(L-R) Toi Slydell, Sheri Difloria, Laurie Rockwell Sharma, Kelly Hallenbeck, Kelly Waldt, Gina Mehalko, Jill Spector, Jen Croteau and Char Ramos with Best Buddies ambassador Deanna Baldwin (front), also known as “Turbo.”
Best Buddies Palm Beach Gearing Up For Friendship Walk On May 14 By Jason Stromberg
Best Buddies Palm Beach is a nonprofit organization that advocates for and helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Megan Moye, the program’s area director, has been with the Best Buddies Palm Beach program since its inception in June 2013. “I would say the friendships that our programs have made over the years have been incredible,” she said. “Seeing how much fun the participants have and the friendships that have developed has been wonderful.” Local volunteer Kelly Hallenbeck was named the No. 1 fundraiser in Florida in 2015 and understands the impact that she can have through this handson program. “My family is about giving,” Hallenbeck said. “My heart goes out to those in need, and I will walk the walk for those who have a child with IDD. That’s why I am so passionate about raising money for this cause.”
Moye and Hallenbeck are currently prepping for the Best Buddies Friendship Walk, a key local fundraising event for the organization. The two expect another great turnout for the third annual event, which is set for a 9 a.m. start on Saturday, May 14 at CityPlace in West Palm Beach. “The walk is more of a celebration of our School Friendship programs,” Moye said. “That is the main purpose of our walk. It encompasses three laps around CityPlace, totaling a 5K. We are celebrating people with and without disabilities. It’s about social inclusion.” Hallenbeck, who is chairing the upcoming event, was exercising one day with a friend, who mentioned Best Buddies. As someone who is raising a special-needs child, Hallenbeck didn’t
think twice about helping out with the walk. “I’ve added more to my role, which means securing sponsorships for the walk, as well as private fundraising within my home and at restaurants, such as Lindburgers,” Hallenbeck said. Hallenbeck organized the March 29 fundraiser for Best Buddies at the Wellington Lindburgers restaurant. “Fresh Best Buddies Vice President David Quilleon with his sister, Kendra Holden.
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