Dear Friends and Family,
Welcome to the seventh-annual Champion of the Year Gala for Best Buddies in Maine! Tonight, we aim to celebrate, recognize, and uplift the intellectual and development disability community in our state. Hundreds of you have supported this Champion of the Year fundraising campaign for that very same purpose.
This eight-week philanthropic competition for Best Buddies in Maine celebrates Best Buddies participants and community leaders throughout the State who have been nominated as “Champions” to raise funds and increase awareness for the mission of Best Buddies. Following an eight-week campaign, all candidates are being honored at the Champion of the Year Gala. The Champion candidate who raises the most donations, surpassing all rivals in the competition, is named our 2025 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 Maine 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 beyond! We couldn’t do this without your help, and we’re grateful for our donors every day.
In Friendship,
Rebecca Williams State Director, Best Buddies in Maine
This Year's Entertainment
Marlana VanHoose was born with cytomegalovirus and cerebral palsy, expected to only live one year or less. Despite all odds, she overcame nearly every obstacle that was thrown at her Marlana developed a love for music early in life, and she has been singing and playing piano ever since, gracing national stages across the country. We’re so lucky to have her join us at tonight’s Gala!
How to Bid
Register:
Text MECOY24 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!
