Dear Friends,
Thank you for joining us tonight as we celebrate inclusion, friendship, and the outstanding individuals who are paving the way for a more connected and compassionate community Your presence here speaks volumes about the commitment you have to making a difference in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
Best Buddies Michigan believes that everyone deserves the chance to experience friendship, personal growth, and inclusion. Tonight, we honor not only our Champion of the Year candidates—leaders who have dedicated their time, passion, and energy to our mission but also each of you for standing with us to create these opportunities across our state.
In schools, workplaces, and communities, Best Buddies is empowering people with IDD to feel valued, build lasting friendships, and gain the confidence they deserve. None of this would be possible without your incredible support. Together, we are breaking down barriers, opening doors, and proving that inclusion truly transforms lives.
As we celebrate this evening, remember that your involvement means everything. With your support, we are changing lives, creating friendships, and building a world where everyone is seen, heard, and included.
Thank you for making this journey with us. Let’s keep working together for a more inclusive tomorrow.
With heartfelt gratitude, Best Buddies Michigan
MEET OUR BOARD
Karan Wilson (Board Chair)
Project Management
General Motors
Jennifer Dollar
Vice President, Business Enablement
Talent Launch
Dr. Susan L Youngs, MD
Neuromuscular Medicine, Pediatric
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Center for Exceptional Families
John Wyskiel President
Magna Seating
Lynn Hebert Controller
Arteva Homes
Kirstin Queen
Membership Director
Institute for Corporate Productivity
Alexis Fagan-Williams
Behavioral Therapist Behavior Frontiers
Evan Bursch
Best Buddies Participant University of Michigan Chapter
Marvin Figaro
Director, DEI Strategic Partnerships
Kelly
Jane Reutter
Parent Advocate
Owner & Hair Designer, Salon de bella
John Rose
Lecturer, Special Education and Communication Sciences and Disorders Eastern Michigan University
Jonathan Ganci Director, Mission Advancement
Natalie D’Angelo Lead Employment Consultant
Lydia Goff Lead Program Manager
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
$5,000
• A middle school, high school, or college Chapter for a year
$2,500
• Sponsor 5 Citizens gatherings (friendship program for adults 18 and over)
$1,000
• The cost to send a Buddy to the Leadership Conference (Registration and Air)
• DJ or photo booth for a statewide Best Buddies event
$500
• Bus to transport a school chapter to the Friendship Walk or Friendship Ball
• Registration for a buddy to attend the Leadership Conference
• The cost of a flight to send a student leader to the Leadership Conference in Indiana
$250
• Citizens/Ambassador party/event
$100
• The cost to send 4 buddies to the Buddy Ball
• The cost of a pizza party for a school chapter
Register:
Text MICOY24 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
