specia President, Vice Scott Tracy, Miami, Florida

Club Colette, Palm Beach, Florida The Best Buddies Palm Beach Gala Beach Best Buddies Palm 2016 December 16,

and auctions, and silent live exclusive dinner, gourmet as serve will and Freitas Mark Mary concert. a private Best supports which the event, of Chairs Honorary endeavors. national Buddies’ entertainment entertainment The developmental and intellectual with people supporting 800 more than year, Each the world. around disabilities attend this guests international and local prominent not including event, elegant superstars, and incredible performers. Guests will Guests will performers. incredible and superstars, enjoy- while Best Buddies to celebrate gather in Miami a top- dinner, ing a gourmet Best Buddies Miami Gala: Best Buddies Miami 2016 18, November in Texas. in Texas. Dallas, Texas The 8 2016 5, November National Events Events National gourmet dinner, live and silent auctions, and a private a private and auctions, and silent live dinner, gourmet Honorary as serving Rich & Jeff Jan with concert, endeavors Buddies Best support to help Chairs 20 SPRING/SUMMER | 16 was Best was . Becoming campaign. campaign. Fearless is another one of our most Fearless Fearless mero Britto, a long-time sup- Celebrity Apprentice Apprentice Celebrity Beauty & Pin-ups’ Best Buddies Miami Gala Miami Gala Buddies Best

Best Buddies Global Ambassador KatieBestAmbassadorBuddies Meade’s Global photoshoot for Pop-Artist Romero Britto surprising Steve Aoki with a custom portrait. portrait. custom a with Aoki Steve surprising Britto Romero Pop-Artist The The star-studded events, with elegant décor, priceless auction items and the presence of someof Miami’s most notable residents and celebrities. Ro porter of Best Buddies auctioned off several paintings and statues, and thrilled the audience awith custom of portrait DJ Steve Aoki. Former Miami player Heat Alonzo Mourn- signeding a myriad of basketballs; A. Fox, Vivica Actress whose charity of choice on spoke mediaBuddies, the with about the Best Buddies Mission; and the evening concluded with an upbeat set by Best Buddies Global Ambassador and DJ Steve Aoki. In April, Katie Meade, Best Buddies Global Ambassador and Tom buddy, Brady’s was featured as the new spokesmodel for Beauty & Pin-ups’ the first woman with Down syndrome to be featured in a major beauty campaign. fame, are are fame,

Miami Gala. Gala. Miami Total Divas Divas Total and WWE Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle. Hearst Challenge: Buddies Best Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle at WWE & Total Diva stars Nikki and Brie Bella Bella Brie and Nikki stars Diva & Total WWE auctioningsigned off basketballs the at

Anthony AlonzoShriver Heat Mourning and Miami K. legend

Nikkiand Brie Bella,of Some of our most and fervent supporters vocal are celebrities, who use their status to bring attention to our mission and work. Many volunteer their time filming by PSAs for to us, tweeting their fan base about Best Buddies, and bringing publicity toWe our events. are so thankful for supporttheir and would like to highlight some of this year’s biggest advocates. event. And in February their show followed crew reality them as they attended a Best Buddies event hosted by Maria Shriver. They were inspired by Maria’s enthusiasm and left galvanized to help more people. extremely passionateextremely abouthelping individuals intel- with lectual and developmental disabilities. Nikkimen- has tioned that throughout her wrestling career she has met many fans with IDD. In September 2015 the Bella Twins attended the

Celebrity SpotlightCelebrity International Buddies Best Communications, Coordinator, Pendas, Madari 21 SPRING/SUMMER| 16 yond! be- and it above took Region Capital the awareness, to spread events inorder world hosted the around Buddies chapters Best speech. While in everyday the toeliminate works that the Word toEnd Word the of beginning the marked 2016 2, March Alex Capobianco, Program Manager, Sponsor Relations, Best Buddies International Spread theWord toEnd theWord During March we encourage respectful, people-first language. people-first weDuring March respectful, encourage Best Buddy participants in Capital Region the spread participants Buddy Best campaign,a social movement use of the word "retard(ed)" "retard(ed)" word the use of Spread the the Spread ing awareness about the hurtfulness of the R’-word. abouting awareness ofthe the R’-word. hurtfulness 'respect.' 'respect.' it standsfor time this but 'R-word,' a new adopted have school ather students that expressed even She minded. open more feeling auditorium the left students that and body, student onthe impact a huge had event the that plained Pr Chapter Wilson Woodrow morning! the next radio the on played he which the toEnd Word," the Word "Spread screaming HS chapter Yorktown entire orded the most memorable moments waswhen Tommy McFly rec- the of disabilities. One developmental and intellectual with those for respect importantly, most and ceptance, ac- unity, promoting tostart and R-word the using to stop pledging banners signed members faculty and Students theR-word. of impact aging dam- the about event at each spoke pairs, buddy several with along Tommy, crowd! the up pumped McFly Tommy while pizza with free students of thousands supplied ously gener- Buddies, Best supporterof long-time a do Pizza, Le- success! was amajor event each and were selected, School High Wilson and Woodrow School, town High York- School, High Oakton McFly! Tommy Radio Host FM Fresh 94.7 by appearance guest a special with Pizza, signing banner school-wide host to opportunity the were given schools high Three events sponsored by Ledo Ledo by events sponsored esident Erin ex- Doherty Erin esident 22 SPRING/SUMMER | 16

ami Senior High where I was officially matched in the school friendship program with my buddy, Tanya. Tanya and I quicklyfound lots of things in common.We love horses, we love to paint, and we love to spend time with each other. My great experiences with my buddy inspired me to become an advocate for Best Buddies and for all people with disabilities. beingBy an advocate,I havegained self-confidence and the skills I need to become a leader. Being a leader allows me to inspire other people and be an equal part ofsociety. It has taught me thevalue of knowing my strengths and weaknesses and the importance of being a good listen- er. Among the best leaders, we see the characteristics of honesty, integrity and unity. My dream is to, one day, become the Mayor of Bogotá. Thomas Jefferson once said, “we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that theyendowed are their by creator certain with unalien- able rights, that among these rights are life, liberty and the pursuit ofhappiness.” My time with Best Buddies has allowed me to pursue happiness by teaching me that there is nothing that can stop me from reaching my full potential! Buddy participant, Pablo Castro enjoying his lunch. lunch. his enjoying Castro Pablo participant, Buddy

Buddy Spotlight:Buddy Castro Pablo Participant Buddies Best Castro, Pablo My nameMy is Pablo Castro andI would likeshare to with Co- Bogotá, in born was I myself. about bit a little you lombia on October 29, 1999 and I have two siblings, MariaandDiego. I diagnosed was syndrome Down with birth. at I first became involved with Best Buddies in Colombia and wanted to make sure to stay involved when I moved all the way to Miami, Florida in the United States.In 2014,began I highschool at Southwest Mi- 23 SPRING/SUMMER| 16 Best Buddies International would like to thank the following corporate sponsors: Best Buddies liketothankInternational corporate thefollowing would sponsors: Midland National Life Insurance Compa- Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design & Interior Design KarpArchitecture Kobi Massachusetts of BlueShield BlueCross Med-Care Diabetic and Medical Sup- Medical and Diabetic Med-Care Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino & Casino Hotel Rock Hard Seminole New York Life’s Community Impact Impact Community Life’s York New Robinson Commercial Real Estate Estate Real Robinson Commercial Natixis Global Asset Management Management Asset Global Natixis Compañia de elaborados, El Café El Café elaborados, de Compañia qetinSotPoutos Productions Sport Equestrian Demoulas Super Markets, Inc. Inc. Markets, Super Demoulas Las Vegas Sands Corporation Corporation Sands Vegas Las Cutrale Citrus Juices U.S.A. Juices U.S.A. Citrus Cutrale MGM Resorts International International MGM Resorts Eaton Vance Management Management Vance Eaton Lyfe Kitchen Restaurants Restaurants Kitchen Lyfe Foxwoods Resort Casino Foxwoods Casino Resort Bob’s Discount Furniture The Bay Club Company Company Club Bay The Mastercard Worldwide Worldwide Mastercard Municipal Acquisitions Acquisitions Municipal The Ferrero Law Firm FerreroLaw Firm The Mack CycleMack &Fitness Pepsi-Cola Company Company Pepsi-Cola $100,000 – $250,000 – $250,000 $100,000 Alex and Ani, Retail Retail Alex andAni, TracFone Wireless Wireless TracFone E &JGallo Winery $25,000 – $49,999 – $49,999 $25,000 $50,000 – $99,000 – $99,000 $50,000 Rosetta Stone Ltd. Ltd. Rosetta Stone Servco Pacific Inc. Parthenon Group Group Parthenon 20th Century Fox 20th Century Fox Samsung Galaxy Galaxy Samsung ManpowerGroup ManpowerGroup American Tower Tower American Banco Do Brasil DoBrasil Banco Santander Bank Bank Santander Audi of America America of Audi John Hancock Hancock John BNY Mellon Mellon BNY Accenture Reliance Reliance Chevron Chevron QTEGO Grants Energi Energi Hublot Hublot plies plies Corporate Sponsors Corporate Sponsors ny

Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos Inc. Inc. Cosmopulos Connors, Holliday, Hill, Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Compa- Sugar & Commercial Hawaiian Franklin American Mortgage Company Company Mortgage American Franklin Home Center Sodimac Colombia & Colombia El Center Sodimac Home Marriott Wailea Beach Resort & Spa Spa & Resort Beach Marriott Wailea August Capital Master Management Management Master Capital August La Playa Properties Group, Inc. Inc. Group, Properties La Playa Battery Management Company Company Management Battery Howell Custom Building Group BuildingGroup Custom Howell Baystate Health Center, Inc. Inc. Center, Health Baystate Atema Partners Corporation Corporation Partners Atema Las Vegas Coffee Investors Investors Coffee Vegas Las Greenberg Traurig - Boston - Boston Traurig Greenberg Exelon Business Services Services Business Exelon Global Nature Stone, LLC LLC Stone, Nature Global Marcus Hotels & Resorts Resorts & Hotels Marcus EM-Power Services, Inc. Inc. Services, EM-Power Consolidated Press LTD LTD Press Consolidated Abdo Consulting Group Group Consulting Abdo Westriver Management Management Westriver Goldman, Sachs & Co. Goldman, Sachs& Co. Industrial Molinera CA CA Industrial Molinera Bridgestone Americas Americas Bridgestone First Tennessee Bank Bank Tennessee First Abdo, Eick, & Meyers & Meyers Eick, Abdo, Dave Matthews Band Band Dave Matthews Cargill Incorporated Cargill Incorporated $10,000 – $24,999 – $24,999 $10,000 Alkosto & Katronix Katronix & Alkosto BlueRun Ventures Ventures BlueRun JP Morgan Chase Boich Companies Companies Boich Blackberry Farms Farms Blackberry MFS Investments MFS Investments EMC Corporation EMC Corporation Associated Bank Altria Group Inc. Inc. Group Altria Bloomberg L.P. L.P. Bloomberg Boone Pickens Pickens Boone Ernst & Young Young & Ernst FTN Financial Financial FTN Blum Shapiro Shapiro Blum Florida Blue Blue Florida MariaVision MariaVision Constructor Constructor Albertsons Albertsons First Solar Key Bank Bank Key ZTE USA USA ZTE DNI Corp DNI Corp Marcum Marcum ny

24 SPRING/SUMMER | 16 NUI IKE tion, Inc.tion, Race 13.1 Nordstrom Ecker, P.A. WSFS Bank Bank WSFS OxfordFinance Net Conversion Bendesky, P.C. Rx Reading For The Lenox Hotel Hotel Lenox The NextGear Capital Waterstone Bank TUUCI Worldwide Xactly CorporationXactly Opportunity Village Washington Kastles Kastles Washington Moore Oil Company Southland Industries The Mahoney Group Whole Foods Market Northwestern Mutual Rhizome Productions New Era Cap Co., Inc. Summit Pharmacy, Inc. Tesoro Companies, Inc. Open Road of Manhattan

Saltz,Mongeluzzi, Barrett & gram At The Chicago Comm Company of Massachusetts TVL Management Corporation New Regency Productions, Inc. New EnglandNew Performance Cars Walgreens of Companies Family The Savings BankThe Savings Insurance Life Shook, Hardy & Bacon, OfficeLaw Patrons of Man Blue Group Boston Shulman, Rogers, Gandal, Pordy & United Phoenix Firefighters Associa- Northern Trust Charitable Giving Pro- (cont’d)

tions pany ration FedEx DaVita ComEd of Iowa Dixie Capital Mayer BrownMayer Center P.A. JK Group, JK Inc. Services, Inc. Holland & Knight Cox Target Media Misericordia HomeMisericordia Meltzer Carroll Life Carroll Meltzer FEAT Organization Culinary Publishing Jersey Mike’s Subs First Republic Bank Community Bridges Lipscomb University Central Pacific Bank Cucinelli Holding Co. Florida Power & Light Mastercard Worldwide J.E. Dunn Construction Hubbell Realty Company Indiana University Health Edwards Wildman Palmer Luxury Autos of Smithtown Dynamic Therapy Services Discover Financial Services Deer Management Company Layton ConstructionLayton Co., Inc. First State Orthopaedics, State First P.A. DelleDonne & Associates, Inc. Earl Swensson Associates, Inc. Associates, Swensson Earl LKJ Management Services LLC Luxury Autos of Huntington, Inc. Children's HospitalWisconsin of Gray Robinson Attorneys Law atGray Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers Byers & Caufield Perkins Kleiner Commonwealth EdisonCompany Mahaffey Tent & Awning Co., Inc. Delaware North Companies Sport Genovese Joblove & Battista, P.A. Central Florida Marketing & Promo- Caterpillar Financial Services Corpo- Kimmel, Carter, Roman & Peltz, P.A. Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Com- Delaware Diagnostic & Rehabilitation Corporate Sponsors Sponsors Corporate

al ADP Verizon Buddies MindTree Cars.com Caltronics Pfizer, Inc. Ecker, P.A. Nickelodeon Ribbit Capital Boston Capital Rock Ventures Morgan Stanley $5,000 – $9,999$5,000 – Altria Group Inc. Ronald BookPA Canaan Partners NFL Ventures LP Angels in Disguise Disguise in Angels Concert Division Ballengee Interests Universal Fairs,Universal Inc. Stanley Korshak,LP Shaklee Corporation Riemer & Braunstein Quality One Wireless One Quality RatPac Entertainment Wells Fargo Bank, NA Winston Brothers, Inc. Reilly Worldwide, INC. BMO Harris Bank N.A. BayanihanOrgan Student BB&T Equipment Finance Shields Health Care Group Wicked Sharp Ski & Sports Wyatt Energy Management Management Energy Wyatt Mid Atlantic Benefits Group Group Benefits Atlantic Mid Atlas Venture Advisors, Inc. Artefacto Design Place, Inc. Cape Air - NantucketAirlinesCape Air - The Ultimate Software Group Behavior Intervention Services VA Serviciosde Valor Agregado SpecialtyCorporation Restaurants Miami-Dade Employability Network Shulman, Rogers, Gandal, Pordy & Nomura Securities International, Inc. Royal Caribbean Cruises Internation- UNF Best Buddies Club Alliance Best Promoter Incorporated Line Festival & Best Buddies International would like to thank the following corporate sponsors: would the following corporate International to thank like Best Buddies 25 SPRING/SUMMER| 16 Best Buddies International would like to thank the following individual donors: liketothankdonors: Best Buddies International thefollowing individual would Rebecca Bowman Nassikas Penney &Gerard Klingman Martha De La Croix &Rick May Liang& James Lintott Barbara &Stephen Hearst Melinda &Jeff Hildebrand Nancy &MarkNancy Holowesko Lydia &Rudy Prio-Touzet Armanda &Brian Hanson Lynda &Stewart Resnick Nancy &Richard Rogers Lynn &Gregory O’Brien Donna &George Zoley Holly &Thomas Gores Diane &Neil Goodhue Michael Descheneaux Luisa &Horst Ferrero Mona &JohnOswald $100,000 –$249,999 Marietta &KenHarte Jana &Richard Fant Luba &Alan Bigman Patty &Bobby Nail $50,000$99,999 – $25,000$49,999 – Andrew Barowsky Samuel Frankino Frankino Samuel Theresa Havens Christina GriffithChristina Dondero Family Domenic Forino Mark Bellissimo Tommy Mottola Donald Guloien Jan & Jim Field Patricio Farcuh Chris Bruegger Hiro Yamagata Adrienne Arsht Randy Perkins Daniel Ribeiro Romero BrittoRomero Sammy Sosa Tom Sullivan Shirley Rees Brian Grazer David Herro David Herro Mark Fisher Lisa D'Urso Marc Leder Steve Alvis Tom Brady Jan Brandt Jan Brandt Don ListDon Adil Adi

Individual Donors Individual Donors Jackie Soffer Robins &Craig Robins Natalie &Wexler James Feldman Michele King Soffer &DonSoffer Jean-Marie &RaulFernandez Nicole Avant &Ted Sarandos Snezana &Michael Bojkovic Deborah & Jeffrey Wechsler Michele &Howard Kessler Nan Bush &Bruce Weber Jo-Anne &Richard Bilotti Kate &Jonathan B.Kling Judy &Mike VanHandel Tara &Steven Durham Christopher Buchanan Pam & MarkPam Denesuk Dianne & Philip Raso Sandy &Tony Tamer &RonAmira Simkins Sara &UgoColombo Fay &Salim Zakhem Trina &RobertDean Stephanie & Irv Don Lynn &Ted Leonsis Elena &Greg Davis Kelly &Doug Eaton Sue &Lester Smith $10,000$24,999 – Kathleen Pearson Shari &Eric Miller Philippe Dehaene Timothy Coleman Mark DeVincentis Patricia Kennedy Patricia Villareal Marlyne Sexton Brian McCarthy Elizabeth North Jan & Jeff Rich Robert Murphy James Ferraro James Kristina Daglio Tom Campion Maureen Daly Susan Ragon Alvaro Noboa Stephen Bing David Bruson David Bruson a ils Jay Fields Roger Winter Winter Roger Paulo Bacchi Mark Warner Mark Warner Robert Beal Steven Izen Steve Finch Robin Ellen Gavin Gray Gray Gavin Bob Kraft John Fell

Catherine Anne &Patrick Markert Linette Guerra &Mariano Pastor Cynthia & Anthony Petrello Constance &Kevin Howe Marilyn &RonaldRotter Peter &Linda Raphael Maria GuijarroAguirre Keli &Mark Mondello Ann Howland - Doerr Nina &BobbyNina Kotick Michele Mosbacher Luis Alberto Noboa J. Douglas Rippeto Abigail &FJ Pollak Georgina Hartland Stephanie Hernan Sheila F. Johnson Michael Meldman Patrick Levantino Katherine Phelps Janet Nakushian David Jagolinzer Patrick Kennedy Tom McDermott Tom McDermott Raymond Lamb Doug McAninchDoug Donald McCreeDonald Richard Phillips Rafael Lamuno Michael Mithoff Stephen Luczo Michael Lerner Heather QuinnHeather Robert Machiz Cliffe RecklingCliffe MigoyaCarlos Dave Lambert Caroline Riley Sally Heyman Kevin Nortrup Patrick HeronPatrick Greg O’Brien Marie Mundy Ray Jackson Ray Jackson Philip Levine Jim Hinckley Brian Hogan Serita Jakes Serita Jakes Richard Kay Jared Lively Kim PerkinsKim John Malloy Javier Loya Loya Javier Kyrie Irving Carl Lewis Lewis Carl Keith Rich Ken Reilly Jay Luchs (Continued onpage (Continued 26) 26 SPRING/SUMMER | 16 Kathi Koll Hattie Hill Ed Hawes Rod Ingalls Eric Lorenz Mark Lovell Joe Majors Ann Hallead Mark Hunter Susan Mays Alan Meltzer Earl Lysaker Jose Migoya Migoya Jose Evan Hainey Harold Lewis David Latcha Mark Hintlian Michael HahnMichael Hirsch Jeffrey Thomas Holly Jack Manning Jack Manning Thomas Jovin Jovin Thomas Helen Lysaker Herman Heise David Guarino Kathleen Marx Yvette Mitchell Arthur Margolis Jack McDonald Debra Grierson Thomas Molnar Donald McCree Cathy Laurence Carla McDonald Vanessa Lattner Brian McCulloch Doreen Jimenez EvanGreenberg Caroline LeBlanc Laura Greenberg Ronda McDonald Victor Livingstone Diane Lokey Farb Val Halamandaris Cortlandt Johnson Lynnette Loveland Loveland Lynnette J. Huckaby Richard Donna & GregDonna Lucas & Timothy E. Timothy E. McNutt Sr. Erica & Mark Mutchnik Maureen & John Hailer Bo & Courtney Hopson Donna & GaryDonna & Greenfield

(cont’d) Ray ButlerRay Jay Cohen Cohen Jay Alice Clark John Emra John Brad Blank Scott Case Ted Fowler Scott Eisen Robert Ellin FriessLynn Mary DzuroMary Keith Cargil Bertha Gray Kevin Danaj James Clark David Giunta Phillip Dingle Joyce Echols Echols Joyce Patrick Burke Robert Devlin Charles Clark Hazel DurandHazel Anne Crowley Nancy BohlenNancy ChildressRay Tony Bradfield Bradfield Tony Chuck Bunnell Michael BoniniMichael Gene Coffman Gene Robert Brugge Jeffrey GersonJeffrey Goldberg Gary Dorothy FarrellDorothy Glen Gonzalez Dougan Clarke Ceron Gonzalo Jonathan Blake Cathy Borlenghi George Crowley Selene Devaney Jonathan Grayer Beeni DeStefano Cindy Elchenholz Maureen Gemma Shari & Mark Coe Angela & Chip Boyd Peg & Dave Cooney Carole & Carole & Donald Dell Arlyn & StephenArlyn & Cypen Patricia Golumbic-Tang Stephanie & Ernie Cockrell Mariellen & BrianBoomsma Barbara & Michael Goot Gamson- Individual Donors Donors Individual

Jeff Skoll Jeff Skoll R. Steven R. Steven Riza Aziz Riza Rita Soffer Rita Soffer David Ball Lon Baker Alan Berro Eric Affeldt Affeldt Eric Sam Banks Bobby Tudor Tudor Bobby Ralph Winter Kay Bernon Robert Beal Bob Schlegel Bob Schlegel John Adams Michael Wells Michael Jeffrey Bank Bank Jeffrey Angie Atema Alan L. Meltzer Meltzer Alan L. David Belluck Frank Newman Frank Newman Christina Segel Marianne Yood Yood Marianne Steven Pinnock Pinnock Steven Sawitz Stephen Tom Bambury Bambury Tom $5,000-$9,999 David Treadwell Treadwell David Robert S. Potter Robert S. Potter Michael Simkins Simkins Michael Stankard James Stephen Barek Terdema Ussery Ussery Terdema Sue & Stan Ruta Sue & Stan Dwarkesh Trivedi Trivedi Dwarkesh Laura Anderson Eugene Robinson Robinson Eugene Sallymoon Benz Melissa Zachariasz Zachariasz Melissa Jennifer Bateman Jonathan Babicka Babicka Jonathan Jeffrey Apfelbaum Apfelbaum Jeffrey Christopher C. Quick Quick C. Christopher Michael ApfelbaumMichael Debbie & Bob Sullivan Bob Sullivan Debbie & Connie & Joseph Shay Shay Joseph Connie & Debbie & John Tolleson Tolleson John Debbie & Naomi F. MonneyPenny Naomi F. MonneyPenny Patrick Schwarzenegger Schwarzenegger Patrick Elizabeth & Lewis Swezy Swezy & Lewis Elizabeth Randy & Harlan Selesnick Selesnick & Harlan Randy Gina & Devinder Bhatia Michelle & Greg Michelle Becker Lucy & HenryLucy & Billingsley Yolanda & Jeff Berkowitz Best Buddies International wouldindividual following the International Best Buddiesdonors: to thank like 27 SPRING/SUMMER| 16 Best Buddies International would like to thank the following individual donors: liketothankdonors: Best Buddies International thefollowing individual would Konstantinos Nicolacakis Nicolacakis Konstantinos Valeh Nazemoff- Acolyst Acolyst Nazemoff- Valeh Kathleen & Cliff Porter Porter & Cliff Kathleen Amanda & Curtis Polk Polk &Curtis Amanda Marilynn& KirkPeda Sabiha Rehmatulla Rehmatulla Sabiha Elizabeth Petersen Petersen Elizabeth Matthew Radigan Radigan Matthew Jacqueline Quinn Joseph Nicholas Stuart Pederson Pederson Stuart Jeanne Roberts Roberts Jeanne Barrett Rasoner Jan & Jim Field Field &Jim Jan Robert O'Leary Robert O'Leary James Packer Oliver Kathryn Anne Nesbitt Nesbitt Anne Greg Rivers Greg Rivers Mike Nunez Nunez Mike Individual Donors Lara & Lucas Shriftman Lara & Shriftman Lucas Ellen & Kenneth Slater Slater &Kenneth Ellen Myrna & Bob Schlegel Schlegel Bob &Myrna Michael Schlesinger Schlesinger Michael Mickey Rosemarin Robert Scherzer Robert Scherzer Marcia Solomon Solomon Marcia Todd Ruderman Ruderman Todd Dan Spinazzola Dan Spinazzola Wendy Schmidt Schmidt Wendy Joseph Scarlett Joseph Scarlett Robert Sullivan Robert Sullivan James Silliman Silliman James Robin Stewart Robin Stewart Alex Simpson Simpson Alex Aydin Senkut Cean Rogers Cean Rogers Jeff Shelton Shelton Jeff Lyn Sohr (cont’d)

Lora & Chadwick Warrix Warrix Lora & Chadwick Michael Thoresen Michael Thoresen Richard Watson Watson Richard Trotter Rochelle Victoria Sullivan Sullivan Victoria Gabriele Zuliani Zuliani Gabriele Matt Wojtowicz Matt Wojtowicz Happy Walters Walters Happy Kimberly Trotz Trotz Kimberly Trisha Wilson Wilson Trisha Lorne Tappa Lorne Tappa Fay Zakhem Fay Zakhem Evan Weiss Weiss Evan Vivian Wise Wise Vivian Geoff Tate Jeff Talley Jim ThorpJim

28 SPRING/SUMMER | 16

Hublot Hublot Lacoste Lacoste llowing sponsors: in-kind NextCare NextCare LGi Linens Linens LGi Jacob Dietz Dietz Jacob Goorin Bros Goorin Bros Brett Ratner Brett Ratner Niche Media Niche Media MY Skincare MY Neil Johnson Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Getty Images Images Getty Kenneth Cole Kenneth Carlton Media Carlton Media Qatar Airways Qatar Airways MadisonSouth MadisonSouth $5,000-$9,999 Randy Perkins Perkins Randy Jacobs Design Design Jacobs Fairmont Hotel Hotel Fairmont Swirl Marketing Marketing Swirl Health Warriors M.C. Dean, Inc. M.C. $10,000-$24,999 Harpoon Brewery Harpoon Brewery Paul Goldschmidt Paul Goldschmidt Michael Meldman Meldman Michael Gourmet Catering Catering Gourmet Edwards WildmanEdwards Amgen Tour of CA of CA Tour Amgen Peets Coffee & Tea Peets Coffee Courthouse Express Express Courthouse Classic Party Rentals Rentals Classic Party Cold Stone Creamery Creamery Cold Stone King Dahl Event Design Design Event King Dahl Southern WineSouthern & Spirits Southern WineSouthern & Spirits Kurt Warner Foundation Quail Lodge & Golf Club Club & Golf Lodge Quail JCDecaux North America America North JCDecaux May Liang & James Lintott Lintott James & Liang May Genovese Joblove & Joblove Battista Genovese Evening Entertainment Group Group Entertainment Evening The Moorings Village and Spa and Village The Moorings Catherine-Anne & Patrick Markert Markert & Patrick Catherine-Anne The e.frastructure Technologies, Inc. Inc. Technologies, e.frastructure The The Soffer Family & Fontainebleau Hotel Hotel & Fontainebleau Soffer Family The Getty Images, also listed in above category category above in listed also Images, Getty Milwaukee Brewers Community Foundation Foundation Community Brewers Milwaukee *Contributors include the Hearst Ranch and Barbara & Stephen Hearst & Stephen Barbara and Ranch Hearst the include *Contributors would the fo like to thank In-Kind Sponsors Sponsors In-Kind

Comcast Comcast Guy Fieri Service Service CBS/KPIX Tom Brady Tom Gary Fears Gary 90.9 WBUR Goorin Bros Bros Goorin Cannondale Cannondale NBC/WHDH Maria Shriver Shriver Maria Boston Globe Globe Boston Romero Britto Romero Britto Clear Channel Clear Channel Seyfarth Shaw Shaw Seyfarth Rafael Feliz Jr. Rafael Feliz Patricio Farcuh Farcuh Patricio Ricardo Bellino Bellino Ricardo Jan & Jeff Rich Rich Jeff Jan & Joanne Jaxtimer Jaxtimer Joanne $50,000-$99,999 $50,000-$99,999 $25,000-$49,999 Cooking with Kids Kids with Cooking Bobby & Patty Nail Nail & Patty Bobby Silicon Valley Bank Bank Valley Silicon Bicycling Magazine Magazine Bicycling $249,000-$499,999 $249,000-$499,999 $100,000-$249,999 Aaron Gershenberg Aaron Gershenberg Hearst Corporation* Hearst Corporation* E. & J. Gallo Winery E. & J. Gallo Sara & Ugo Colombo Sara & Ugo Colombo Pilot Freight Services Services Pilot Freight Classic Party Rentals Rentals Classic Party $500,000 and Above and Above $500,000 Quail Lodge & Golf Club Club & Golf Lodge Quail Maureen & John Hailer Hailer & John Maureen San Francisco Chronicle Chronicle San Francisco Penney & Gerry Klingman Klingman & Gerry Penney Accenture Federal Services Services Federal Accenture Tara & Kenn Hitchcock-Francis & Kenn Hitchcock-Francis Tara Alexander Hernandez-Dessauer Hernandez-Dessauer Alexander CBS Radio/98.5 The Sports Hub Sports The CBS Radio/98.5 Aventura Worldwide Transportation Worldwide Aventura Transportation Becca Cason Thrash & John Thrash Thrash & John Thrash Cason Becca Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III P. Kennedy Joseph Congressman Best Buddies International International Best Buddies 29 SPRING/SUMMER| 16 The Batchelor Foundation, Inc. Bessemer May andStanley Smith Charitable Trust Carnival Cruise Line/Seabourn Cruise Discovery Land Company Foundation Anthony R.Abraham Foundation, Inc. Patricia Dedman Family Foundation California Community Foundation Sterling Foundation Management Helping Hands Foundation, Inc. Liberty Mutual Foundation, Inc. Cardinal Cushing Centers, Inc. Best Buddies International would like to thank the following foundations: Best Buddies liketothankInternational foundations: thefollowing would Highland Street Foundationds Ruderman Family Foundation Helen Bader Foundation, Inc. The Gheens Foundation, Inc. Engelstad Family Foundation Conrad N.Hilton Foundation Clark Charitable Foundation The HearstFoundation, Inc. Central Children'sCentral Charities Durham FamilyFoundation MGM International Resorts Motorsports Charities, Inc. Troesh Family Foundation Crimson Lion Foundation Burns Family Foundation The Caesars Foundation The TJX Foundation, Inc Allen FamilyFoundation Madison Tournament Annenberg Foundation $500,000Above and Lilly Endowment, Inc. The Taft Foundation $100,000--$249,999 $250,000-$499,999 Emerson Collective Telmex Foundation The Crown Family Cooking with Kids PHLY Foundation Ansin Foundation Drew Foundation $50,000-$99,999 $25,000-$49,999 Charitable Fund Windsong Trust Trust Windsong KidsConnect CVS Health Trust Trust Line

Foundation Spotlight Foundation Spotlight Eaton Vance Management Charitable Gift Boston Bruins Charitable Foundation, Inc. Charlottesville Area Community Founda- Greater Houston Community Foundation Potawatomi Hotel and Casino’s Heart of Gore Family Memorial Foundation Trust Stan and Susan Ruta Family Charitable Bank of America Charitable Foundation Cheshire Half Marathon 5K Foundation New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Thadikonda Research Foundation Inc. The Foundation ForThose A Without The MarkThe &Mary FreitasFoundation Desert StatesDesert Charitable Foundation The Becker Family Charitable Fund Charles E.Benidt Foundation, Inc. The Tom Sullivan Foundation, Inc. Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund The GEO GroupFoundation, Inc. E. G. FamilyWatkins Foundation Putnam Investments Foundation William S. Abell Foundation, Inc. Inc. Foundation, Abell S. William Disney Worldwide Services, Inc. The SharonD. Lund Foundation Resnick Family Foundation Inc. Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust PG&E Corporation Foundation Tempe Diablos Charities, Inc Clark Charitable Foundation Aragona Family Foundation CSC Charitable Foundation Capital OneServices, LLC Miles forMiles Foundation Potawatomi Bingo Casino Davis Love III Foundation Peacock Foundation, Inc. Burns Family Foundation Team Shaan Foundation The Lampert Foundation Wells Fargo F Fargo Wells State Street Foundation Yahoo! Employee Fund 1011 Foundation, Ind. Yawkey Foundation II Carolyn Foundation Boston Foundation $10,000-$24,999 Bessemer Trust Accenture LLP Canal Street Voice Fund Inc. tion

oundation The Kimmel Spiller Charitable Foundation Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation Kenneth T. &Eileen L. Norris Foundation The Harry &Jeanette Weinberg Founda- Leslie S.King Fund ofthe Hawai’i Com- Omidyar ‘Ohana Fund of the Hawai’i The Craigand Kathryn Hall Foundation The Community Foundation for theNa- Renee and Ted's Big Heart Foundation The John and Polly Sparks Foundation Loring &CoolidgeWolcott Trust, LLC The Scannell Family Charitable Fund Gary &PennieAbramson Charitable Schneider Electronic North America The Laffey McHugh Foundation Nationwide Insurance Foundation Taco Bell Foundation For Teens The Kevin C.Tang Foundation Hawaii Community Foundation Marshall R.Matley Foundation M YouthWahlberg Foundation The RobertGoelet Foundation The ERCharitable Foundation The Prigmore Charitable Fund Schoenleber Foundation Inc. Inc. Foundation Schoenleber Prairie Meadows Foundation Fourlin Memorial Foundation Phoenix SunsCharities, Inc. Stackner Family Foundation The Columbus Foundation Samerian Foundation, Inc. Houston Endowment, Inc. The Memorial Foundation The Comcast Foundation Team Shann Foundation Special Kids Foundation Mule Family Foundation Wells Fargo Foundation Foundation Fargo Wells Community FoundationCommunity The Yerrid Foundation Manpower Foundation The PrattFoundation tional Capital Region John Alden TrustW. Lakshmi Foundation First Hawaiian Bank Parsen Foundation Target Corporation munity Foundation Maui United Way FISA Foundation Foundation Foundation tion, Inc.tion, Fund 30 SPRING/SUMMER | 16 Inc. Inc. Walmart Foundation Foundation The Pioneer Fund Fund Pioneer The Foundation, Inc. Inc. Foundation, The Slater Foundation Slater Foundation The Sundt Foundation The The Seabury Foundation Foundation Seabury The The Safeway Foundation Foundation Safeway The The Wellmark The Foundation WE Energies Foundation WE Foundation Energies Welfare Foundation. Inc. Inc. Foundation. Welfare The Siebert Family Foundation Foundation Family Siebert The The Mentor Network Charitable Charitable Network The Mentor WM- NC Philanthropic North North WM- Philanthropic NC United Way of Southern Nevada The Richard Lovett Trust of 1996 1996 of Trust Lovett Richard The Warmenhoven Family Foundation Foundation Family Warmenhoven Inc. For Children, WHAS Crusade Waukesha Community Foundation The Katharine Matthies Foundation Foundation Matthies Katharine The Thomas W. Bradley Foundation, Inc. Inc. Foundation, W. Bradley Thomas The Marcus Corporation Foundation, Inc. Foundation, Corporation Marcus The The Robert and Jamie Taylor Foundation Foundation Taylor Jamie Robert and The The John H. Schnatter Family Foundation Foundation Family Schnatter John H. The Inc. Inc. Inc. Inc. Inc. Inc. Inc. tion Inc. Inc. Foundation Family Fund Fund Family ministration INC. INC. ministration Lamb Foundation Foundation Lamb Lambert Law LLC Foundation, Inc. Inc. Foundation, Legacy Foundation Foundation Legacy Ohl Foundation, Inc. Inc. Foundation, Ohl The Heal Foundation Heal Foundation The Lightning Foundation Foundation Lightning The Apax Foundation Foundation Apax The Jana Foundation, Inc. Inc. Foundation, Jana OSI Restaurant Partners Partners OSI Restaurant Fund Charitable Schwab Kevin Stolle Family Fund Family Stolle Kevin The Grainger Foundation Grainger Foundation The Joseph Briere Foundation Foundation Briere Joseph Steve J. Miller Foundation Foundation J. Miller Steve Samerian Foundation, Inc. Inc. Foundation, Samerian The California Endowment Endowment California The McGraw Family Foundation Foundation Family McGraw National Philanthropic Trust Trust Philanthropic National Junior League of Indianapolis Indianapolis of League Junior Suzanne Jovin Memorial Fund Fund Memorial Jovin Suzanne Moorehead Family Foundation Foundation Family Moorehead Speedway Children’s Charities Charities Children’s Speedway Rays Baseball Foundation, Inc. Inc. Foundation, Baseball Rays Nashville Predators Foundation Foundation Predators Nashville Milwaukee Brewers Community Community Brewers Milwaukee J.M. McDonald Foundation, Inc. Inc. Foundation, McDonald J.M. The Mark and Mary Ann Kaufman Ann Kaufman and Mary The Mark The George & Judy Marcus Family Family Marcus Judy George & The Joseph G. Markoly Foundation, Inc. Inc. Foundation, Markoly G. Joseph Principal Financial Group Foundation Group Foundation Financial Principal Kosair Charities Special Golf Account Account Golf Special Charities Kosair John J. & Pauline Gerlach Foundation Foundation Gerlach J. & Pauline John The Chesley G. Magruder Foundation, Foundation, G. Magruder Chesley The MMAC Community Support Foundation Foundation Support Community MMAC Charles R. Jelm Charitable Foundation, Foundation, Charitable R. Jelm Charles Hope Christian Community Foundation, Foundation, Community Hope Christian The Center For Special Needs Trust Ad- Trust Needs Special Center For The Mcgowan Gin Rosica Family Foundation Foundation Family Gin Rosica Mcgowan The Community Foundation of Louisville, Louisville, of Foundation Community The Jerome S. and Grace H. Murray Founda- H. Murray and Grace S. Jerome The Frank Stanley Beveridge Foundation, Foundation, Beveridge Frank Stanley The Rockville Rotary Club Fundraiser Account Account Club Fundraiser Rotary Rockville The Apatow-Mann Family Foundation, Inc Inc Foundation, Family Apatow-Mann The The Horace A. Kimball and S. Ella Kimball Ella Kimball S. and Kimball Horace A. The Foundation SpotlightFoundation

Inc. Inc. Inc. Inc. Inc. phis phis sachusetts sachusetts Smith Fund Smith Fund Foundation Foundation $5,000-$9,999 $5,000-$9,999 Coyotes Charities Charities Coyotes Denny Foundation Foundation Denny Foundation, Inc. Inc. Foundation, Aged Pooled Trust Trust Aged Pooled Chloes Cause, Inc. Inc. Cause, Chloes Cardinals Charities Charities Cardinals Enterprise Holdings Holdings Enterprise Woolford Foundation Foundation Woolford Arleen Koenigs Fund Arleen Koenigs Feat of Louisville, Inc. Inc. Louisville, Feat of Elm Grove Junior Guild Guild Junior Elm Grove Wisconsin State Council Council State Wisconsin The Cockrell Foundation Foundation Cockrell The Brees Dream Foundation Foundation Brees Dream Best Buddies International would the following foundations:International to thank like Best Buddies Doris Woolsey Foundation Doris Woolsey Foundation Binnie Family Charities, Inc Inc Charities, Family Binnie Adams Family Foundation II Foundation Family Adams Boomerang Foundation, Inc. Foundation, Boomerang 100 Women in Hedge Funds Funds Hedge in Women 100 The U.S. Charitable Gift Trust Trust Gift U.S. Charitable The Variety-The Children's Charity Charity Children's Variety-The Alliant Energy Foundation, Inc. Foundation, Energy Alliant Greater Cedarburg Foundation Foundation Cedarburg Greater Trends International Charitable Charitable International Trends Geico Philanthropic Foundation Foundation Philanthropic Geico Wisconsin Knights of Columbus of Columbus Knights Wisconsin Alexander Russell Tulloch Trust Trust Tulloch Russell Alexander Freeman E. Fairfield Foundation Foundation Fairfield E. Freeman Commonwealth Edison Company Company Edison Commonwealth Communities Foundation of Texas of Texas Foundation Communities United Way of Central New Mexico Cedar Street Charitable Foundation Foundation Charitable Cedar Street George S. and Dolores Dore' Eccles Eccles Dore' and Dolores S. George The Will Smith Charitable Foundation Foundation Will Charitable Smith The George and Mary Josephine Hamman Hamman Josephine Mary and George Doligale Family Charitable Foundation Foundation Charitable Family Doligale Charles and M.R. Shapiro Foundation, Shapiro Foundation, M.R. and Charles Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s Ted & Ted Foundation’s Milwaukee Greater Central Indiana Community Foundation Foundation Community Indiana Central Charles R. Jelm Charitable Foundation, Foundation, Charitable R. Jelm Charles Frieda and William Hunt Memorial Trust Trust Memorial William Hunt and Frieda Community Foundation of Western Mas- of Foundation Community Community Foundation of Greater Mem- of Greater Foundation Community Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s Luedke- Foundation’s Milwaukee Greater Community Foundation of Howard County of Howard Foundation Community 31 SPRING/SUMMER| 16 32

Press Box Madari Pendas, Coordinator, Communications, Best Buddies International

Best Buddies is proud of all the accomplishments and success stories that have come along since the organization’s inception, and getting this kind of good news out front and center for the public to see is crucial. Here’s a look back at some of the press Best Buddies has garnered from 2015 throughout the beginning of 2016: x In December, the A&E Network premiered a docu-series, Born This Way that chronicled the lives of seven young adults with Down syndrome. During the original broadcast Best Buddies ran several PSAs. The show was renewed for a second season and has received outstanding reviews. The series generated a lot of attention for Best Buddies. Outlets like Forbes, TV News Desk, San Francisco Gate, Boston Globe, Hollywood Reporter, Al Jazeera, and Huff- ington Post covered the ground-breaking series. x The 17th Annual Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port presented by Pepsi-Cola and Santander Bank raised $5.5 million dollars for Best Buddies International. The challenge began with the Tom Brady Football Challenge at Har- vard stadium. This Challenge was also the inaugural Guy Cooking with Best Buddies Celebrity Food and Wine Festi- val. These events received considerable attention in outlets such as Boston Globe, Providence Journal, NESN, Comcast Sports Network, Boston Herald, Boston Magazine, NBC/WHDH, CBS Sports, and many more. The Chal- lenge concluded with a bike ride from Boston to Hyannis Port, which garnered a lot of press with local outlets, such as the Cape Cod Times. x The Art of Friendship Benefit Photo Auction was a one-of-a-kind event that brought together celebrities and art afi- cionados in West Hollywood’s De Re Gallery The event included photographs by world-renowned and emerging photographers. The artwork donated to the Best Buddies Collection was auctioned off that evening. Founder and Chairman of Best Buddies International Anthony K. Shriver’s appearance on Good Day LA generated a lot of buzz for the event and brought out celebrities like Michael Cudlitz, from The Walking Dead; Cindy Crawford; Nancy O’Dell; Kelly Hu; and many more. The Daily Mail, Entertainment Tonight, Fox LA, LA Weekly, Haute Living, and CBS covered the event. x Katie Meade, a Best Buddies Global Ambassador and Tom Brady’s buddy, became the first woman with Down syndrome to be featured in a major beauty campaign. She is the face of Beauty & Pin-Ups line, Fearless. They chose the name based on the courage and perseverance Katie has demonstrated in her life. The original piece was featured in People Magazine, and has since been picked up by the Huffington Post, Glamour Magazine, Daily Mail, In- ternational Business Times, The Gloss, MTV, The Fashion Spot, Yahoo News, Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue, The In- quistr, Fox, Elle, Shape, and The Telegraph. 33

Mailbag

“As you know, up until a few months ago, I was the Assistant Mayor of Bal Harbour. In that capacity, I repre- sented Bal Harbour on the Miami-Dade County League of Cities and began working with its Executive Direc- tor, Richard Kuper, and Best Buddies in trying to secure employment for adults in the municipalities within the league. I am very proud to say that many municipalities have stepped up and are employing a number of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. My initial intention of being involved comes from the fact that I have a son, Billy, that has some special needs and I know firsthand how important it is for him to be employed. Because of Best Buddies, Billy is now working at the City of Miami Beach as an Office Assistant. Words cannot express how his life has changed. He is glowing and happy. He has the structure in his life that he so desperately needed. And most importantly, he feels good about himself as a contributing member of society. I had the opportunity to speak to his supervisor, Jackie last week and she said he is doing a great job and everyone loves him. I felt compelled to write this letter to you Anthony, to thank you from the bottom of my heart, for all that you do for this special population of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You have people like Kevin Devine and Andrea Schnoneberg who truly care; you run this organization with passion, and you invite all involved into your home.” – Joni D. Blachar, Assistant Mayor of Bal Harbour

“I want to thank you for having the Best Buddies program at Wakeland. My daughter Miranda Money is par- ticipating in this for the first time this school year. She was lucky enough to be paired up with a girl named Lexi. I originally thought, ‘oh, that’s such a nice thing to be a part of.’ Miranda is involved in Junior Frisco Women’s League and does volunteer work through them; volunteers get hours, and help coach the little kids in our summer track club, Frisco Heat. I now realize that this program is so much more. One day after Miran- da came back from a weekend Best Buddies activity I asked her if she got “hours” for that and not to forget to log them. She looked at me like I was crazy and said, “I don’t get hours for hanging out with my buddy, I LIKE to do it and she is my friend!” I felt ridiculous for even asking such a question, but also saw the passion she felt about the program and the bond she had formed with her buddy. Being in this area where there is so much emphasis on material and shallow things, acting cool, such as social media posts, what kind of ‘kicks’ someone is wearing and spray tans, it is nice that a program like Best Buddies can put the focus on what is important: being kind, making friends, understanding differences and respecting everyone.“ – Liana Sinnotti, Buddy Program Participant, Best Buddies New York

“I had never heard of your organization before last night and if what I saw was any indication of the type of work you do, you are to be highly commended. Last night on July 20th, I was stuck at the Philadelphia airport waiting for a flight to Manchester, New Hampshire that had been repeatedly delayed. Also waiting for that flight was a group of teens and adults many of whom were wearing Best Buddies t-shirts. The teens were all well behaved and seemed to be enjoying themselves, so I didn't pay a whole lot of attention to them. Howev- er, I noticed at one point, there was an elderly woman sitting in the handicapped section of the waiting area who was visibly upset. When I first noticed her, she was crying on the shoulder of another woman. I thought they were together, but later I saw the elderly woman was by herself. At one point, as I was heading to the restroom, I noticed the woman was crying again, and trying very hard not to be obvious about it, but you could tell she was really upset about something. Upon my return from the restroom, I was surprised to see that four of the girls from the Best Buddies group had taken it upon themselves to sit with the woman to com- fort her. They were talking to her, showing her photos on their phones, etc. and frankly, it brought me to tears

to see how kind and caring those girls were. They were periodically joined by others from the group, but 16 those four girls never left her side until it was time to board. By that time, the woman was smiling and even laughing. They had done wonders for her. As we were boarding, I heard one of those girls say how glad they were that they had decided to go talk to that woman rather than sitting around wasting time. I did say something to one of the chaperones, but I just thought I would let you know that if these are the kinds of kids you are turning out in your program, you should be very proud of the work you do!” – Ellen Reed, Henniker, New Hampshire SPRING/SUMMER| SPRING/SUMMER|