Park West Gallery has donated $50,000 to both the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation and Best Buddies International. The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, founded by artist and scientist Harvey, works to support efforts that protect marine habitats and environments.

“Park West Gallery has done a tremendous job in supporting my artwork and is now furthering their commitment to our oceans by making a generous financial contribution to benefit the research and education work of the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation,” Harvey said.

Best Buddies International is an organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-on-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Neo-pop artist Britto has supported the organization since 1994.

“Good will and kindness are contagious,” Britto said. “It’s wonderful to see the Park West Foundation giving generously to Best Buddies, an important organization that I have held dear to my heart for many years.”

The foundation is providing $15,000 to Bone’s Forever Wildlife Foundation, which is working with the Wildlife ACT Fund Cheetah Project. Bone, a wildlife artist and conservationist, says the project will protect South Africa’s cheetah population with monitoring and research techniques.

“What we need to do is get in there and collar four or five of these cheetah to start monitoring them, because we have absolutely no idea what their conditions are or where they are,” Bone said. “Park West is in a position to be able to donate, and I know it’s going to be a win-win.”

Founded in 2006, the Park West Foundation supports art education as well as providing resources to foster care youth. Park West Gallery in Detroit connects artists to collectors via land and sea art auctions by creating entertaining, educational and welcoming environments that ignite a passion for the arts.

Contact: Chris Gray, 248-354-2343 x1934

SOURCE: Park West Gallery

Benefiting Best Buddies International

Miami, March 23, 2016 – Best Buddies International, a groundbreaking nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is pleased to announce its 2016 South Florida Friendship Walk at the Museum Park on Saturday, April 23. The event will feature the state walk honoree, long-time Best Buddies supporter and employer of individuals with IDD, Holland & Knight, an international law firm that has been recognized for its leadership in employing individuals with IDD. The Best Buddies Friendship Walk in South Florida is the latest life-changing movement created By Best Buddies. Since 2009, more than 55,000 participants have walked in more than 26 states and three countries, raising more than $5 million for Best Buddies. The Friendship Walk changes lives, as participants walk for inclusion, friendship, leadership, and opportunity for people with and without Intellectual and Developmental disabilities (IDD).

“We are thrilled to host the Friendship Walk and further involve the South Florida community with Best Buddies,” said Anthony K. Shriver, Founder and Chairman of Best Buddies International. “This community is passionate about supporting Best Buddies’ mission of friendship and social inclusion. It is such an incredible feeling to know that every participant and team is walking to improve the lives of those with IDD, and to create a more inclusive work force for those with special needs.”

The event will bring together some of South Florida’s most notable residents and celebrity supporters. Among those expected to attend this year are: Anthony K. Shriver; Pop-Artist Romero Britto; Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine; Desperate Housewives of Miami actors; Miss Teen USA 2015 Katherine Haik and Miss USA 2015 Olivia Jordan; WSVN Anchor Craig Stevens; Major League Baseball legend Sammy Sosa; the NBA’s Miami Heat Cheerleaders; and many more. Best Buddies South Florida is proud to have 3,000 (and counting) participants lacing up their shoes to walk for inclusion this month. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and commences at 10 a.m. at Museum Park in Downtown Miami, 1075 Biscayne Boulevard. Following the Walk, please join Best Buddies for a day of fun, family, fitness and friendship.

Those interested in participating in the Friendship Walk are encouraged to register on the walk website: bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org/southflorida. Participants can create or join a team to raise awareness and funds with family, friends, and co-workers. Best Buddies South Florida also welcomes volunteers for the day of the event. Volunteers may also register on the Friendship Walk website.

Proceeds from the Friendship Walk play a fundamental part in funding our state programs that provides one-to-one friendships, leadership development and integrated job opportunities for individuals with IDD. These programs can be found in all 50 states and will create promising opportunities for more than 350,000 people this year.

Walk for inclusion. Walk for friendship. Walk for a better community.

Friendship Walk sponsors include: Royal Media; Starwood Property Trust; Holland & Knight; Gray Robinson; Inktel; City of Hialeah; Accessible Home Healthcare; MasterCard; Tusk Ventures; Design District; Britto; TUUCI; City of North Bay Village; Nordstrom; Turnberry; Celebrity Cruises; Genovese Joblove and Batista; FedEx; Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables; Foster Morales; Riverloft Capital; Hollywood Animal Hospital; Zumba.

ABOUT BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL:
Best Buddies® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,900 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ eight formal programs — Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies® , Jobs, Ambassadors, and Promoters — engage participants in each of the 50 states and in over 50 countries, positively impacting the lives of more than 900,000 people with and without disabilities around the world. In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit www.bestbuddies.org, facebook.com/bestbuddies or twitter.com/bestbuddies.

For more information:
Joshua Tessier
305.375.2233, ext. 211
JoshuaTessier@bestbuddies.org
For media inquiries (including requests for credentials):

Best Buddies International:
Nicole Maddox
305-374-2233, ext. 343
NicoleMaddox@BestBuddies.org

Madari Pendas
305-374-2233, ext. 203
MadariPendas@BestBuddies.org

On Saturday, March 19^th over 350 participants from Best Buddies in Rhode Island attended the “Under the Sea” themed Best Buddies Ball.  This is the biggest programmatic event all year and the students LOVE the ball.  This year was no exception!  The music was on point featuring Joel Romero.  A special THANK YOU to Ed Brady for his help in getting the photo booth and the DJ!  The line for the photo booth was out the door all night!!!

The decorations really brought this event over the top and a THANK YOU goes out to the Programs Committee at Best Buddies in Rhode Island and students from the OT program at NEIT!

Our media partner, NBC 10 stopped by to chat with the attendees.  Click on the link for the full story:  Buddies Ball on NBC 10

BOSTON (WHDH) – New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was in Boston Monday to kick off the 2016 Best Buddies Challenge for Team Tom Brady.

Best Buddies is a national organization that helps create opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Brady was joined by 7News’ Adam Williams and Christa Delcamp, who are both members of Team Tom Brady. The team will be taking part in the annual Best Buddies Challenge in June, which consists of a 100-mile bike ride from Boston to Hyannisport.

More information the Best Buddies Challenge

SEE THE FULL STORY HERE

7 News Boston

On March 19, 2016, four of our High School buddies represented as honorary coaches for the Blue Gold All-Star Basketball Games. During this time, our buddies got the chance to interact with the players and coaches from different schools in their area. Not every school has a Best Buddies chapter, so these honorary coaches were the face of our mission for the entire week and afterwards, we had many coaches and parents approach us about how to start a chapter in their area!

The honorary coaching position is a great opportunity for both our players and the buddies to interact but this year was a unique one. A player on our Boys’ Gold Team, Justin, is also a part of the Middletown High School Best Buddies Chapter, and his Buddy, Alex, was chosen to be the Gold Team Honorary Coach. Everyone got the witness the impact of our programs through Alex and Justin’s friendship on and off the court!

Best Buddies Jobs program in Tennessee opened in January 2015. The results are phenomenal proving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have outstanding work-ethic and skills. See Leo’s story at The Home Depot, covered by Fox News Channel 17, here: http://fox17.com/news/local/businesses-look-to-create-employment-for-intellectual-developmentally-disabled.

October 15, 2016
Washington, D.C.

Washington Monument on the National Mall

Join us at the Best Buddies Friendship Walk, the number one walk in the country raising awareness and funds to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The walk plays a key role in funding Best Buddies programs dedicated to one-to-one friendships, leadership development, and integrated job opportunities for individuals with IDD.

The 5K Walk/Run will take place on closed roads around DC’s best-known monuments and memorials for a stunning view of our great nation’s capital! Following the Walk, there will be a finish line celebration with food, beverages, dancing, and activities for all ages!

Friday | September 30, 2016
Baltimore, MD

Horseshoe Casino

Baltimore’s best restaurants from an elite group of fine dining establishment’s team up with Best Buddies Maryland to serve up signature dishes in the fifth annual Tastebuds event. The event will feature great food from the Baltimore Metropolitan area and an open bar. Guests will have the chance to bid on fabulous silent and live auction items. Each restaurant will be paired with a buddy pair, who will serve as the “sous chefs” for the evening. Proceeds raised from the evening will help fund and grow the Best Buddies programs in Maryland for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

A close-up view of a sketch by the British artist Stephen Wiltshire, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. Wiltshire has the ability to draw detailed cityscapes from memory after observing them briefly. Photo by: Lisa Maree Williams/ Getty Images

Employers are increasingly recognizing the potential of individuals with autism—AT&T, Microsoft and the Israeli Army, to name a few. Several companies recently announced the 5,000 Initiative: Autism in Tech Workforce, a national campaign with the aim of employing 5,000 people on the autism spectrum in technology positions by 2020.

Our research and clinical experience suggest that this may only be the start. Indeed, people with autism have unique qualities, including heightened visual perception skills and attention to detail, that can be of great value to employers, especially in fields where innovation is key.

SEE THE FULL STORY HERE

MIAMI (WSVN) — Hundreds lace-up their shoes for a walk in
Downtown Miami, Saturday.

The Best Buddies Friendship Walk benefits the mission to end the isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Seven-News anchor Craig Stevens hosted the event, which raised over $300,000.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Sunday | May 8, 2016
St. Louis, Missouri

Forest Park

Do something fun with Mom. Best Buddies Missouri is the official beneficiary of this race which celebrates one of our first friends in life, Mom. A rose and cake pop for every finisher! Need we say more…sign up today.

Sunday | May 15, 2016
Kirkwood, Missouri

The Wood Cask

Enjoy an afternoon at The Wood Cask with friends playing one of the “friendliest” games in the state. Proceeds from this event benefit Best Buddies Missouri.

Benefiting Best Buddies International

Miami, April, 29, 2016 — on Saturday April 23, Best Buddies International, a groundbreaking nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, hosted its 6th Annual South Florida Friendship Walk at Museum Park in Downtown Miami. Pop Artist and Best Buddies Global Ambassador Romero Britto served as this year’s honorary chair for the event.

More than 2,000 people attended the Friendship Walk and the event raised over $400,000 in total donations, a record for the organization.

“What I love about the Best Buddies Friendship Walk is that it brings everyone together, from the kid fundraising on Facebook to huge corporations that want to give back—the whole spectrum is represented,” said Erika Hoyos, Best Buddies staff member and Citizens Team Captain. “We are helping a whole community feel loved with these events all across the nation and I am so proud to have been a part of our Walk here in South Florida.”

The day kicked off with energetic music and WSVN news anchor and Best Buddies supporter Craig Stevens, who welcomed everyone to the Friendship Walk. The event had several family-friendly activities such as a petting zoo, face-painting, photo booths, and bounce houses. Alexis Greenberg, who has been involved with Best Buddies for over ten years and a top fundraiser, performed a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem.

The event also brought together some of Miami’s most notable residents and celebrities — the Miami Heat Cheerleaders autographed photos for participants; Miss Florida USA 2016 Brie Gabrielle and Miss Florida Teen USA 2016 Grace Smith posed with participants; and Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine and Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez engaged with and motivated participants across the finish line.

Following the Walk, Best Buddies International Founder and Chairman, Anthony K. Shriver recognized the top fundraising teams:

Top Corporate Teams:
Team Jacob/IPC ($45,896)
Crown and Anchor/ Royal Media Partners ($22,638)
Starwood Property Trust ($22,371).

Top Community Teams:
Team Scott Tracy ($16,648)
Citizen Buddies ($13,755)
Team Lucas ($13,135)

Top Schools:
Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart ($10,425)
Cypress Bay Senior High School ($5,716)
Marjory Stoneman Douglas Soaring Eagles ($4,103)

Buddy pairs, teams, and supporters traversed the 5K course alongside the scenic Biscayne Boulevard. The Walk began and concluded at Museum Park where participants were treated to lunch generously provided by Subway. Afterwards the participants were invited to dance and celebrate their achievements by visiting many of the activity booths.

Notable teams and sponsors, who raised over $5,000, include: IPC; Royal Media Partners; Starwood Property Trust; Holland & Knight; Gray Robinson; MasterCard; Celebrity Cruises; Accessible Home Health Care; Tusk Ventures; City of Hialeah; Team Britto; Inktel; Miami Design District; TUUCI; Tom Godart Florida Real Estate; Nordstrom; and Pension Services Inc.

The 2016 Best Buddies South Florida Friendship Walk was an undeniable success!
ABOUT BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL:
Best Buddies® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,900 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ eight formal programs — Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies® , Jobs, Ambassadors, and Promoters — engage participants in each of the 50 states and in over 50 countries, positively impacting the lives of more than 900,000 people with and without disabilities around the world. In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit www.bestbuddies.org, facebook.com/bestbuddies or twitter.com/bestbuddies.

For more information:
Joshua Tessier
305.375.2233, ext. 211
JoshuaTessier@bestbuddies.org

For media inquiries:
Best Buddies International:
Nicole Maddox
305-374-2233, ext. 343
NicoleMaddox@BestBuddies.org

Madari Pendas
305-374-2233, ext. 203
MadariPendas@BestBuddies.org

###

I was soaked. I could hardly see. It was 2015, and I was a 23-year-old Dodgers rookie who was headed to the playoffs. You know the scene: The locker room was electric, corks popping, beer spraying. It was pure pandemonium.

Just before I could take in how surreal the moment actually was, I saw my brother Champ across the room. Goggles on. Pouring champagne on his head right along with the guys.

Of course, he’s not a player, but it was just natural to see Champ there. Our executive VP, Lon Rosen, went out of his way to find Champ and bring him into the locker room. Honestly, I don’t think Lon would have noticed if I was in there. Just saying.

That’s the way it’s always been with Champ. He brings this happiness out of people all the time. They see how much fun it is to have him around. And what’s more, he’s always done everything with me. He’s in the locker room before games, he’s hanging with all the players. So this time was nothing different. Nothing special. Nothing put on. Champ’s just always been there.

Every person who meets him immediately knows what it means to “Live Like a Champ.” It means you stay positive, even on the tough days. Because let’s be honest, in between the champagne celebrations and the Dodgers games, life isn’t always so easy.

To my teammates who’ve met Champ, and to the others who have heard his speeches, you know. You can just feel his sense of life.

And for those who have yet to find out, here’s a little slice of what it’s like to live like Champ. Of course, I couldn’t do it without the man himself — who always knows how to tell a good story.

Over to you, Champ.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

May 25, 2016
Lisbon, OH

War Memorial Stadium at Lisbon David Anderson High School

Join us at the Best Buddies Friendship Walk, the number one walk in the country raising awareness and funds to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The walk plays a key role in funding Best Buddies programs dedicated to one-to-one friendships, leadership development, and integrated job opportunities for individuals with IDD.