Thank
you! You’re making a difference.
Message From Our Regional Director
Dear Friends,
All of us at Best Buddies in Palm Beach & the Treasure Coast extend our deepest appreciation to our wonderful participants, families, volunteers, donors, and corporate partners for such a successful 2025! Your support and dedication to our mission helps our programs grow, creating more inclusive communities throughout our state.
Happy Holidays to you and yours and here’s to continued growth in 2026!
In Friendship, Tricia Williams Regional Director, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River & Okeechobee Counties
Here’s what we’ve accomplished, Because of your support in
Legislative Day 2025, Tallahasee FL
One-to-one
Friendships
Meet
Ana and Dalliman
When she actually asked me to be her Peer Buddy, I couldn’t even explain the happiness I felt. It wasn’t just excitement — it was gratitude. Gratitude that she saw something in me, gratitude that she wanted me, and gratitude that this friendship was beginning.
-Ana
10
16 Participants in Development Employed Participants
Current Students Enrolled
7
Potential Schools
Meet Khiara
I love working with Best Buddies because I not only love my job, but I love my bosses, and coworkers too!
-Khiara
63 Ambassadors (Local, State & Global
6 Ambassador Training Participants
Leadership Development
Meet Ronin
Before Best Buddies, I was shy. I kept to myself a lot and didn’t always feel confident speaking up. But through Best Buddies, I found more than just friends — I found a family that believed in me, and helped me believe in myself.
-Ronin
Meet Jess
I am blessed that I have a mother who was able to find this program, a family that’s supports me, and beautiful community to partake in.
-Jess
Boca Raton Resident
Family Support Program
Eunie’s Buddies Program
Although this program is not currently in Palm Beach County our Advisory Board Co-Chair Rick Colandreo has volunteered to be a parent mentor to other parents in the State.
Eunie’s BUDDIES Connects families who are expecting or have a young child with IDD to experienced parents of a child with IDD, encouraging a genuine relationship rooted in mentorship, resourcesharing, and guidance.
Best Buddies Friendship Ball Palm Beach
An unforgettable evening with 149 of our closest friends from all over the state gathered at the Jupiter Community Center for music, dancing, and friendship!
Best Buddies Friendship Ball Treasure Coast
An unforgettable evening with 70 of our closest friends from all over the state gathered at the VFW Post 10132 for music, dancing, and friendship!
Raised $182,000
Nearly 1,100 participants, volunteers, corporate partners and community members walked for inclusion!
In July, 30 leaders from Palm Beach joined over 2,400 from all over Florida, both with and without IDD, attended our 34th Annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference. They participated in personalized trainings that develop the skills needed to organize and lead a Best Buddies chapter!
Nearly 400 supporters came together for our annual Gala in celebration of the collective efforts of our 10 Champions who raised funds and awareness to support our mission! Raised $537,000
Champions are made from something they have deep inside of them - a desire, a dream, a vision.” -Mahatma Gandhi
2025
Grand
Palm Beach
Champions, Juliet & Kate Warner
