Gala
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the Best Buddies Champion of the Year celebration! Tonight, we come together to honor the extraordinary individuals whose commitment, passion, and generosity make a profound difference in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Your presence here is more than attendance; it is a declaration that inclusion, friendship, and opportunity matter.
Each of you plays a critical role in helping Best Buddies achieve its mission. Through your support, you are not only funding life-changing programs, but you are also demonstrating the power of human connection. Your belief in our mission fuels our ability to create meaningful friendships, provide job opportunities, and foster independence for thousands of individuals across our community.
Tonight is a celebration of you, the champions who make change possible. As you turn the pages of this program, know that every name and every story reflects a shared commitment to breaking down barriers and building a world that is more inclusive, compassionate, and kind.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your generosity, your time, and your belief in the power of friendship. Whether this is your first year attending or you are a long-time supporter, your dedication creates ripples of hope and opportunity that impact lives in ways you may never fully see, but are felt deeply by all of us.
Together, we celebrate not only the achievements of tonight’s honorees but the spirit of inclusion and empowerment that defines Best Buddies. Thank you for being a Champion, and for joining us in shaping a future where everyone has the chance to belong, contribute, and thrive.
Fabio Zacco
Olivia Brown
Kimberly Williams
Tamara Hass Rebecca DeOrio
Elyse Mundelein
Gretchen Flynn
Karen Flis
BidFromtheHeart
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
• The cost of the room and food to host 250+ Best Buddies members to the local Friendship Ball
$2,500
• Support 2 Buddies in their integrated employment for a year.
$1,000
• The cost to send a Buddy to the Leadership Conference (Registration and Air)
• A tent at the walk
• 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
$350
• Citizens/Ambassador bowling party
• The cost of buying t-shirts for a school chapter
$250
• The cost to send a buddy to the Champion of the Year Gala.
• Transportation for 2 ambassadors to give public speeches
• The cost of a pizza party for a school chapter
2024 Champion of the Year
Melanie Gyorke & Justin Isaac
Last year’s Champion of the Year winners, Melanie Gyorke and Justin Isaac, lit up the Gala with their incredible spirit and dedication! Paired together for the event, they not only captured the hearts of everyone in attendance but also raised an astonishing $48,754 to support Best Buddies’ mission.
Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and passion helped them rise to the top, and even more special, the friendship they formed that night continues to thrive today Melanie and Justin’s energy and commitment inspired everyone around them, showing what is possible when we champion inclusion with heart and determination.
Their story reminds us that the impact of Best Buddies extends far beyond a single event Through connection, generosity, and friendship, we can truly change lives. We are so grateful for their leadership, dedication, and example of what it means to be a true Champion of the Year.
2025 Champions & Mission Partners
This year’s Champions have shown incredible dedication, passion, and heart in supporting Best Buddies, and we are so proud to celebrate their achievements. Their commitment to inclusion and friendship continues to inspire us all and make a lasting impact in our community.
Rebecca and Kyle Riley and Chris Curran and Harold
Noli and Lois
Leesa’s Warriors
Julia and Andrew
Lindsey and Ebony
This Year's Entertainment
We are thrilled to have John Nelson as our DJ this evening! Not only did John generously donate his services in-kind, but he is also a Champion Candidate himself, embodying the spirit of giving, inclusion, and celebration that defines Best Buddies. His energy and talent are sure to make tonight’s Gala unforgettable!
How to Bid
Register:
Text OrlandoCOY25 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
