Gala NOVEMBER
7
2026
THE FOUR SEASONS NASHVILLE
BUILDING A MORE INCLUSVE TENNESSEE - TOGETHER CELEBRATING OUR 2026 CHAMPIONS
Dear Friends, Welcome to the 2026 Best Buddies Tennessee Champion of the Year Gala! It is such a joy to have you with us this evening as we come together to celebrate f riendship, inclusion, and the incredible community that makes our mission possible. Tonight is about so much more than a celebration. It is an oppor tunity to recognize the individuals, families, businesses, and community par tners who believe in a world where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are valued, included, and empowered to reach their fullest potential. To our incredible Champion candidates, thank you for the passion, generosity, and dedication you have brought to this campaign. Over the past several months, you have shared our mission, inspired others to get involved, and made a lasting impact on the lives of those we ser ve. We are so grateful for each of you, and tonight , we celebrate all that you have accomplished. To our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and guests, thank you for believing in the power of inclusion. Your suppor t allows Best Buddies to continue building meaningful f riendships, creating employment oppor tunities, developing leaders, suppor ting families, and opening doors to more inclusive communities across Tennessee. As we celebrate tonight , I hope you take a moment to reflect on the impact of this community and the f riendships and oppor tunities made possible because of your generosity. Ever y person in this room plays a par t in moving our mission for ward, and I am incredibly grateful to share this special evening with you. Thank you for being here, for believing in our mission, and for helping us create a more inclusive Tennessee! With gratitude, Abby Dugan Director, Champion of the Year – Nashville Best Buddies Tennessee
Thank you to our sponsors! Bill and Karen Hoke Family
In-Kind Partners
2026 Champion Candidates
TRIPP ABNEY
CALEB HOLLIS & BROCK BORDEAU
ANNEMARIE CARRIGAN
EMILY EATON
KATIE GRIFFIN
CAROLYN MEYER
ETHAN MOORE
ERIN SZAKOS
This Year's Entertainment
Tom Riles
Kara Jackson
Auctioneer & Emcee
Co-Emcee
Music provided by Memphis Blue’s Group; Wyly Bigger, Jon Hay, & Jad Tariq
2025 Champion of the Year Iris Brue
RAISED $38,925 FOR BEST BUDDIES IN NASHVILLE
LIVE AUCTION PREVIEW
VAN WINKLE 12 YR. RESERVE
PRIVATE MIXOLOGY COURSE
VANDERBILT WOMEN’S BASKETBALL VIP EXPERIENCE
IN-HOME CHEF EXPERIENCE
ULTIMATE GOLF GETAWAY
CUSTOM LES PAUL & GIBSON VAULT TOUR
GOLD CARPET EXPERIENCE
SVP WORLDWIDE IS THE WORLD’S LARGEST CONSUMER SEWING MACHINE COMPANY, DOING BUSINESS THROUGH ITS AFFILIATED COMPANIES IN OVER 190 COUNTRIES. SINCE 1851, THE NAME SINGER HAS BEEN ONE OF THE LEADING AND MOST TRUSTED BRANDS OF CONSUMER AND ARTISAN SEWING MACHINES IN THE WORLD.
Sewing is for Everyone! SVP generously hosted participants from the Nashville Citizen’s chapter, where they were able to learn the basics of sewing and sew their own glasses case! Participants enjoyed an evening of fun and building a new skill set!
Thank you to the Bill and Karen Hoke Family for your generosity and support!
BEST BUDDIES TENNESSEE LOCAL PROGRAM STATS
102
26
School Chapters
Jobs Participants
30
17
30
Ambassadors Trained
Inclusive Living Members
Families Supported
Best Buddies Tennessee
JOIN BEST BUDDIES CITIZENS! One to One Friendship Best Buddies Citizens creates one-to-one friendships between adults (18+) with and without IDD. You commit to building a friendship through communicating weekly and spending time together at least once a month.
APPLY TODAY! Be a part of the change! www.bestbuddies.org/join MORE INFORMATION
www.bestbuddies.org/tennessee Email:tennessee@bestbuddies.org Instagram: @bestbuddiestn
SUPPORTING ETHAN MOORE
Barry’s Bootcamp is excited to invite Best Buddies participants and supporters to take 2 classes on us at our Nashville studio from Nov 09, 2026 to Nov 22, 2026! Scan the QR Code to register!
Beverage Partners
Photography Partner
Best Buddies in Tennessee 615-891-2046 tennessee@bestbuddies.org BESTBUDDIES.ORG/TENNESSEE