2020 COY Impact Report - Maine

Your Impact, Our Programs!

Best Buddies in Maine

Amazing friends — LIKE YOU — helped us raise over $79,000 to support our local programs!

The funds raised through our Virtual Champ Celebration will help sustain Best Buddies programs throughout the state in 2020!

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Programs throughout the state, from Biddeford to Bangor

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Over 200 School Friendship Participants

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3 Middle School chapters, 7 High School Chapters and 4 College/University Chapters

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendship, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Champion of the Year unites and recognizes the most active leaders in the name of inclusion in Maine. By sharing their energy, talents, networks, and passion for inclusion through a philanthropic competition, our Champions are laying the foundation for transformative change in our community.

Back in January, we held our Candidate Training to equip the nominees with all the tools needed to lead a successful campaign. Little did they know that their 10 week campaign would become nearly an 8 month commitment, as we were forced to re-schedule and redesign our April Gala with a fully virtual event. But they were up for the challenge and helped create an inspirational and successful virtual Champ Celebration in September.

Maine’s Virtual Champ Celebration

In order to keep everyone safe, we couldn't all come together to celebrate this year. But we wouldn't let the year pass without honoring these awesome Champs and all the friendships made this year!A week-long online auction culminated in a Facebook Live celebration which was viewed by over 900 people! Talk about a virtual success!

Maine's 2020

"Best Buddies is an amazing organization that has made a tremendous impact on so many lives. From both a professional and personal perspective I am so thankful this program exists! I can't wait to see how BB continues to grow in the state of Maine! I feel so fortunate that I was able to help fundraise for this wonderful organization this year!"

Jaime Kiesow raised over $10,00 this year!

Our Sponsors

Our Sponsors

Many people with IDD have been profoundly affected by

the COVID-19 pandemic. Cut off from school or community relationships, they can be particularly vulnerable to the emotional and logistical difficulties of social isolation. People with IDD are overlooked during times of public emergency, as they are often not in a position to

advocate for themselves.

NOMINATE >>

SPONSOR >>

VOLUNTEER >>

Let us know who you think would be a great Champion for our mission of friendship and inclusion for our 2021 Gala. You could nominate someone from your company or even yourself—after all, we are honoring the best of the best in Maine through the campaign!

Continue to partner with Best Buddies and receive a multitude of marketing opportunities with our large network of supporters (and beyond)!

In May, our first annual Friendship Walk will celebrate all the lasting friendships made this year in a powerful, mission focused event.

Whether you want to join our Friendship Walk committee or are interested in our Advisory board, Best Buddies in Maine has lots of opportunities to share your time and talents to help advance our mission of inclusion! Join us today!

Best Buddies in Maine Contact:

Rebecca Williams, Director of Mission Advancement rebeccawilliams@bestbuddies.org PO Box 573 Cumberland, ME 04021

BESTBUDDIES.ORG/MAINE