Tonight, we come together to celebrate friendship, inclusion, and the incredible potential that lives in every one of us.
Tonight we celebrate the Champion Candidates dedicated to raising awareness and funds to support Best Buddies mission.
Every day, our team works to end the social, physical, and economic
isolation faced by the 200 million people worldwide living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In the U.S., 1 in 6 children are diagnosed with IDD. Here in Washington state, 143,000 students are eligible for special education support. These are not just numbers they are our neighbors, classmates, coworkers, and friends.
This has been an extraordinary year of growth for Best Buddies in Washington New chapters have launched, new jobs have been secured, and new leaders have emerged. But as proud as we are by those achievements, we have really just begun
To continue expanding friendship programs, job support, and leadership training statewide, it takes an entire community of support. Whether it’s a small grant, a corporate sponsorship, or a partnership with heart, your support opens doors that have been closed for far too long.
Best Buddies is more than a program it’s a lifeline. It sparks friendships that break down barriers. It creates opportunities for people with IDD to speak, work, lead, and thrive. It shows what our world can look like when every person is seen and celebrated.
In friendship, State Director
Best Buddies Washington
Best Buddies Staff
Emma Croston | State Director
Sheri Dean | Director of Jobs & Transitions
Cate Slade | Sr. Employment Consultant | Jobs
Reagan Rebstock | Sr. Program Manager | Friendship & Citizens
Laura Gadberry | Manager | Transitions
Event Planning Committee
Lena Asmis
Lexi Bean
Lauren Calogero
Hannah Comitz
MaryKylie Cranford
Hannah Dean
David Franklin
Maria Faulhaber
Jordan Green
Austin Landon
Eric Matthes
Maddy McCrosky
Jody Seibel
Thank You To Our Sponsors!
Hannah Dean
Lauren Johnson
Jessica Lilly
Acacia MacDonald
Eric Matthes
Amber Pike Gabbi Smith
Program
WELCOME
Matt Lorch Master of Ceremonies
GRATITUDE
Emma Croston State Director welcome
PROGRAM SHOWCASE
Leadership Jody Seibel • Austin Landon
Friendship Yeriel Kim • Amit Ramesha
Jobs Petra Smith • Debbie Chin
Citizens Gina Kette • Bette Flora
CHAMPION RECOGNITION Presented by Jordan Green, Eric Matthes Advisory Board Chairs
The Bright Side Mocktail Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice, Lemon Juice, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Non-Alcoholic Bitters, Soda, Lime
GEORGETOWN BREWING
BEER RED & WHITE WINE
Event wine generously donated by Evergreen Family Wines
Live Items
LIVE #1 – Deluxe Table Takeover
DeLille Cellars wine, chocolate cake, Best Buddies swag
LIVE #2 – Ultimate Seahawks Game Day Experience
Four Charter Club seat tickets to 2026 season game
LIVE #3 Crystal Mountain Ski Adventure
Pair of skis, 2 lift tickets, 2-hour private lesson, $100 Crystal Mountain gift card, logo Yeti cup
Live Items
LIVE #4 – Let’s Get Kraken
Four premium tickets to Seattle Kraken game, a meet-andgreet with Freddy Gaudreau, personally signed jersey, and Seattle Kraken fan swag
LIVE #5 – Stock the Bar! Fully stocked bar cart and accessories
LIVE #6 – Vegas BLOCK Vibes
Two premium seats to see New Kids on the Block at Park MGM in Las Vegas this February 2026, and a $300 Park MGM gift card toward overnight stay
BidFromtheHeart
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 250+ Best Buddies members to the statewide Friendship Ball
$2,500
• 10 buddy runners to participate in the ION Bank Cheshire Half Marathon or 5K or Team Best Buddies Relay
$1,000
• The cost to send a Buddy to the Leadership Conference (Registration and Air)
• A tent at the 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
$350
• Citizens/Ambassador bowling party
• 1 buddy runner to participate in the ION Bank Cheshire Half Marathon
• The cost of buying t-shirts for a school chapter
$250
• The cost to send 4 buddies to the Buddy Ball
• The cost to send a buddy to the Party with a Purpose
• Transportation for 2 ambassadors to give public speeches
• The cost of a pizza party for a school chapter
2024 Champion of the Year
Maddy McCrosky and David Franklin
Thank you to two extraordinary members of our Best Buddies Washington family Maddy McCrosky and David Franklin As longtime Advisory Board members and key leaders on our Gala Event Committee, Maddy and David give not only their time, but their hearts. They champion our mission at every turn — supporting our Champions, procuring unforgettable experiences and auction items, and lending their talents to everything from data entry to crafting the beautiful ribbons and buttons our Champions proudly wear tonight. Whether behind the scenes or front and center, Maddy and David are everywhere lifting others up, stepping in before anyone asks, and making sure this event and this organization shine. Their passion for inclusion and their belief in the potential of every person with IDD fuel the very best of what Best Buddies represents. Maddy and David, thank you for your extraordinary support, your generous spirit, and your tireless commitment. You are true champions of inclusion, and Best Buddies Washington is stronger, brighter, and better because of you.
This Year's Entertainment
Special thanks to jazz vocalist Kelley Johnson and guitarist Elias Hampton for sharing their music in support of Best Buddies Washington. Kelley has worked with some of our Best Buddies students through Music Works Northwest, which has an outstanding music therapy program. Kelley Johnson Voice Studio is accepting students in jazz, pop, and musical theatre.
Contact:Kelley@kelleyjohnson.com
How to Bid
Register:
Text WACOY25 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
Thank you Waymo for your support of our Champions!
Thank you Amazon & JLL for making it possible to host the COY gala at your beautiful venue! Your team is amazing to work with!
Thank you Lake Washington Windows & Doors for your support of Best Buddies!
Thank you Allen Institute! We’re so grateful to have you as a Jobs Program partner and a sponsor of the 2025 COY Gala!