Delaware Champion of the Year Program Book

Delaware

Dear Friends,

For the last two years, Best Buddies has been hard at work keeping students, adults, families and friends engaged and connected with others. The pandemic affected all of us in one way or another and the isolation facing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) was profound. Nearly 90% of our Best Buddies Friendship program participants were negatively impacted by their social isolation.

In response to this challenge, we spent the last three months identifying individuals throughout the state who recognize the importance of inclusion and strongly advocate for people with IDD. They have spent 10 weeks showcasing their commitment to inclusion by raising funds and awareness for Best Buddies. Our six Champions planned and organized a host of special events in support of their campaigns. We are grateful to each of them for their commitment to our cause.

Champion of the Year gave all of us an opportunity to reconnect, and although we still cannot celebrate in person, we hope you will join us on Friday night, December 10 at 8 PM for our Live Facebook show online (www.facebook.com/bestbuddiesde).

With special thanks to Highmark Health, our Silver Sponsor, and WSFS, our Bronze Sponsor, for their support. Funds raised through this campaign allow Best Buddies to continue its outreach efforts beyond the 32 schools it currently serves.

We are looking forward to 2022 and in person events again. Join us next spring for our Best Buddies Friendship Walk (date and location to be determined). We plan to use that event to celebrate – in person -- the inspiring accomplishments of our six outstanding Champions.

In Friendship,

Hilary Stephens State Director

Virtual Silent Auction

How to Bid Register: Text DECOY2021 to (76278)

*You can also bid in the silent auction once you’ve registered.