Thank you for joining us tonight as we celebrate inclusion, friendship, and the outstanding individuals who are paving the way for a more connected and compassionate community. Your presence here speaks volumes about the commitment you have to making a difference in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
Best Buddies Oregon believes that everyone deserves the chance to experience friendship, personal growth, and inclusion. Tonight, we honor not only our Champion of the Year candidates leaders who have dedicated their time, passion, and energy to our mission—but also each of you for standing with us to create these opportunities across our state
In schools, workplaces, and communities, Best Buddies is empowering people with IDD to feel valued, build lasting friendships, and gain the confidence they deserve None of this would be possible without your incredible support. Together, we are breaking down barriers, opening doors, and proving that inclusion truly transforms lives
As we celebrate this evening, remember that your involvement means everything. With your support, we are changing lives, creating friendships, and building a world where everyone is seen, heard, and included.
Thank you for making this journey with us. Let’s keep working together for a more inclusive tomorrow
With heartfelt gratitude, Best Buddies Oregon
Bid From the Heart
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 150+ Best Buddies members to the statewide Friendship Ball
$2,500
• Sponsor 5 Citizens gatherings (friendship program for adults 18 and over)
$1,000
• The cost to send a Buddy to the Leadership Conference (Registration and Air)
• A tent at the Friendship 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
$250
• The cost to send 4 buddies to the Buddy Ball
• The cost of a pizza party for a school chapter
ORDER OF EVENTS
5:30 Cocktail Hour & Silent Auction
7:00 Program Begins Welcome Remarks Champion Introductions
7:15 Dinner Service
6:45 Silent Auction Closes
7:30 Program Continues
Live Auction Mission Moment Bid from the Heart
9:00 Grand Champion Winner Announced
9:30 Conclusion
Auction and Bid from the Heart checkout will begin immediately following the conclusion of the program
Emcee & Auctioneer: Matt Lorsch
SILVER SPONSORS: THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
A SPECIAL THANK YOU!
FRIENDS OF BEST BUDDIES IN OR
PELICAN BREWERY BEER
SHANE, PHOTOGRAPHER
THE WINE GROUP
TITOS
BAKERS & SPICE
GREEN BRIDGE COFFEE COMPANY
HIGH TOPP MARKETING
THE AVENUE
2024 CANDIDATES
THE UFER FAMILY ANDREA DOOLITTLE
ESSENTIAL SERVICES
ABIGAIL HOPPPE
MADY SPRY THE CAMPBELL FAMILY
OLIVIA GIBSON
ORENCO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LOGAN STROMBERG
BESTBUDDIES® Programs
One-To-One Friendships
Builds friendships between people with and without IDD, offering social mentoring while improving the quality of life and level of inclusion for a population that is often isolated and excluded.
BESTBUDDIES® Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, & Citizens
Creates an inclusive community for students and adults with IDD, helping them become socially integrated with their peers at every age
e-B UDD I E S
® Provides opportunities for participants with and without IDD to form virtual one-to-one friendships, create connections in the e-Buddies social platform, and attend social events online.
Integrated Employment
Secures jobs for people with IDD, empowering them to earn an income, pay taxes, and independently support themselves through their professional accomplishments
BESTBUDDIES Jobs
® Matches skilled, qualified individuals with IDD with businesses seeking enthusiastic and dedicated employees Through the Jobs program, Best Buddies develops partnerships with employers, assists with the hiring process and provides ongoing support to the employee and employer
Leadership Development
Educates and empowers people with and without IDD to become leaders, public speakers, and advocates
BESTBUDDIES Ambassadors
Offers people with and without IDD the opportunity to gain the public speaking skills, self-esteem, and confidence needed to successfully advocate for themselves, their peers, and Best Buddies in communities and workplaces
BESTBUDDIES® Promoters
Empowers youth to become advocates for people with IDD and helps chapters organize special events that promote inclusion and bring awareness to the disability rights movement
BESTBUDDIES Transitions
® Offers a combination of classroom-based training, experiential learning, and corporate mentorship to help students with IDD explore post-secondary options, prepare for independent living, and identify career ambitions
Inclusive Living
Provides an integrated experience in which people with and without IDD are active, contributing citizens – living independently in a dynamic environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive
BESTBUDDIES Living
® Offers individuals with and without IDD an opportunity to live together in a vibrant, educational community that supports all residents in advancing their employment, financial literacy, continued education, and life skills as they work to achieve their personal goals.
Family Support
Provides families access to individual connections and community resources that assist them on their journey of supporting a family member with IDD
Eunie’s BESTBUDDIES
Connects families who are expecting or have a young child with IDD to experienced parents of a child with IDD, encouraging a genuine relationship rooted in mentorship, resource-sharing, and guidance.
