Dearfriends,
TheBestBuddiesChampionoftheYearisa adistinguishedfundraisingcampaignthatunites andhonorsinclusionleadersnationwide. Championcandidatesdedicatethemselvesto raisingfundsandawarenessforBestBuddies, advocatingforourmission,andcreating countlessopportunitiesforfriendships, employment,and leadershipdevelopment
Tonight,wecelebratethecollectiveimpactoftheseChampionsandannouncethe ultimateChampionoftheYearWealsohonoryou;yourpresencereflectsyour commitmenttoourmissionandyourpotentialtomakeameaningfuldifferencein thelivesofothers
BestBuddiesenvisionsafuturewhereindividualswithintellectualand developmentaldisabilities(IDD)arefullyintegratedintoourHoustoncommunity, makingourprogramsessentialWestrivetodemonstratethatpeoplewith disabilitiesgettheopportunitiestheydeserveYoursupportandcontributions makeourmissionpossibleItisbecauseofyouandyourcontributionstonightthat wearehelpingourIDDcommunitydreamscometrue!
ThankyouforbeinghereandforyourunwaveringcommitmenttoBestBuddies Wearehonoredtohaveyouapartofourfamily!
Infriendship,
LindaKordek-Milton StateDirector,Texas
Welcome
Linda Kordek-Milton, State Director
The Dash
Chris Bohr, Auctioneer
Recognition of Sposnors
Emcees Valentin Gallegos and Cindy Burbano
Event Chair Introduction
Scott “Duke” and Michelle “CC” Ensell
Champion & Mission
Partners
Chris Bohr, Valentin Gallegos, and Cindy Burbano
Silent Auction
Closes
Chris Bohr, Auctioneer
Mission Moment Speaker
Nicholas Terreros and Yusif Abahusayn
Live Auction & Bid From the Heart
Chris Bohr, Auctioneer
Live Entertainment
J&D Entertainment
Grand Champion Named
Emcees, Valentin Gallegos, Cindy Burbano & Auctioneer, Chris Bohr
DJ and Dancing
DJ Freddy
THANK YOU TO OUR
Molly & Craig Borque
Ashley Decman
Duke and CC Ensell
Jordyn Ensell
Kevin Harkel
Gary Krueger
Jack Krueger
Liam O’Rouke
DeShanna Reed
Bill Tatar
Lisa Tynan
THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT COMMITTEE!
Molly & Craig Borque
Ashley Decman
Duke and CC Ensell
Kat Kearns
Gary Krueger
Jennifer Langeland
Liam O‘Rourke
Bill Tatar
Lisa Tynan
Jean Wilson
BEST BUDDIES HELPS OUR PARTICIPANTS TO FORM MEANINGFUL FRIENDSHIPS, SECURE SUCCESSFUL JOBS, LIVE INDEPENDENTLY, AND IMPROVE PUBLIC SPEAKING, SELF-ADVOCACY AND COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS, ALL WHILE FEELING VALUED BY SOCIETY.
$20,000 LET’S MAKE THEIR DREAMS COME TRUE. Share your blessings to change the world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
$15,000 LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT. Invest in the leaders and employers of tomorrow who won’t find it unusual to hire someone who looks or acts differently...like Samantha and Maya from Seven Lakes Highs School, elected to the National Young Leaders Council or Sara from Tompkins High currently chairing our Student Advisory Board.
$10,000 MORE THAN A JOB! Support career development, job skills training , competitive employment and ongoing coaching for friends like Ritika and Jack.
$5,000
START A FRIENDSHIP CHAPTER - Like our most recent Houston Chapters, Clear Springs Jr. High, Poe Elementary and Klein High School. Transform the social culture of entire school by making friendships for life!
$2,500 GIVE OUR AMBASSADORS A PLATFORM TO ADVOCATE! Like Mason Cox of Cy-Fair High School who received the Mayor’s Champion of Inclusion Award. Give individuals of all abilities the platform and skills to share their stories.
$1,000 SEND A STUDENT TO GLOBAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE. Where nearly 3,000 students gather from across the country and the world to share ideas and experiences to further the Best Buddies mission.
$500
SPREAD THE WORD. Raise awareness of the hurtfulness of the R-word, one school campus, one community at a time. Show others how the language we choose can cultivate a culture of respect and dignity for all people
$250 PREP FOR SUCCESS. Start the conversation in Middle School to start thinking about careers and meaningful employment after graduation.
$100
ADULT FRIENDSHIP MATCH. Everybody needs a friend...especially adults whose social circles have shrunk. Support our Citizens program as we create friendships between adults of all abilities.
JORDYN ENSELL & JULIETTE MOLLOY
At our organization, we are driven by an unwavering passion for inclusivity and friendship. We proudly celebrate two remarkable individuals: Juliette and Jordyn. Their extraordinary bond exemplifies the very spirit of our mission. Through their hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment, they achieved the prestigious title of Champion of the Year for 2023.
This accomplishment was not just a testament to their efforts; it reflected the incredible support they received from their families, whose love and enthusiasm for Best Buddies inspired us all. We are immensely grateful for the profound impact these families had on our community, fostering connections and advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Juliette and Jordyn’s journey was a shining example of what can be accomplished when we come together with a shared purpose. Their dedication enriched their own lives and created a ripple effect of positivity throughout our organization. As we honored their achievements, we celebrated the power of friendship and the vital role that every member plays in making our vision a reality. Together, we built a more inclusive world, one connection at a time. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey with us!
SCOTT “DUKE” ENSELL & MICHELLE “CC” ENSELL
Duke and CC have been steadfast supporters of Best Buddies in Houston for over a decade. Their profound commitment to our mission of inclusion has driven them to consistently contribute to our organization and advocate for our cause.
Duke founded Admiral Transfer & Rigging, Inc. in 1984, specializing in over-the-road heavyhaul services. Through his dedication and hard work, he has transformed the company into a reputable and successful enterprise. He is the proud father of two children, Jordyn and Dylan.
Michelle "CC" is a third-generation Houstonian, having been born and raised in Houston, Texas. She spent a year and a half of her high school education at The American School in Switzerland, graduating in 1986. She furthered her education at Southwest Texas State University, earning her degree in December 1990. CC is the mother of two children, Brandon and Grayson.
Duke and CC were married in 2015 and are the grandparents of two grandsons, Liam and Levi. They enjoy a variety of activities, including attending concerts and sporting events, spending quality time with family, traveling, and indulging in wine pairing dinners at local restaurants. However, their greatest passion lies in giving back to their community.
Duke was recognized as a recipient of the Top 20 CEOs and Entrepreneurs Award in 2019, and CC was honored at the Women of Substance luncheon in 2022. They actively support and engage with numerous organizations, including Best Buddies, where they both serve as Advisory Board members. They have chaired the Champion of the Year Gala in 2017, 2022 and 2023, led the auction in 2018, and have been sponsors of the Friendship Walk since 2015.
DORA GUTIERREZ & TOMMY FAISON
JORDYN ENSELL &
JULIETTE MOLLOY
DESHANNA REED & JARED ATKINS
KRUEGER & KEVIN HARKEL
