Best Buddies Minnesota Program Book

“

“

Best Buddies sees the dignity of each individual and they work tirelessly to bring people together based on their individual value.

Along with the team at Abdo, I am happy we are able to do a small part in supporting such a great cause.

Jack Abdo, CPA Partner, Abdo

Dear Friends What I love about Best Buddies are

ADD IMAGE

the friendship and leadership opportunities they provide for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities all over the world. I believe everyone deserves to feel like they belong in their school, workplace,

home and community, and Best Buddies Minnesota makes that happen with their amazing programs, leaders and volunteers.

I have been involved with Best Buddies on

Friendships like ours change the world for the

and off for 12 years in many different

better and that is why I devote so much of my

volunteers roles, but some of my favorite

time to Best Buddies.

moments are being matched with my best bud, Patrick. We love going to movies, going on walks, chatting about sports and

so much more. Patrick has taught me how to be a better friend, to be more patient, to be brave and a better communicator.

Thank you to everyone who has fought for inclusion in the state of Minnesota, and thank you for supporting this amazing organization. I hope you enjoy this wonderful evening filled with fun and friendship!

Jessica Scheu Best Buddies Minnesota Gala Chair

Sam Arnold / Twin Cities Orthopedics

Julie Johnson / Pregnancy Choices

Katey DeMarais / Best Buddies

Karen Salamone / Paraprofessional

Katie Gross / Noonday

Jessica Scheu / Optum

Sarah Halls / Minnetonka Pediatric

Kaitlin Walsh / Best Buddies

Therapy Center

2021 Champions

Samuel Arnold

Dan Britt

Martin Odian

Jennifer Dean

Sophia Pederson

Mikayla Holmgren

Matt Veverka

Sheila Matzke

Kaitlyn Zachman

Each of these individuals has committed countless hours over the last several weeks to raise funds and awareness for Best Buddies Minnesota.

The time, energy and passion they have given is admirable and we are

honored to celebrate them tonight.

Champions, it is a direct result of your efforts that more people than ever know of and support Best Buddies in Minnesota. The entire Best Buddies team and Event Committee is immensely grateful for your commitment and

dedication to our mission of inclusion.

Emily and Anna Loegering | Harpists Anna, 16, and Emily, 14, are a sister duo that have been playing the harp for a combined 20 years! Anna started playing when she was just 4 years old and recently won the Minnesota Chapter of the American Harp Society competition at the Intermediate II level in 2020 and is a finalist for the Minnesota Youth Symphonies Solo Competition which will take place this November. Emily is focusing on learning many of her pieces with two hands and is preparing for a half book recital. Anna enjoys reading and writing in her spare time and Emily enjoys Special Olympics Rhythmic Gymnastics and her participation in Pageant of Hope.

Kim Insley | Emcee Kim Insley is best known in the Twin Cities for the more than 20 years she spent anchoring the news every weekday morning. She’s traded in her Emmy awards, alarm clock and TV make-up kit for a career in public relations, currently with Digital River in Minnetonka.

Never far from a microphone, Kim and two of her journalist-turned-PR pro friends can be found on their podcast, “Three Women and a Bottle of Wine.

Allie Henley | Ambassador Speaker Allie is a disability advocate, public speaker and someone who likes to have a lot of fun! As a Special Olympics and Best Buddies Ambassador, Allie spreads awareness about the power of inclusion and importance of positivity. She works at the Early Childhood Center at Westwood Church, is a guest preacher at Wayzata Community Church and is part of the Best Buddies Citizens program, matched with her buddy Nicole. Allie loves a good meal and catching up with friends.

Anita Van | Farmington Chapter President Anita serves as the Chapter President of Farmington High School’s Best Buddies chapter and is the vision behind their chapter. She realized she did not have opportunities to get to know her classmates with disabilities at school so together with Hannah, she started their Best Buddies chapter in 2020. Most recently, Anita got to represent Minnesota at the 4-H True Leaders In Equity Institute where she learned more about addressing equity issues and fostering inclusion in 4-H.

Hannah Hagman | Farmington Vice President As Vice President of Farmington’s chapter, Hannah has played an integral role in growing their chapter, especially during the pandemic, which was an added challenge. From summer planning sessions and recruiting the biggest school team for the Friendship Walk this spring to planning an inclusive prom, Hannah has been able to meet many new people and grow as a leader in her community. You’ll also catch Hannah on the soccer field as a defender for the Farmington High School Tigers.

Ella Carvel | Farmington Buddy Director Ella serves as Farmington’s chapter’s Buddy Director where she helps facilitate friendship matches, plan events and make everyone feel welcome. She attributes her time in Best Buddies to helping her step out of her comfort zone by meeting new people and doing more public speaking. Through Best Buddies she is pursuing her passion for helping people. Ella’s favorite Best Buddies event so far was the Disney-themed Prom their chapter hosted.

The Value of Your Donation Best Buddies helps form meaningful friendships, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communications skills, all while feeling valued by society.

$5,000 | Gift of Friendship

Bring together people with and without IDD for friendships that cultivate community-wide social inclusion, by funding a new school or citizens chapter in the Best Buddies Friendship program. $2,500 | Training Day Fund an all-day Ambassadors training session for up to 50 people with and without IDD, where attendees will gain the public speaking skills and confidence needed to champion for inclusion throughout their community. $1,000 | Prepare Future Advocates Give a student leader, Ambassador or Jobs participant the opportunity to attend the annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference, where he or she will learn to advocate for him or herself and the larger IDD community. $500 | Support a Buddy Pair

Support a one-to-one friendship between someone with IDD and his or her peer, helping to build a mutually enriching connection that enhances the lives of program participants and their families. $250 | Inclusive Chapter Activities Fund a group activity for a school or adult friendship program. Support school and community friendships by covering the cost of a fun, safe and inclusive activity or outing for the whole chapter. $100 | e-Buddies Connection Fund an online e-Buddies friendship between a person with and a person without IDD. The “e-pal” program allows participants to become more social and technology-literate, which may lead to more advanced career opportunities.

Our In-Kind Donors

Sam Arnold / Twin Cities Orthopedics Katey DeMarais / Best Buddies Katie Gross / Noonday Sarah Halls / Company

Julie Johnson / Company

First Name

First Name

First Name

First Name

First Name

Last Name

Last Name

Last Name

Last Name

Last Name

First Name

First Name

First Name

First Name

First Name

Last Name

Last Name

Last Name

Last Name

Last Name

First Name

First Name

First Name

First Name

First Name

Last Name

Last Name

Last Name

Last Name

Last Name

First Name

First Name

First Name

First Name

First Name

Last Name

Last Name

Last Name

Last Name

Last Name