BidFromtheHeart
The Value of Your Donation Supp
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
OPEN A NEW SCHOOL CHAPTER
Bring friendship and inclusion to a new school! Your support creates a new Best Buddies chapter, pairing students with and without IDD in one-to-one friendships and fostering a welcoming environment for all.
$2,500
SPONSOR THE BEST BUDDIES FRIENDSHIP BALL
Create a magical, unforgettable evening! Your gift makes it possible for students in Best Buddies to attend our annual inclusive dance where they can dress up, celebrate, and enjoy time together with their buddy.
$1,000
SEND A STUDENT TO LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Empower the next generation! Your gift covers all expenses for one student leader to attend the Best Buddies International Leadership Conference to gain advocacy skills, confidence, and inspiration to foster greater inclusion at school
$500 PROVIDE WELCOME KITS FOR NEW CHAPTERS
Help new chapters start strong! Provide Welcome Kits with resources, guides, activity materials, and fun items to recruit members, plan inclusive events, and cultivate friendship from day one.
$250 HOST A CITIZENS CHAPTER CELEBRATION
Bring adults together in friendship and community! Your gift funds a gathering for adults with and without IDD, providing a space to socialize and feel included, valued, and celebrated in their community.
$100 EVERY GIFT MAKES A DIFFERENCE!
2024 Champion of the Year
Meredith and Avery Connor
When Meredith Connor stepped forward as a Champion of the Year candidate in 2024, she did so with a purpose rooted deeply in love, courage, and a hope-filled vision for the future. After receiving her daughter Avery’s Down syndrome diagnosis at birth, Meredith and her family found themselves navigating a world that often wasn’t built with individuals with disabilities in mind. The fear and uncertainty of those early days evolved into determination to ensure that Avery, and others like her, would grow up in a community where they are included, valued, and fully supported
Meredith saw Best Buddies as a powerful answer to that hope. With the organization newly establishing a presence in South Carolina, she recognized an opportunity to help shape a more inclusive future not only for Avery, but for students across Spartanburg and the entire state.
Meredith raised over $178,000 and earned the title of 2024 Champion of the Year. Tonight, we celebrate her leadership, her heart, and her belief in a better, more inclusive tomorrow for every family walking a journey like hers.
2025 Champion Candidates
Kayla Broome and Ceci McBrid
S ll d J
Bo Crigler and Drew Gleason and Katie Smith
Kaitlin Staffa Mike and Matthew Zaffuto
How to Bid de a st 20 n for nning in a bride time, or ess Upstate anare, des in wo
SCCOY25 to 76278
Available in tonight’s silent auction: “Friendship in Bloom” artwork created by Walhalla Elementary’s Preschool Special Education class.
Check out all of our amazing silent auction items: Text SCCOY25 to 76278
