Dear Friends, On behalf of Best Buddies Wisconsin, the Advisory Board, Champions, and Volunteers, we thank you for joining us this evening! Tonight, we invite you to drop the needle and tune into something special, as we celebrate friendship, inclusion, and community. This year's theme "Cool Vibes, Vintage Vinyl" captures exactly what Best Buddies is all about: the good vibe feeling of friendship. It’s a concept that echoes the simplicity of analog sound. Something that creates timeless connections, authentic rhythm, and relationships that never skip a beat. Just like a favorite record album that gets better with every listen, the friendships formed through Best Buddies grow richer over time. Across Wisconsin, we've seen firsthand how meaningful connections between individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities can transform lives, creating harmony in communities and amplifying voices that deserve to be heard. Your presence here tonight is a powerful reminder that together, we can build a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, no matter what song they're dancing to. Tonight, we hope Best Buddies is YOUR jam! As we look ahead, we do so with gratitude and hope. Tonight isn't just a celebration, it's a call to action, an invitation to join the band. Every story shared, every dollar raised, and every friendship formed helps us build a more inclusive Wisconsin, one track at a time. Whether you've been spinning with us for years or you're cueing up your very first Best Buddies experience tonight, we invite you to keep the music going. Thank you for being here and thank you for supporting the mission of Best Buddies. Let the cool vibes and friendships keep spinning! With Gratitude, Caroline, Laura, Jaimee, Megan and Leah Best Buddies Wisconsin Team
Presenting Sponsor
Thank You To Our Table Sponsors!
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Event Planning Committee A huge thank you to our Best Buddies Wisconsin Champion of the Year event planning committee! From brainstorming sessions to planning meetings, from inviting friends, colleagues, and family to purchase tickets and sponsor tables, to digging through attics and basements for albums and costumes for the photo op area, to putting together incredible auction baskets, securing beautiful flowers for centerpieces, and bringing the fun to life with our theme. Your dedication made it all possible. We could not do this without you. Thank you, and YOU ROCK!
Jenny Meyer - Shaklee Ambassador Mitch Kiffmeyer - DeJong Law Cheryl Kruit - BMO Bank Tom Berman - Community Leader Mackenzie Edinger - Inclusion Coffee Company Emily Schneider - Kohl’s Valerie Grace - Kohler Patti Christiansen - Community Leader Best Buddies Wisconsin Staff
Bid From the Heart
2025 Champion of the Year
Beanie Four paws, one big heart: Beanie, the dog who became our 2025 Champion of the Year. Beanie was in training to support kids with autism, but when the training became too difficult, she changed her focus to raising money for inclusion with Best Buddies! Beanie worked hard throughout her campaign with her mom Melissa to spread the mission of Best Buddies which creates friendships, jobs and leadership development for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In just 10 weeks, Beanie helped to raise awareness and received over $25,000 in donations for Best Buddies. Beanie is a 4 year old English Lab. In her free time Beanie likes to eat garbage, play fetch and go on slow walks. She is also a big fan of being lovable and getting belly rubs. Thank you Beanie!
2026 Mission Moment
Ava and Taty
Tatyana and Ava Best Buddies has given me a lifelong friend in Tatyana. As we celebrate 10 years of friendship, I’m incredibly grateful for the unforgettable memories we’ve shared. What began as a friendship has grown into a lifelong bond that I’ll cherish forever.
Candidates
Lizzie Nichols
Kate Kujawa
Josh Cronin
Don ‘Big D’Black
Greg Copeland
Derek Smith
Dana Lemke & Magaly Santana-Spidell
Casey Jensen
Emily Mickelson
Congratulations Champions!
This Year's Entertainment
“I have been creating all my life and I believe spin art is an amazing way to share creativity with others and inspire them to create themselves! Milwaukee Artist, Justin Stone
Music Bingo is a game like traditional bingo, but instead of numbers, players mark off song titles or artists when they recognize short music clips played by a host. It uses bingo-style cards filled with songs, and players win by completing a line, pattern, or full card. Rules, prizes and details to follow.
Soul Spin is an immersive experience, which provides a space to create! The experience takes place under a brightly lit mock DJ stage, where the turntables are used to create the art. Spin art is an amazing form of art that encourages expression from any age and ability level. Attendees create their very own work of art using a recycled vinyl record, paint, and the magic of centripetal force! After dripping paint onto the record and giving it a spin, an array of beautiful designs are created for a one of a kind piece of art to take home as a memento. IG: @soulspin.exp Suggested donation $20 Only available from 5pm - 7pm Pick up in the Lobby after 9pm
Auction Rules & Procedures LIVE AUCTON The Live Auction will begin on Thursday, November 5, 2026, and continue until all items are sold. The auctioneer will determine all aspects of the Live Auction, including resolving questions of priority and procedures, and may correct or modify the order of description of any item prior to its sale. The auctioneer’s decision on all matters will be final. Bidders shall signify their bids by raising their bid through GiveSmart service accessed with your own smartphone. GiveSmart Staff members will digitally confirm the winning bid. SILENT AUCTION All of the Silent Auction bidding will be conducted through the GiveSmart service, accessed with your own smartphone or through text messaging. GiveSmart support staff will also be on hand to ensure a pleasant bidding experience. The dollar value of all items are established by the donor, according to fair market value. Please consult your tax advisor for income tax deductions. Best Buddies International makes no warranty of the quality or the value of the auction items, and all items are sold “AS IS” condition. All auction sales are final. There will be no exchanges or refunds on the items. Best Buddies International is not responsible for lost, damaged, stolen or replacement items. All silent auction items must be picked up within 30 days of the event. Any items not claimed by that time will be forfeited without refund or recourse, and may be repurposed for future fundraising efforts. Register:Text WICHAMPS to (76278) Donate:Text the word GIVE and amount (dollar sign not required) to (76278) You can also bid in the silent auction once you’ve registered Shipping Policy If an item requires shipping, the donor assumes all costs incurred, including packaging, postage, and any applicable handling fees. Please coordinate directly with the recipient to arrange delivery.
LIVE AUCTION ITEMS DATE NIGHT FOR A YEAR Enjoy a full year of unforgettable date nights in and around Milwaukee! This package features some of the city’s hottest new spots : Aya, Cassis, Lupi & Iris, plus beloved favorites like DanDan, Harbor House, and Ca’Lucchenzo. Prefer something more casual? Visit neighborhood gems like Leff’s Lucky Town, O’Donoghue’s Irish Pub, and ZA, then cap the night with custard from Milwaukee icon Kopp’s. You’ll also enjoy experiences from Milwaukee Food Tours, Milwaukee Ballet, Racine Zoo, and the Lakeshore Chinooks to keep the fun going all year long. To make your year even more special, you’ll receive two tickets to return to the Best Buddies Gala in 2027 for another inspiring evening supporting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Whether you love food, adventure, or simply more time together, this package delivers a year of date nights you won’t forget. Donated by Advisory Board members Dan Topp, Sarah Banach, and friends.
CHEF CURATED MEAL FOR TWO AT THIRD COAST PROVISIONS Enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience with a chef‑curated dinner for two at Third Coast Provisions, a modern American restaurant featuring cuisine inspired by a Midwestern sensibility, a relaxed, chic atmosphere, craft cocktails, and an extensive wine list. Chef Mike Meinzer will collaborate with you in advance to learn about your favorite flavors, dietary preferences, and special requests, then design a custom five‑course menu with expertly paired beverages tailored just for you and your guest. Whether you’re celebrating an engagement, marking a milestone, or simply planning an extra‑special night out, this intimate, one‑of‑a‑kind dining experience promises exceptional food, warm hospitality, and lasting memories.
“UP NORTH”– FALL GETAWAY Attention Leaf Leepers! Treat yourself to a cozy 2–3 night fall getaway at Mangata Lakehus, in Westfield WI, at a serene lakeside Airbnb retreat for up to 8 guests. This private waterfront cabin features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a sandy beach, kayaks, firepit, fishing gear, and a solar-powered cosmos dome for unforgettable stargazing. Make lasting memories in a peaceful, natural setting surrounded by vibrant fall colors. Offer valid for fall stays only. Please note: no pets allowed.
LIVE AUCTION ITEMS THE PFISTER HOTEL & MASON STREET GRILL – AN ENCHANTING EVENING OF FINE FOOD & RELAXATION Step into a night of culinary magic and luxurious comfort at Milwaukee’s iconic Mason Street Grill and The Pfister Hotel. This package includes Chef's Counter and a Chef Tasting Menu with wine/beverage pairings for 10 guests and guest room accommodations (5 rooms total). Valid Sunday - Thursday – no holidays. Tax and gratuity included. Cannot be combined with any other promotion or gift card. Expires 11/5/27.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS SUITE Cheer on the Milwaukee Bucks in style from a private suite at Fiserv Forum! This exclusive package includes 18 tickets and 5 parking passes for one (1) mutually agreed upon home game (from a selection of three games: Sunday, November 15th vs. Atlanta Hawks, Monday, February 1st vs. Memphis Grizzlies or Wednesday, March 31st vs New Orleans Pelicans). Enjoy a fantastic view of the action, comfortable seating, and a memorable night out with friends, family, or colleagues. Please note: food and beverages are not included but may be purchased separately so you can customize your game-day experience. Donated by Barret Lo Visionary Development
THE ULTIMATE GREEN BAY PACKER WEEKEND Experience the ultimate Green Bay Packers game weekend with FOUR incredible tickets in Section 114, Row 23, Seats 11–14, prime lower-bowl seating that puts you right in the heart of the action at Lambeau Field. The game will be played on either Saturday, January 9, 2027, or Sunday, January 10, 2027 (date and kickoff time to be determined by the NFL), so be sure to keep an eye out for final scheduling. Your package also includes two hotel rooms for TWO NIGHTS SpringHill Suites, conveniently located at 1011 Tony Canadeo Run in Green Bay, just steps from the stadium. Make a full day of it by joining Roland Machinery Co. at their indoor tailgate for food and fun, hosted in a private side room inside the bar at their tailgate location, starting 3 hours before kickoff. Enjoy great food, camaraderie, and game-day excitement before you head to your seats. Donated by Roland Machinery Co.
We are proud to partner with Best Buddies. Thank you for uniting and recognizing leaders in our local communities. Congratulations to all of the Champions’ collective impact and the Champion of the Year. You make a positive difference.
COMING IN 2027
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND more info to come!
Walk. Celebrate. Support.
May 1, 2027 9:00 AM Oconomowoc WI 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/WISCONSIN
Best Buddies Wisconsin 414-271-1470 | Wisconsin@BestBuddies.org
MAKE A FRIEND | DONATE | VOLUNTEER To find your local Best Buddies office, visit: BESTBUDDIES.ORG