Washington Program Book by Best Buddies International

P R O G R A M B O O K

Dear Friends,

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

Hannah Comitz, Austin Landon COY Gala Chairs

LIVE AUCTION

MISSION SPEAKER

Paul Brooks, Jr.

GIVE FROM THE HEART

MUSICAL PERFORMANCE

Kelley Johnson & Elias Hampton

RAFFLE DRAWINGS

2025 Champion of the Year Crowned

After-party Dance Music until 11 PM

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