Michigan Champion of the Year Program Book

Program Book

To our community, Thank you for joining us at the 2023 Champion of the Year Gala. We are excited to celebrate 10 amazing champions, and to celebrate the continued growth of Best Buddies in Michigan. After 10 weeks of fun competition, we will crown a champion tonight! Each champion has been, and will continue to be, a pivotal part of Best Buddies in Michigan. We are so thankful for their contributions and perspectives.

We are grateful for not only our champions, but also our sponsors and supporters. We love the work we do, and we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for your continued passion to spread friendship and inclusion throughout our great state. We can’t wait to continue to grow and help more individuals throughout Michigan.

Thank you, Jonathan Ganci Director, Mission Advancement

Special Thanks to our Best Buddies In Michigan Advisory Board!

Jen Dollar- Board Chair- TalentLaunch John Tolmie- Reitred, Parent Advocate John Wyskiel- Magna Seating Dr. Susan Youngs- Corewell Health Karan Wilson- General Motors Madison Devine- Tyler Technologies Hailey Priebe- Volunteers of America Evan Brusch- Student, Adovcate Lydia Goff- MSW Student, Best Buddies Advisor Alexis Fagan- Behavior Frontiers Jane Ruetter- Parent Advocate Lynn Hebert- Arterra Luxe Realty

Order of Events 6:30 | Doors Open 6:30 | Passed H’ors D’oevres, Open Bar, Silent Auction 7:30 | Program Starts, Seated Dinner Begins 8:15 | Silent Auction Ends 9:30 | Grand Champion Winner Announced 9:45 | Party Continues - Drinking and Dancing 11:00 | Party Ends

Auction and Bid from the Heart checkout will begin immediately following the conclusion of the program

Emcee & Auctioneer: Tanner Roberts

How to Bid on the Silent Auction Register: Text MICOY23 to 76278 Mobile Bidding Site: MICOY23.givesmart.com

Thank you to our sponsors!

Event Planning Committee A huge thank you to these individuals for all their help with with event over the last several months:

Jen Dollar , Auction Chair Stephanie Swiercz, Lydia Goff, Megan Loren

Champion Candidates

Jack Fidler

April Robichaud

Evan Bursch

Jacob Rhen

Alyssa Patrias

Champion Candidates

Payton Bucki

Mady Pawlich

Nick Paruch & John Wyskiel

Alexis Fagan

Thank You To These Supporters For Helping Us Build A More Inclusive Michigan

First Star Consulting Group

4477 Lake Forest Dr W. Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Jonathan Ganci (517) 304-4959 JonathanGanci@bestbuddies.org