Best Buddies North Florida Champion of the Year Program Book

To participate in the silent auction: Text BBNF2021 to 76278

North Florida Champion of the Year Event Schedule 7:00 PM– Cocktail hour

7:45 PM– Dinner service begins 8:00 PM– Program starts 8:30 PM– Silent auction closes & Champion teams are announced

8:35 PM– Live auction 9:00 PM– Bid from the Heart 9:40 PM– Grand Champion announcement 9:45 PM– Silent auction checkout opens

10:00 PM– Gala concludes

Dear Friends, Thank you so much for allowing me to participate in the 2020 Best Buddies Champion of the Year fundraiser. It was an incredibly fulfilling experience that gave me perspective and made me a better person.

I knew very little about Best Buddies before being recruited by Wally Conway to participate in the 2020 gala. In my first call with Andi Allen, State Director in Florida, she educated me on the purpose and mission of Best Buddies and used the phrase “graduate to the couch” which really stuck with me.

Throughout my time fundraising and working with my mission partner Cordell, that phrase kept running through my head and opened up my eyes to the true purpose of the Best Buddies program. This program helps its participants build

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confidence and self-esteem.

Seeing this program firsthand, and the happiness that is brought to all of its participants was a joy to behold. I appreciate everybody working at Best Buddies as well as future Champions who will raise their hand to step up for the cause.

Cheers to spreading happiness and positively impacting lives.

Pat Flynn 2020 Best Buddies’ Champion of the Year North Florida

Champion Teams Champion: Cindy Champion: Brittney Mission Partner: Lorenzo

Champion: Jill Campaign Manager: Lauren Mission Partner: Cara

Champion: Kelly Campaign Manager: Danielle Mission Partner: Jojo

Champion: Wade Campaign Manager: Scott Mission Partner: Skyler

Mission Speakers Kayla and Skyler Sharp Kayla was first introduced to Best Buddies when Skyler was in middle school. Sky has down syndrome, and Kayla wanted an inclusive environment for Sky that encourages her to develop and work toward achieving her goals and dreams.

Sky is now in high school at Ponte Vedra High School and joined the Best Buddies club. Kayla was able to witness how Sky’s connection to the organization has helped her grow.

Performers

The Sky truly is the limit!

DJ Saunders Anthony is 19 years old and an aspiring DJ. He graduated from Creekside High School in 2021. He has always had a love of music. He studied under the instruction of DJ Joe Jack (Giacopelli) of Spin DJ Academy located in Rockville Centre, NY for fourteen months. He is available for children's parties, birthday parties, home and backyard parties, proms, church, corporate, community and school events.

St. Johns and Friends St. John Bargas, Jr. is a musician, and multiinstrumentalist who plays cello in the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra. St. John is a Transition student at the North Florida School of Special Education. His music group, St. Johns and Friends perform at private functions and community events. Other members of St. Johns and Friends include Christina Erhayel on violin and David Steadman on piano, both of whom are graduates of the UNF School of Music.

Meet our 2021 Champion Engagement Chair: Randy Kersh Randy Kersh is a State Ambassador for Best Buddies in Florida. He also serves on the Advisory Board for North Florida as the Mission Chair. Randy has been a Mission Partner for past Champion of the Year Galas, but was excited for this new opportunity. The Champion Engagement Chair supports all Champion teams during their 8 week fundraising campaign. Well done Randy!

How to Bid How do I bid on silent or live auction items?

1. Once you are registered - Click the blue link within the Welcome text or personal link button from within the Welcome email.

2. Choose item - From our Home page, click "Items" , browse then select an item.

3. Choose amount - Use the pre-populated minimum bid or enter a higher amount. You can also set up Auto bid.

4. Click Bid How do I know if I have been outbid?

You will be notified via text message if you have been outbid. If you are not receiving text messages make sure you have the correct mobile number under your profile.

How will I know if the auction has closed?

The silent auction will close at 8:30 pm. You will be notified leading up to the closing via text message and during the program. Once it closes and you have won an item you will receive a text message about your win!

Please note: All bids are final and binding. There will be no exchanges, alterations, or refunds on items. Please note any restrictions or expiration dates stipulated by the prize donor as noted in the item description.

Our Sponsors Presenting Sponsor:

Event Sponsors:

In-kind Sponsors:

Meet our Gala Co-Chairs

Kayla Sharp Atlantic Trust Mortgage

Kaley Presnell Creekside High School

Gala Planning Committee Christianne Custodio, Atlantic Trust Mortgage Stacy Francis, Round Table Realty

Lisa Haas, St. Johns County Schools Anne Hof, Managing Partner DJ Saunders Brittany O’Donoghue, Landmark Title Emily Pennington, Engel & Völkers Real Estate Sarah Swartz, Engel & Völkers Real Estate Christina Welch, Welch Team

Best Buddies North Florida Advisory Board

Randy Kersh

William Li

Scott Nyman

Mercedes Benz of Orange Park

Landmark Title/ Heekin Law

Summit Realty

Kaley Presnell

Justin Ramos

Jeff Stoneking

Creekside High School

Auditmacs

Brightway Insurance

Abby Walsh

Christina Welch

Edye Wright

Franklin Street

Welch Team

Tom Coughlin Jay Fund

Friendship is not Cancelled: The COVID-19 Pandemic

Champion of the Year North Florida