Gala P R O G R A M
B O O K
Dear Friends, On behalf of Best Buddies in Alabama, welcome to our annual auction and celebration! I am so grateful you are here with us tonight as we come together to support inclusion, friendship, and opportunity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This ten-week philanthropic competition for Best Buddies in Alabama celebrates Best Buddies participants and community leaders throughout the Commonwealth who have been nominated as “Champions” to raise funds and increase awareness for our mission. Following the campaign, all candidates are honored at the Champion of the Year Gala. The Champion candidate who raises the most donations, surpassing all rivals in the competition, is named the 2026 Grand Champion of the Year. Funds raised by the Champions and proceeds from the Gala will directly benefit the local programs of Best Buddies in Alabama to create more friendships, develop leadership opportunities, and open new programs for hundreds of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities around the state. Thank you for your support of our Champion of the Year Gala, and for sharing your time, your spirit, and your generosity with us. In Friendship,
Caroline Daniel Caroline Daniel Director of Mission Advancement Best Buddies in Alabama
Thank You To Our Sponsors! PRESENTING SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSOR
Thank You To Our Sponsors! GOLD SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSORS
Bid From the Heart The Value of Your Donation Supports 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. $10,000 Cover the cost of the room and food to host 250+ Best Buddies members to a statewide Friendship Ball. $5,000 Bring together people with and without IDD for friendships that cultivate community-wide social inclusion; by funding a new school in the Best Buddies Friendship program. $2,500 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 Give a student leader or Ambassador the opportunity to attend the annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference; where they will learn to advocate for themselves and the larger IDD community. $500 Support a one-to-one friendship between someone with IDD and their peer; helping to build a mutually enriching connection that enhances the lives of program participants and their families. $250 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. $100 Fund an activity for a school friendship program!
2025 Champion of the Year
2025 Champion Nicole Newell and Latasha Bonner Raising $48,870 Nicole began her Champion journey hoping to win, but along the way, her perspective changed. Through her family’s connection to IDD and her friendship with her Mission Partner, she developed a deeper understanding of the importance of inclusion, friendship, and belonging. What started as a competition became a lifelong commitment to the Best Buddies mission—and a promise to be a “Buddy for life.”
Latasha embraced her role as Champion as an opportunity to use her voice to promote inclusion and meaningful friendship. She was proud to support Best Buddies’ mission and inspire others to celebrate differences, get involved, and help create a community where everyone feels valued, connected, and included.
Candidates
Ryan Underwood
Mary White
kennedy Whisenant
Hope Benjamin
Ruby Tilghman
Makayla Pugh
Caitlin Martin
Mission Partners
Mary Battle
Caroline Young
Taylor Kilpatrick
Order of Events 6:00 7:15 7:20 7:20
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Happy Hour + Silent Auction Opens Welcome Remarks Dinner Service Program Begins Sponosor Recognition Live Auction Mission Moment Bid from the Heart Last Man Standing 9:20 | Grand Champion Winner Announced 10:00 | Party Ends Auction and Bid from the Heart checkout will begin following the conclusion of the program. Auctioneer: Christie King, Emcee: Victoria Rutland & Erica Barnes
How to Bid Register: Text ALCOY26 to 76278 Mobile Bidding Site: ALCOY26.givesmart.com Donate: Text the word GIVE and amount to 76278.
Advisory Board Members Samm Hill BBAL Board Chair
Donna Banjamin BBAL Board Vice Chair
Budiness Interiors Katie Hill
Natalie Mcollum
Southern Company
Reset Cognitice Wellness, LLC.
Morgan Dover Mims Cooper
Reset Cognitice Wellness, LLC.
Joe Piper Inc.
Mary Battle
Will Lesley
The Battle Foundation
Vulcan Materials
Shannon Dodd
Kevin Burke
Helen Keller School of Alabama
Owner, Phase Gym
LIVE AUCTION STOCK THE BAR ALABAMA FOOTBALL BOX TICKETS Two Box Tickets to see Bryant Denny Stadium under the lights for Alabama vs. Texas A&M on October 24th!
30A BEACH VACATION Soak up the sun on a 7-night 30A vacation stay in one of Florida’s most desirable vacation spots in a 3 bed 3 bath with pool & beach access!
SAFARI HUNT 2-4 Hunters take in the scenery of South Africa while embarking on the hunt of a lifetime.
THE GRAND HOTEL STAY Stay at Fairhope’s finest! A 2-night stay up to 4 guests at the Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa.
GOLF LOVERS PARADISE Enjoy golf for 4 at Greystone Golf & Country Club and Pursell Farms. Carts and balls included!
Full item descriptions are on our GiveSmart site. Text ALCOY26 to 76278
Uncrustables® Proudly Made in McCalla, Alabama
LAKESHORE FOUNDATION SUPPORTS MARY WHITE We’re proud to support Mary White in her commitment to Best Buddies and its mission to create opportunities for friendship, leadership, employment and inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together, we can build communities where everyone belongs. Best wishes, Mary, from your friends at Lakeshore Foundation!
Preserving your precious moments one click at a time. Amy Galamore 205.230.8950 Amy.galamore@gmail.com www.agphotography84.mypixieset.com
Walk. Celebrate. Support.
04.10.27 & 04.17.27 Auburn
Tuscaloosa
The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is the leading walk in the country supporting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (also known as IDD). BESTBUDDIESFRIENDSHIPWALK.ORG/ALABAMA
Caroline Daniel 205-504-1779 | CarolineDaniel@bestbuddies.org
MAKE A FRIEND | DONATE | VOLUNTEER To find your local Best Buddies office, visit: BESTBUDDIES.ORG/Alabama