Gala PROGRAM
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the 2025 Best Buddies Champion of the Year: Recipe for Inclusion Gala! We’re so excited to have you here as we celebrate the incredible impact of our Champions and the power of inclusion. Your continued support is what makes events like tonight possible, and we’re deeply grateful for everything you do to champion our mission.
Because of your generosity, Best Buddies has been able to expand and enhance our programs across Maryland. This year, we proudly expanded to more chapters across the state- with particular expansion for our elementary programs. And it doesn’t stop thereyour support also helps us strengthen our existing Friendship, Jobs, and Leadership programs, ensuring that individuals with IDD have access to meaningful relationships, employment opportunities, and the confidence to advocate for themselves.
Tonight, we want to thank a moment to recognize and thank our incredible sponsors, restaurant partners, community supporters, and our talented band, Bachelor Boys Band, for making this evening possible.
Let’s celebrate our champions, enjoy the night, and celebrate a future where everyone feels empowered and included!
In
Friendship,
Laura Nicolini
State Director, Best Buddies in Maryland
Lynne Case I Self-Employed
Joseph Clauser I Foulger-Pratt
Joe Delaney I Assured Partners DC
Emily Dunigan I Compass Real Estate &
Montgomery County Government Police
Laura Feiler I Harford County Public Schools
Dina Gruber I Parent Advocate
Sarah McMahon I Board Chair
Tom Morey I Park Hotels & Resorts
Mary Jo Mullin I Outdoor Nursery School
JB Osborne I JMT
Paul Schwinn I Shulman Rogers
Aime Self I Truist Financial Group
Sam Spiritos I Shulman Rogers
Peter Bulcavage I Buch Construction
Sara Clasper I Shulman Rogers
Justin DeVault I Shulman Rogers
Sarah Donohue I Shulman Rogers
James Kirschner I County Bank
Michael Orloff I The Stroud Group
Chet Patel I Baywood Hotels
Jeanne Roberts I Parent Advocate
Rebe Schaefer I Atlantic Union Bank
Vinay Sharma I Baywood Hotels
Bid From the Heart Recipe for Inclusion
Best Buddies creates meaningful friendships, empowers individuals with successful careers, promotes independent living, hones public speaking, self-advocacy, and communication skills, all while fostering a sense of belonging in society Your donation is the key ingredient that makes this recipe possible
$10,000
Funds our annual “Friendship Ball” – an inclusive prom for friends with and without IDD to come together and celebrate our mission (This is a free event for all participants)
$5,000
Funds a new school Best Buddies Chapter – Bring together people with and without IDD for friendships that cultivate community-wide social inclusion
$2,500
Fund an all-day Ambassadors training session for up to 50 individuals with and without IDD; where attendees will gain the public speaking skills and confidence needed to champion for inclusion throughout their community
$1,000
Give a student leader or Ambassador the opportunity to attend the annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference, where they will learn to advocate for themselves and the larger IDD community
$500
Support a one-to-one friendship; helping to build a mutually enriching connection that enhances the lives of program participants and their families
$250
Fund an online e-Buddies friendship between a person with and without IDD. The e-pal program allows participants to become more social and gain additional technology skills, which leads to more advanced career opportunities.
$100
Fund an activity for a school friendship program. Support the inclusive school friendship program and cover an activity for an event
2024 Champion of the Year
Congrats to our 2024 Champion of the Year:
Mary Snowdon
Grand Champion Mary Snowdon along with her mission partner and son, Matt, raised an impressive $23,687 in support of Best Buddies in Maryland programs. The Snowdon family has been involved with Best Buddies and the Champion event the past two years. They continue to fundraise and raise awareness for this cause and hope to inspire others with their commitment to creating a more inclusive world. In the beautiful words of Mary, “Let’s keep making inclusion the North Star that guides us all.”
2025 Candidates
CHAMPION:
Ella Atwood
MISSION PARTNER:
Casey Clark
CHAMPION:
Wendy Sweitzer
MISSION PARTNER:
Amber Joy Miller
CHAMPION:
Hari Kannan
2025 Candidates
CHAMPION: Michael Molinaro
MISSION PARTNER: Matt Snowdon Mary Snowdon & Sarah Molinaro
CAMPAIGN MANAGER:
CHAMPION: Cat Ronis
MISSION PARTNER: Anderson Jones
CHAMPION:
CAMPAIGN MANAGER: Renee Hoover Ryan Hoover
2025 Candidates
CHAMPION: Bryan Vancavage
MISSION PARTNER: Sri Rapaka
CHAMPION: Mollie Dwyer
MISSION PARTNER: Alina Chesla
CAMPAIGN MANAGER: Keely Keys
Sous Chefs
Best Buddies Friendship Programs are dedicated to fostering one-to-one friendships between individuals with and without intellecutal and developmental disabilities Many of those volunteering with us tonight have been involved in a variety of our programs throughout the state of Maryland
Reach out to us to start a chapter, as we continue to extend the hand of friendship to those who need it most Together, we can make a difference, one friendship at a time
This Year's Entertainment
Meet the Bachelor Boys Band!
They’re live music experts, wedding enthusiasts, and party starters. They’re a premium, customizable 3 to 14 piece band specializing in high-energy music f They infuse every event with energy and fun and pride themselves on filling dance floors.
How to Bid
Register:
Text MDCOY25 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
DIGITAL
BUILDING INCLUSION & CREATING OPPORTUNITIES
AtBestBuddiesinMaryland,weare committedtofosteringinclusion, respect,andempowermentfor individualswithintellectualand developmentaldisabilities(IDD).Our programsprovidethefollowing opportunities.
Fosteringmeaningfulone-to-one friendshipsbetweenindividualswithand withoutIDD,creatinglasting connections.
HelpingindividualswithIDDsecure meaningfulemployment,promoting independenceandself-sufficiency.
EmpoweringindividualswithIDDto developpublicspeaking,self-advocacy, andcommunicationskills.
Promotesinclusiveliving environmentsforindividualswith andwithoutIDD
Providingsupportandresourcesto familiesraisingchildrenwithIDD, throughmentor-menteerelationships andemotionalsupport.
Joinusinourmissionto createamoreinclusive world!Whetheryou’re lookingtovolunteer, partnerwithus,or participateinour programs,thereare manywaystoget involved.Visitour websiteorcontactusto learnmore!
Meet our Restaurant Partners
Menu Item: Yellowfish Sushi Taco w/ Spicy Motoyaki Mayo
Kona Grill is a classic American grill featuring an array of delicious menu items including hearty steaks and fresh seafood and sushi From brunch and lunch to dinner and happy hour, we treat every guest to a diverse menu and a unique vibe dining experience in a polished, casual atmosphere. Kona Grill offers indoor and outdoor patio dining at all our locations, along with live sets from local DJs on Friday and Saturday nights
Menu Item: Cannolis
Gioacchino Vaccaro established Vaccaro’s Italian Pastry Shop in 1956 Mr Jimmy, as he was so aptly known, brought with him the recipes and the knowledge of how to make the finest Siciliano pastries Baltimore had ever seen. Today Nick Vaccaro continues the family tradition begun by his father with the same Old World recipes brought over from Italy
Menu Item: Hummus Cup Trio
Cafe Fili is a gathering place for friends old and new, bringing a fresh take on Mediterranean cuisine to the neighborhood Stop in any time of day to enjoy pastries, eggs, bagels and organic coffee and tea for breakfast Homemade soups, salads and panini for lunch Mezze selection, Grain Bowls, beer, wine and a full bar round out the day.
Menu Item: Binkert’s Leberkase Sliders on Pretzel Buns, Cucumber Salad, Housemade Mustard Officially opening in 2019 and then relaunching in June 2020, the Rathskeller has a major focus on the popular German street food: schnitzel. Since the re-launch, they’ve added wursts made by market Binkert's and other notorious partners and been part of the historic revitalization of Elkridge
#schnitzelgang
Menu Item: Old Bay Crab Bisque and Crab Pretzels
A family-owned gem since 1974, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood has been a cherished intuition specializing in the art of crafting authentic Maryland crabcakes. With decades of culinary expertise and a deep love for seafood, they’ve become a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike, delivering the true taste of Maryland’s coastal flavors
Meet our Restaurant Partners
Menu Item: Curry Puffs & Pineapple Fried Rice
Thai Street’s recipes have been tweaked to perfection over multiple generations of Chef/Owner Kesorn Imsin’s family Using traditional techniques and ingredients we create dishes that allow you to experience authentic Thai street food and regional specialties. Inspiration for our food has been sourced from the streets of Phetchabun (Kesorn’s hometown) to some of the finest restaurants in Bangkok
Menu Item: Variety Ice Cream Cups
Max’s Best Ice Cream has partnered with Best Buddies International to employ individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the Best Buddies Jobs program Best Buddies is also a co-owner in Max’s Best Ice Cream so a portion of the proceeds from every customer’s purchase will help to further Best Buddies’ work in the local community
Menu Item: Focaccia Romana Display Crushed tomato, garlic, Sicilian oregano | prosciutto, grilled roasted peach, vin cotto, pistachio
Live! Casino has been a great partner and host to our Champion of the Year event the past two years We are grateful for their continuous support!
Menu Item: Sweet and Savory Brussel Sprouts
Wicked Sisters offers a unique American Fare experience. Our executive chef is always coming up with new, fresh and amazing dishes for you to try
Black Flag Social House is more than just a brewery They are a full service restaurant with a scratch kitchen and plenty of outdoor seating Menu Item: Sticky Ribs
Maryland Chapters
Best Buddies Friendship Programs are dedicated to fostering one-to-one friendships between individuals with and without intellecutal and developmental disabilities Reach out to us to start a chapter, as we continue to extend the hand of friendship to those who need it most Together, we can make a difference, one friendship at a time
Elementary Schools
Cabin Branch Elementary School
Centennial Lane Elementary
Central Elementary School
Four Seasons Elementary School
George T. Cromwell Elementary
Glendale Elementary School
Havre De Grace Elementary
Holy Redeemer Catholic School
J. P. Ryon Elementary School
Kenilworth Elementary
Lakewood Elementary School
Laurel Woods Elementary School
Millersville Elementary
Rock Creek Valley Elementary School
St. Leonard Elementary School
Waugh Chapel Elementary School
Woodfield Elementary School
Colleges
Community College of Baltimore County
Johns Hopkins University
Loyola University
McDaniel College
Midshipmen Action Group
Montgomery College
Salisbury University
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
Stevenson University
Towson University
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
University of Maryland, College Park
Washington College
High Schools
Aberdeen High School
Academy of the Holy Cross
Albert Einstein High School
Annapolis High School
Arundel High School
Atholton High School
Bel Air High School
Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School
Bishop McNamara High School
Blake High School
Bowie High School
C. Milton Wright High School
Charles H. Flowers High School
Chesapeake High School
Chesapeake High School
STEM Academy
City Neighbors High School
Connelly School of the Holy Child
DeMatha Catholic High School
Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School
DuVal High School
Easton High School
Fairmont Heights High School
Fallston High School
Franklin High School
Frederick Douglass High School
Georgetown Preparatory School
Gilman School
Glen Burnie High School
Governor Thomas Johnson High School
Great Mills High School
Hammond High School
Havre de Grace High School
Hereford High School
Howard High School
John F. Kennedy High School
Lansdowne High School
Loyola Blakefield High School
Magruder High School
Marriotts Ridge High School
Maryvale Preparatory School
Meade High School
Mergenthaler Vocational-
Technical High School
Mount Hebron High School
North County High School
Northeast High School
Northern High School
North Hagerstown High School
North Harford High School
North Point High School
Northwestern High School
Our Lady of Good Counsel High School
Paint Branch High School
Parkdale High School
Patterson Mill High School
Patuxent High School
Pocomoke High School
Quince Orchard High School
Reservoir High School
High School (continued)
River Hill High School
Rockville High School
Seneca Valley High School
Severna Park High School
Sherwood High School
South River High School
Springbrook High School
Stone Ridge School of the
Sacred Heart
Suitland High School
Thomas S. Wootton High School
Towson High School
Walter Johnson High School
Walt Whitman High School
Washington High School
Wilde Lake High School
Winston Churchill High School
Winters Mill High School
Middle Schools
Benjamin Banneker Middle School
Bonnie Branch Middle School
Brunswick Middle School
Buck Lodge Middle School
Cabin John Middle School
Chesapeake Bay Middle School
E. Russell Hicks Middle School
Elkridge Landing Middle School
Ellicott Mills Middle School
Fallston Middle School
Hereford Middle School
John Hanson Middle School
Marley Middle School
Northeast Middle School
Northern Middle School
Oxon Hill Middle School
Patterson Mill Middle School
Robert Frost Middle School
Roberto Clemente Middle School
Rosa M. Parks Middle School
Smithsburg Middle School
Southampton Middle School
Southwest Academy
Tilden Middle School
Wilde Lake Middle School
BEST BUDDIES
