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ALL IN FOR INCLUSION
WE’RE RAISING THE STAKES & BETTING ON FRIENDSHIP
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THANK YOU FOR JOINING US AT
ABOUT BEST BUDDIES
Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Best Buddies Champion of the Year is a fundraising competition between local community leaders. Through raising funds and awareness for Best Buddies, our Champions will generate countless opportunities for friendships, jobs, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. At the campaign’s conclusion, we come together at a gala to celebrate the Champions' accomplishments, honor their collective impact, and name the grand Champion of the Year!
The IDD community that Best Buddies serves includes, but is not limited to, people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury and other undiagnosed disabilities.
2025 CHAMPION OF THE YEAR Suzanne McGuire Raised $13,310 for Best Buddies in San Diego
Event Schedule 6:00 PM Cocktail Reception Silent Auction Opens 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Dinner & Program Welcome Live Auction Mission Moment Bid from the Heart Parade of Champions Grand Champion is Crowned Dance Floor Opens
9:00 PM Auction Checkout Begins 9:30 PM Event Conclusion
Master Master of of Ceremonies Ceremonies Ellen Toscano
Ellen Toscano, also known as “The Singing Auctioneer,” is an award-winning benefit auctioneer, fundraising consultant, recording artist, singer, and emcee. Voted the #1 Auctioneer in the USA, Ellen brings her signature energy and expertise to nonprofit events across the country, helping organizations inspire generosity, engage audiences, and raise critical funds for their missions.
Entertainment Entertainment
Spencer Jones
Spencer Jones is an accomplished singer, songwriter, and performer best known for his work as a featured soloist with the symphonic pop group Cinematic Pop, which earned four yeses on Season 11 of America's Got Talent. Known for his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence, Spencer blends alternative rock with cinematic orchestral influences.
Silent Auction Online Bidding Process How to register for the auction: Text SanDiegoCOY26 to 76278 How to find an item: You can find items by pressing any one of the buttons on the main menu or by using the search bar to find a specific item or category How to bid on an item: 1. Find the item you’d like to bid on online 2. Select the item and place a “bid” 3. Place an auto bid to set a maximum bid How to find the items you bid on: Items you have bid on can be found under “my activity” How to tell if you were outbid: You will receive a text message when you’ve been outbid Alternatively, navigate to “my activity” to check the status of your bids
Online Donation Process How to donate: Go to SanDiegoCOY26.givesmart.com or click on the text you received at check-in Click on the "donate" option under the auction page Select the Champion you would like to credit Choose your amount or easily enter a custom one on your own Confirm your donation - you may be prompted to enter a credit card at this time if you did not provide one at registration
Thank You to our Sponsors SILVER PARTNER
WINE GENEROUSLY DONATED BY
DAVID LAW
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2026 SAN DIEGO CANDIDATES & PARTNERS
MESEKER BASSA & WESLEY COOKSY
“Wesley and I met through the SDSU Roundtable Writers group, where we connected through our shared love of storytelling. Since then, we've built a strong friendship and I've loved sharing this Champion of the Year journey with him by my side. Together, we've had the opportunity to raise awareness for a mission we both care deeply about while celebrating the power of friendship, inclusion, and connection.” - Meseker
TAYLOR HYE, ERICA HADLEY, & JUSTIN SAN JUAN
“Erica and I first met through SDSU Best Buddies. Through our years of involvement with the program, we've seen firsthand how meaningful relationships can build confidence, create opportunities, and change lives. Having Justin as our Mission Partner throughout this journey has made this campaign even more special, reminding us every day why creating a more inclusive community matters.” Taylor
CHARLIE KARSTROM & MIKE CLOW
“My connection to this cause began with my Aunt Brent, whose life and experiences shaped my understanding of disability from an early age. Years later, that lesson came full circle through my friendship with Mike. As part of the Citizens program, we've shared experiences, plenty of laughs, and a genuine connection. Being part of this campaign together is an opportunity to help create more opportunities for friendship and inclusion.” - Charlie
ALL IN FOR INCLUSION
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2026 SAN DIEGO CANDIDATES & PARTNERS
EMILY MERJAN & ADDISON JONES
“What started as a college club quickly became so much more when I found SDSU Best Buddies. One of the greatest gifts from that experience has been my friendship with Addison. From weekly chapter meetings to karaoke, dancing, and countless memories together, she has brought so much joy into my life. Sharing this Champion of the Year journey with Addison is an opportunity to celebrate the friendships that make Best Buddies so special.” - Emily
TIPPY ROBERTS, CHRIS KOREERAT, & BRIELLE MAZLOFF
“Chris and I have spent years working alongside students and families, witnessing the incredible impact that inclusion can have on a young person's life. Brielle is a wonderful example of why we're so passionate about this mission. Her personality and unique strengths remind us of the importance of the work we do, and of creating spaces where everyone can form meaningful friendships and feel like they belong.” - Tippy
ALLY SOPATA & LUKE SOPATA
“Luke has been my biggest inspiration for as long as I can remember. As his sister, I've spent a lifetime cheering him on, learning from his perspective, and witnessing the joy and connection he brings to those around him. Having him by my side as my Mission Partner is a testament to why this moment matters so much to me. Through this campaign, we're honored to share the importance of inclusion, friendship, and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive.” - Ally
ALL IN FOR INCLUSION
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Letter from the Board Chair It is an incredible honor to welcome you to the 2026 Best Buddies Champion of the Year Gala. Tonight, my heart is filled with gratitude as we celebrate the impact we are making together throughout San Diego. Your generosity, enthusiasm, and belief in our mission make it possible for Best Buddies to create more inclusive opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). For me, the Best Buddies mission is deeply personal. I have seen its impact firsthand through my daughter, Kylie, whose friendships through her Best Buddies chapter have brought so much joy and meaning to her life. Her experiences have shown me just how powerful genuine friendship and connection can be. I am incredibly proud to support this mission and help create a community where people of all abilities are welcomed, valued, and given opportunities to thrive. Here in San Diego, that impact continues to grow. Through our Jobs program, Best Buddies helps individuals with IDD pursue meaningful employment, build professional skills, and work toward greater independence and fulfillment in their careers. We currently serve 10 Jobs program participants and made four job placements this year! Our Friendship program now reaches over 700 students across San Diego County, creating opportunities for students with and without IDD to form meaningful one-toone friendships, participate in inclusive activities, and build more welcoming school communities. Through our Citizens program, adults with and without IDD are also forming lasting one-to-one friendships that extend inclusion and connection well beyond the classroom. Tonight would not be possible without the incredible people who bring this mission to life. Thank you to my fellow advisory board members and the dedicated Best Buddies staff for all you have done to make this evening possible. To our Champions, Mission Partners, and Campaign Managers, thank you for giving your time, energy, and hearts to this campaign. Your commitment has helped raise critical funds and awareness while inspiring others throughout our community to join the movement for inclusion. Together, we are creating a San Diego where friendship, opportunity, and belonging are available to everyone. Thank you for celebrating with us tonight and for helping us build a more inclusive future. In Friendship,
Kimberly Hazard San Diego Advisory Board Chair
San Francisco Advisory Board
Gala Committee
Kimberly Hazard
Suzanne McGuire
Sponsorship Committee Chair
Champion Engagement Chair
Angie Reyes
Mari Mayberry
Auction Committee Co-Chair
Auction Committee Co-Chair
Vesna Vasich
Kevin Stevenson
Publicity and Marketing Chair State Ambassador
Logistics Committee Co-Chair State Ambassador
Wesley Cooksy Logistics Committee Co-Chair State Ambassador
ONE-TO-ONE FRIENDSHIPS
INTEGRATED EMPLOYMENT
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
INCLUSIVE LIVING
FAMILY SUPPORT
HISTORY
MISSION
We are the world's largest organization
Best Buddies International is a nonprofit
dedicated to ending the social, physical,
501(c)(3) organization dedicated to
and economic isolation of the 200
establishing a global volunteer
million people with intellectual and
movement that creates opportunities for
developmental disabilities (IDD).
one-to-one friendships, integrated
Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver,
employment, leadership development,
Best Buddies has grown from one
inclusive living, and family support for
original chapter to nearly 2,900 chapters
individuals with intellectual and
worldwide, positively impacting the
developmental disabilities (IDD).
lives of over 1.25 million people with and without IDD. Best Buddies programs
VISION
engage participants in each of the 50
To put Best Buddies out of business.
states and 54 countries around the
Best Buddies envisions a world where
world.
people with IDD are so successfully
WHO WE SERVE The IDD community that Best Buddies serves includes, but is not limited to, people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, and other undiagnosed disabilities.
integrated into schools, workplaces, and communities that its current efforts and services will be unnecessary. Until that vision becomes a reality, the organization will continue to educate students, community members, corporations, and employers about the emotional, functional, and natural needs and abilities of people with IDD.
Let’s Talk About Your Hiring Needs
We are seeking employment partners ready to make a difference! When you hire through Best Buddies, you’re not just filling a position. You’re helping build a more inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive.
Contact RashandaLawyer@bestbuddies.org to Learn More
San Diego Friendship Chapters & Jobs Placements Elementary School Chapters Chaparral Elementary School Roger Rowe Elementary School Oak Hills Elementary High School Chapters Academy of our Lady of Peace Carlsbad High School Cathedral Catholic High School Coronado High School Del Norte High School Eastlake High School Escondido High School Grossmont High School Orange Glen High School Pacific Ridge School Ramona High School Rancho Bernardo High School Santana High School Torrey Pines High School West Hills High School Westview High School La Jolla Country Day School Mt. Carmel High School
Middle School Chapters Bernardo Heights Middle School Coronado Middle School Oak Valley Middle School College Chapters San Diego State University University of California, San Diego Employer Partners Belmont VillageCardiff By The Sea Bristol Myers Squibb Department of Rehabilitation JLL Amazon GREF Jersey Mike’s Michaels Sodexo Live! Target
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES One-to-One Friendship JOIN A CHAPTER
JOIN CITIZENS (18+)
Join an existing school chapter! We have clubs at schools with & without special education programs.
Make a friend while participating in inclusive activities with adults with and without IDD in your local area.
START A CHAPTER
JOIN E-BUDDIES
Be an inclusion leader by starting a chapter! Receive support from Best Buddies staff every step of the way.
Sign up for our email-based pen pal program. E-Buddies provides virtual one-to-one friendship opportunities.
Integrated Employment HOST A MOCK INTERVIEW
TEACH A JOB SKILL
Conduct a practice interview for a jobseeking participant. We'll provide the interview questions, you ask away!
Promote workplace readiness by teaching job skills to participants who are seeking competitive employment.
JOIN A CAREER PANEL
INVOLVE YOUR EMPLOYER
Chat with Best Buddies participants about your job and offer advice on how to enter into your career field.
Share the mission by encouraging your employer to participate in Best Buddies events and programs.
Leadership Development BECOME AN AMBASSADOR Attend an ambassador training to learn speech writing, public speaking, and advocacy skills.
BRING AN AMBASSADOR TO YOUR COMMUNITY Invite an ambassador to speak about inclusion at your school or workplace!
BE A SPEECH COACH
HOST A TRAINING
Attend a training as a speech coach to support an individual on their journey to becoming an ambassador.
Get a group together to level up your leadership. We provide the content, you lead the training!
Signature Events & Advisory Board JOIN A COMMITTEE
ATTEND THE FRIENDSHIP WALK
Support the event planning process by joining a committee. Assist with logistics, publicity, sponsorships, and more!
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). Register today at BestBuddiesFriendshipWalk.org!
JOIN A LOCAL ADVISORY BOARD Advisory board members commit to a two-year term where they utilize their skills and connections to expand our reach at the local level. *There is an application and interview process for this volunteer opportunity.
Be the Bridge. Donate Monthly! A community of supporters bridging gaps so that everyone is included.
May 1, 2027 Westview High School Join us at the Best Buddies Friendship Walk, the leading walk in the country supporting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Gather your friends, family, and coworkers, start a team, and walk with us as we create a more inclusive community, one step at a time. Register today and walk for inclusion!
BESTBUDDIESFRIENDSHIPWALK.ORG/SANDIEGO For inquiries, contact AthennaCrosby@BestBuddies.org
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