Sat u r day, N ov e m b e r 1 4 , 2 0 2 6 6 PM | The Sheraton Nashua 11 Tara Boulevard, Nashua, New Hampshire
Program 5:00 pm VIP Reception in Lobby 6:00 pm General Reception and Silent Auction viewing 7:00 pm Guests are seated and program begins Welcome from Board Co-Chairs Taylor Ardinger Leadership Award Above and Beyond Award 7:30 pm Champion & Mission Partner Introductions Dinner is served 8:00 pm Paul Raymond, Jr., Board Member Live Auction Citizens Adult Friendship Program Buddy Pair, Lyndsay Robinson & Taylor Bisson Special Performance Bid from the Heart 9:00 pm 2026 Champion of the Year crowned Dance Party with DJ
2025 Grand Champion of the Year
Keith Murray & KJ Scruggs “Ever since our son was little we wanted to make sure he led as normal a life as possible. Liam has special needs and while we got him involved in Special Olympics, Unified Sports and Best Buddies, it’s US that has gotten more out of those experiences! The message of Inclusion is something we live by. Being nominated as a champion to represent the North County was amazing. The experience with my Buddy KJ Skruggs was incredible; Fundraisers, Fun and a great time getting to know him and all the buddies. Earning the title of Grand Champion was unexpected and thrilling for all of us. I am proud to continue to shine the light of inclusion and acceptance. Melissa, KJ and I are excited to see everyone again for the Gala!”
Candidates &
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Harper Babyak Alanna Vargas Jennifer Corriveau James Masterson CHAMPION MISSION PARTNER CHAMPION MISSION PARTNER
& Patrick Emery CHAMPION
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Jon Burbank Jennifer Fleming Rebecca Madore MISSION PARTNER CHAMPION MISSION PARTNER
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Sean Petros Taylor Bisson Brittani Pelissier Elizabeth Petros MISSION PARTNER MISSION PARTNER CHAMPION CHAMPION
& Matt Terry CHAMPION
Ian Clemence-Schreiner
MISSION PARTNER
& Lisa Wess CHAMPION
Katie Levesque MISSION PARTNER
Live Auction
4-Day/3-Night Great North Woods Glamping Trade the everyday for a luxury glamping escape! Enjoy a unique getaway in the Great North Woods for 4 guests in comfortable glamping tents, access to a Polaris ATV for the duration of your stay to explore the wilderness trails. To complete your stay, enjoy a wood stove, fire pit, charcoal grill, picnic table, Adirondack chairs, private hot outdoor shower, and more. In addition, this stay includes $500 of dining and shopping gift cards to use in the area. Glamping tents (with real beds) can accommodate 4 guests in one large tent, or two tents for two people each. Valid for the 2027 Bear Rock camping and ATV operating season (Memorial Day through Columbus Day) only; advance reservation required and all dates are subject to availability.
Live Auction
5 Day/4 Night Wellfleet OysterFest for 8
Get ready for an exclusive opportunity in the live auction: a delightful long weekend stay in a spacious three-bedroom getaway that sleeps up to eight guests, conveniently located within walking distance of the 2027 Wellfleet OysterFest. This renowned festival celebrates the town's rich oystershucking heritage and brings together locals and visitors to enjoy live music, local cuisine, artisan crafts, and of course, the freshest oysters from the Cape Cod area. It's an event that promises a unique blend of fun and culture, making your accommodation even more valuable. Only available the weekend of the October 2027 OysterFest (dates to be announced by Wellfleet Oyster Alliance).
Live Auction 4 Days/3 Nights on Belleau Lake for 6 This is your chance for your group of up to 6 to unwind and explore as you experience the ultimate blend of relaxation and outdoor fun at New Hampshire’s best kept secret Belleau Lake. With three bedrooms (one with bunk beds), this is the perfect 4 days/3 nights vacation for a family eager for quality time, a couple seeking a romantic getaway, or a group of friends craving both adventure and relaxation. Kick off your day with a hike, a peaceful paddle around the lake or a refreshing swim to cool off and recharge. Explore the charming downtown shops and soak in the local vibes just a short drive away. As the sun sets, gather around the fire pit, fire up the grill for a lakeside barbecue, and unwind under the stars. Grill up something delicious and spend the evening unwinding with board games, cocktails, and good conversation, making the most of your time by the lake. Expires One year from date of purchase. Based on availability. Blackout dates apply.
Live Auction Necklace & Experience Dazzling 14k yellow gold diamond medallion necklace, featuring intricate vintage-inspired detailing and 1/4 total carat weight of sparkling diamonds. It's timeless design makes it a versatile piece than can be treasured and worn for years to come. In addition the winning bidder will enjoy an exclusive private shopping experience at the Days Jewelers location of their choice. Gather friends or family for a personalized event featuring dedicated one on one shopping. Perfect for a girl's night, date night, or any celebration. The private experience must be scheduled within one (1) year of the auction date and is subject to mutual availability between the winning bidder and Day’s Jewelers. Non-transferable. No cash value. Blackout dates may apply.
Bid From the Heart The Value of Your Donation Supports $7,500 • Underwrite the employment support that Best Buddies Jobs provides a person with IDD, allowing him or her to find a job, become financially independent, receive benefits, and support themselves. $5,000 • Bring together people with and without IDD for friendships that cultivate community-wide social inclusion; by funding a new school in the Best Buddies Friendship program! $2,500 • Fund an all-day Leadership Development training session for up to 50 people 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 he or she will learn to advocate for him or herself and the larger IDD community (tuition and flight) $500 • Support a one-to-one peer friendship between someone with IDD and his or her peer; helping to build a mutually enriching connection that enhances the lives of program participants and their families • The cost of a flight to send a participant to BBLC in Indiana • Bus to transport a school chapter to the Friendship Walk $250 • Fund an activity for a school friendship program! Support the inclusive school friendship programs and cover an activity for an event.
Thank You, Sponsors!
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Thank You, Sponsors!
Thank you! Gala Planning Committee
Melissa Aupperle
April Gouveia
Erica Kinney
Paul Raymond, Jr.
Kate Spencer
Elizabeth Sullivan
We could not have put this event together without the help of our incredible volunteer committee. Thank you!
FUNERAL HOME
Family Owned & Operated Over Five Generations Available24/7
603.524.4300 www.wilkinsonbeane.com~Laconia, NH
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LAKES REGION DIVE SERVICES y
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Kyle Shute • (603) 370-7866 Retrieval • Docks Salvage • Moorings Underwater Inspections
Elliot Health System proudly supports the Best Buddies Champion of the Year. ElliotHealthSystem.org
2027 2027 Walk. Celebrate. Support. CONCORD MOUNT WASHINGTON VALLEY EXETER The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is the leading walk in the country supporting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (also known as IDD).
BESTBUDDIESFRIENDSHIPWALK.ORG
Sarra Dennehy, State Director 603-892-4775 | sarradennehy@bestbuddies.org
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