Florida News Archives - Best Buddies International

Best Buddies Specialty License Plate

jeremiah — Mon, 27 May 2024 18:47:34 +0000

THE WAIT IS OVER!

The NEW Best Buddies Specialty License is Now Available for Purchase!

Visit your local Tax Collector’s Office or Tag Agency today.

Get Your Best Buddies License Plate – Florida Registered Vehicles Only*

We are so excited to share that the Best Buddies Specialty License Plate is now available throughout Florida* for purchase or voucher redemption. Get yours today and support the organization’s mission of creating a more inclusive world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities!

*This plate is only available for vehicles registered in Florida. Only one plate per Florida vehicle registration.

How To Purchase the Best Buddies Specialty Plate

Online Orders

Complete the online form below.
To complete the form, be prepared with the license plate number of the vehicle that you would like to replace with the Best Buddies specialty license plate.
An Agent from the Tag Agency will contact you via the contact information you provide in the order form to complete your order request.
Please know that you will be responsible for the cost of the specialty plate. Your additional costs for your annual renewal will be $25 for the charitable contribution, plus additional processing fees will apply.
If you would like to personalize your license plate, you can do so when you complete the online form. Personalized plates will be subject to availability. Additional fees will apply.

Tax Collector or Tag Agency Office Purchases

Find and go to your local Tax Collector or Tag Agency Office. Some offices across Florida may require or encourage appointments.
Bring your Florida Driver License or the license plate number or year and make of the vehicle that you would like to replace with the Best Buddies specialty license plate.
Let the clerk know that you would like to purchase the Best Buddies specialty license plate. Please know that you will be responsible for the cost of the specialty plate. Your additional costs for your annual renewal will be $25 for the charitable contribution, plus additional processing fees will apply.
If you would like to personalize your license plate, you can do so when you purchase your specialty plate. Additional fees will apply.

Purchased A Voucher? Here’s How to Redeem Your Voucher

Find and go to your local Tax Collector or Tag Agency Office. Some offices across Florida may require or encourage appointments.
Bring your Florida Driver License or the license plate number or year and make of the vehicle that you would like to replace with the Best Buddies specialty license plate.
Let the clerk know that you would like to redeem your voucher for the Best Buddies specialty license plate.
The specialty plate annual use fee has already been paid for one year with the voucher. Please keep in mind that when the voucher is redeemed, additional fees will be charged.
If you would like to personalize your license plate, you can do so when you redeem your voucher.

What You Should Know

Who Benefits from the Best Buddies Specialty License Plate?

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, inclusive living, and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The funds raised through the specialty license plate provide resources to support Best Buddies’ operations, expansion and programs which empower the special abilities of people with IDD by helping them form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills, and feel valued by society.

How can I purchase a Best Buddies specialty license plate?

A) You can purchase the Best Buddies specialty license plate three ways:

i. Complete the online order form

ii. Visit your local tax collector or tag agency office

iii. Visit a private license plate agency

B) The Best Buddies specialty license plate will be available at your local county tax collector office after September 1, 2023.

How much does the Best Buddies license plate cost?

Once you have switched to your specialty plate, your additional costs for your annual renewal will be $25 for the annual charitable contribution, plus the specialty license plate processing fee.

Will I retain my current plate number?

Each Best Buddies plate will come with a new generic state-assigned number.

Can I customize my Best Buddies license plate?

Yes. The Best Buddies specialty license plate can be personalized with up to five letters with no additional space or hyphen. If you currently have a personalized plate (five letters or less), you may continue to use the same personalization.

I want to customize my Best Buddies specialty license plate. What do I do?

A) Check to see if your desired personalization is available here

B) Download and complete the Personalized License Plate Application Form

C) Please bring the following to your local tax collector or tag agency:

i. Completed Personalized License Plate Application Form
ii. Proof of Florida Insurance (in form of a card, policy, binder, certificate of insurance or affidavit)
iii. Copy of your current registration certificate or renewal notice
iV. Remittance fees

D) Personalized specialty plates can take six to eight weeks for manufacturing and delivery. The license plate will be delivered to your county tax collector’s office or license plate agent.

Can I transfer my current custom plate configuration to a Best Buddies plate?

Yes. If you currently have a personalized plate (five letters or less), you may continue to use the same personalization. Please know additional charges may apply.

I do not live in or have a registered vehicle in the state of Florida. Can I purchase a plate?

The Best Buddies specialty license plates are only available with passenger vehicles registered in the State of Florida.

Can I purchase Best Buddies license plates for my business?

Yes. Business and fleet purchases are available. Contact your local Tax Collector’s Office for additional information.

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Best Buddies’ Anthony K. Shriver Featured on NBC’s Today Show

Drew Heinrich — Fri, 24 May 2024 20:50:20 +0000

On May 21, Anthony K. Shriver, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Best Buddies International, appeared on NBC’s Today Show in New York City for an exclusive interview with Best Buddies Global Ambassador and Today Show host Savannah Guthrie. They discussed the profound impact of Best Buddies’ mission to foster inclusion and create opportunities for the IDD community, as well as the organization’s new initiative, Eunie’s Buddies, which offers support to families raising children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Watch the video below:

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Best Buddies Leadership Conference is Right Around the Corner!

leemosler — Fri, 17 May 2024 14:30:34 +0000

Summertime means many things such as beach time, barbecues, and lots of fun activities! Summertime is also Leadership Conference time. Are you joining in on the fun? We’re getting ready for a full weekend of fun activities. So much fun we know a few of you will be sleeping on the plane back to Florida. Why? There are THAT many activities for both learning about how to improve your Best Buddies Chapter or be the best Ambassador. When that’s done, we have tons of activities throughout the weekend to make sure everyone is having FUN in the name of INCLUSION.

This year’s Leadership Conference is happening July 19-22 at the Indiana University Bloomington campus. Never stayed in a dorm room and want to see what that’s all about? We have you covered! In essence, we want you to join us for an unforgettable experience with Best Buddies leaders from around the WORLD to imagine, create, lead, and empower the future of the disability rights and inclusion movement!

Why Attend BBLC?

Connect with like-minded people who are passionate about inclusion and making a positive impact.
Learn how you can be an effective advocate for inclusion in your schools, workplaces, and communities.
Celebrate the power of inclusion – BBLC is sure to provide you with a motivational boost that will set you up for success for the year as a leader.
Enhance your personal growth and development by learning about successful initiatives from different parts of the world and be inspired to think globally and act locally.

Haven’t registered yet, but want to attend, it’s not too late – REGISTRATION CLOSES JUNE 15! Make sure to reach out to your local Best Buddies Florida staff members for more information about local events and how to register so you can secure your spot today!

Already attending? Help us make BBLC a huge success! Share this news with your chapter members, advisors, and fellow Best Buddies friends who share your passion for inclusion. Follow instagram.com/bestbuddieslc for the latest updates and sneak peeks leading up to the event. Feel free to start using the hashtag #BBLC #EveryBuddyBelongs

We can’t wait to welcome you at the 35th Best Buddies Leadership Conference this July and make lasting connections within our vibrant community!

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Bianca’s Project Search Success Equals Job at Jackson Health System

leemosler — Fri, 17 May 2024 14:02:45 +0000

Best Buddies Florida is a proud partner of Project SEARCH, a school to work transition program, that currently operates three sites in Miami. One of our recent graduates, Bianca, is now thriving thanks to participating in both Project SEARCH and our Jobs program.

Bianca, a now graduate of Project SEARCH City of Hialeah, emerged as a leader within the program. During her time in Project Search, she was a conscientious participant of the morning’s pre-employment sessions, fostering a positive atmosphere for her peers. Bianca actively engaged in various activities and fundraisers at City Hall, collaborating with different departments and a diverse range of staff members. She leveraged every opportunity offered to grow, understanding that it would help her in her end goal of finding competitive employment.

Upon completing Project SEARCH, Bianca received support from the Best Buddies Jobs program, leading to her selection and employment at the Jackson Health System as a guest service representative. Leveraging her training and natural talent, Bianca excels in her role, providing assistance to customers and offering support where needed. Recognizing the unique experiences each customer brings to a medical facility, Bianca greets everyone with a warm smile and guides them with calmness and reassurance. This is no easy feat as most individuals in a hospital are typically experiencing stress either themselves or for a loved one or close friend.

“Bianca’s work has made her a much more independent person and better prepared to care for herself in the future. It’s also helped to make her more aware of society and other people’s needs around her. It’s been a wonderful opportunity for her growth as an individual, “relayed her proud mom.

In addition to her role at Jackson Health System, Bianca finds joy in participating in various activities through Best Buddies, such as welcoming guests at the Miami Gala. At Best Buddies, we are proud of her accomplishments and cannot wait to see what else is in store for Bianca.

Click here more information on PROJECT SEARCH or our Jobs Program.

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VoLo Foundation – Empowering People with IDD Through Climate Initiatives

jeremiah — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 19:15:52 +0000

Thanks to VoLo Foundation, Best Buddies in Florida is ensuring that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are learning about climate-specific topics through hands-on initiatives.

VoLo Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 2014 by Thais Lopez Vogel and David S. Vogel, with the mission of accelerating change and global impact by supporting science-based climate solutions, enhancing education, and improving health. VoLo Foundation believes that developing and sharing knowledge through facts and data accelerates positive global change. Through original research and analysis, and, in collaboration with philanthropic and academic partners, VoLo Foundation aims to enrich people’s lives, strengthen communities, and educate future generations. The organization tracks its progress through a variety of qualitative and quantitative approaches, and supports programs that generate measurable, meaningful, and sustainable results.

Specifically, VoLo Foundation is empowering Best Buddies participants to enact positive global change and climate impact through training, advocacy, and civic engagements. Our Best Buddies Ambassadors and Citizen members then utilize the skills they gained to impact change within their own local community. In turn this helps people with IDD become part of mainstream society and create a more inclusive and diverse community for all.

As a proud grantee of VoLo Foundation, Best Buddies in Florida partnered with Friends of Long Lake for example, where Kelly Baumier meets with Professor Green to learn about how bugs can be cool and very important for our environment. You can check out the video here: Best Buddies and Bugs! – YouTube. Best Buddies in Florida has also hosted a trivia night to create dialogue revolving a wide array of positive climate initiatives everyone can participate in. Additionally, VoLo Foundation’s support has allowed for climate experts to join Working Wednesdays on a quarterly basis to educate jobs participants who are looking for work, on various climate initiatives they can involve themselves in both personally and at work.

Recently, our state director Andi Allen, participated on a panel at the Florida Philanthropic Network to discuss specifically why all organizations, not only in Florida, but across the country should also be thinking of how individuals with different abilities should be at the table where programs take place and where funding decisions are made.

Are you interested in learning more about the work that VoLo is doing and how you can support them? Visit their website: volofoundation.org

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Titusville High School Brings Community Together for Largest Spread the Word Event in Florida

jeremiah — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 19:39:42 +0000

Titusville High School hosted Florida’s largest Spread the Word event ever this past March! Kim Coachman, a ten-year veteran faculty advisor and ESE teacher for Best Buddies, ensured this year’s event was as inclusive as possible and had over 100 attendees at its Spread the Word event.

As an ESE teacher at Titusville High School for over 23 years, Ms. Coachman is no stranger to the hurt it causes her students and others when people use derogatory language referring to our friends with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Specifically, Kim relayed, “Spread the Word is important to me because it not only spreads inclusion for our Buddies with IDD, but it celebrates diversity and encourages acceptance, which is crucial for teenagers on a high school campus.”

What is the Spread the Word Campaign?

People with intellectual disabilities still face exclusion, social isolation, and social abuse in schools, workplaces, and communities. This prevents us all from building truly inclusive societal structures, where we can learn and grow together. To drive change and help create a more inclusive society, Spread the Word to End the Word was founded in 2009 by college students Soeren Palumbo (Notre Dame 2011) and Tim Shriver (Yale 2011).

The campaign Spread the Word, as part of Special Olympics and supported by Best Buddies and our partners, is aimed at showcasing the impact of inclusive language and actions so that the discrimination of people with intellectual disabilities can come to an end. The most exciting part about the Spread the Word campaign is that it’s led and continuously reimagined by our youth activists. Their efforts are designed to rally schools, organizations, and communities to commit to the inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by taking the Pledge.

Thanks to Kim Coachman, students and community members in Titusville, the path to inclusivity by eliminating hurtful language is alive and well. In addition to hosting this event for the past ten (10) years, this is the sixth (6) year including the Best Buddies Andrew Jackson Middle School Chapter, local first responders such as the Titusville Police Department, Titusville Fire Department, Brevard County Sheriff’s Department and other influential health organizations like Palm point and St. Francis Pediatric Care Team. From students to staff participating in games, partaking in activities, and wearing their blue Best Buddies T-Shirts, the spirit of inclusion was alive and well. Even Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell stopped by to participate in the fun and help spread awareness.

Will you sign the Pledge with Kim and us? Sign the pledge and get more information on Spread the Word by visiting the website.

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Best Buddies Leadership: Becca’s Story

leemosler — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:55:33 +0000

Hello everyone! My name is Becca Barnett. I am an Ambassador for Best Buddies in North Florida and I also have DeGeorge Syndrome. Doctors told my parents that I would never be able to interact with other kids and they would make me sick. A few days after my birth the doctors told my parents that I would need multiple open-heart surgeries. They tried to convince my parents not to do the surgery. Of course, my parents did not listen. They gave me a chance. After the surgeries, doctors told my parents I would have five years. This year I celebrated my 25th birthday!

Middle school was a challenging time for me. I had a speech impediment that made it impossible to interact with others. I had a difficult time connecting with people. I went to speech therapy and worked hard every day to overcome these challenges. Now look at me today, I am an ambassador!

I joined Best Buddies in high school, and everything changed. I met my friend Mary Grace, and the rest is history. Or should I say, I created history? My friendships through Best Buddies helped me branch out in my school. I was the first individual with a disability to be invited to be a part of our Varsity Cheerleading team – go Sharks! I was also the first person with a disability to become Chapter President in the state of Florida. Through my leadership, I have attended the Best Buddies Leadership Conference, participating in leadership development trainings to continue to grow my leadership and public speaking skills alongside 2,000 people who care about making the word a more inclusive place.

I made many great friends that I still have today. These people are my best friends and will always be. In March 2024, I look forward to being a bridesmaid in my best buddies’ wedding! It has been so fun to go dress shopping and prepare for the bridal shower for my best buddy! I’ve also started a new job as a hostess at Cruiser’s Grill. It is so fun to have a community of coworkers to collaborate with and build new friendships, while also gaining more work experience!

For me, Best Buddies was the door to getting to my true self. I started with the hope of feeling a part of a group, and I found a family. My participation in Best Buddies has taught me how to advocate for myself and people like me throughout my community. Now I get to be a part of the revolution of inclusion. Best Buddies not only cultivated my voice but amplified it. I am now the best version of myself because of Best Buddies. I am an advocate, a proud leader, and proud to be a part of the group that is creating space for us all to become the best versions of ourselves.

Thank you for reading my story and Go Best Buddies!

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Global Ambassador Shares Heartwarming National Anthem Experience

Jacob Pasternack — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 14:12:57 +0000

TAMPA, Sept. 28, 2023 — Christina Hundley, a Global Ambassador for Best Buddies International, the groundbreaking international nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), spoke to WFLA in Tampa, Florida, to discuss Best Buddies and her recent opportunity to sing the national anthem at a Tampa Bay Rays’ baseball game.

“It was the biggest out-of-body experience for me,” Hundley said. “I’ve never sung for a baseball team like the Tampa Bay Rays.”

Christina was joined by Morgan Heartsfield, the area director for Best Buddies in Tampa.

“[Christina] is such a light to so many of her friends and so many of her family members,” Heartsfield said. “[Christina shows] the beauty that comes when you’re given the chance to be in a safe space to embrace your authenticity.”

Watch the full interview here.

ABOUT BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL:

Best Buddies® 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 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 3,000 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ nine formal programs — Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies®, Jobs, Ambassadors, Promoters and Inclusive Living— engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 49 countries, positively impacting the lives of over 1.3 million people with and without disabilities around the world. In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit www.bestbuddies.org, facebook.com/bestbuddies or instagram.com/bestbuddies. 

Media inquiries:

Best Buddies International:

Jacob Pasternack

JacobPasternack@bestbuddies.org

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The Mosaic Company Provides Funding for 38 Hillsborough and Pasco County Students to Attend the Best Buddies International Leadership Conference

jeremiah — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 21:43:20 +0000

July 21st- 24th, The Mosaic Company partnered with Best Buddies in Florida to provide scholarships for 38 Hillsborough and Pasco County students to attend the annual Best Buddies International Leadership Conference (BBLC) in Bloomington, Indiana. Participants who attended represent members from Best Buddies Friendship and Leadership Development Programs throughout Tampa Bay. This partnership helped decrease barriers and increase access for youth leaders with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead and empower the future of the disability rights and inclusion movement.

Over the past 33 years, BBLC has inspired thousands of leaders to be Best Buddies advocates and to bring about social change in their communities. This conference experience offered opportunities for the youth leaders to learn from professional presenters, participate in small group peer discussions, engage with disability experts, and choose from various education sessions that informed, inspired, and advanced each attendee’s role in the disability rights movement in their local communities. Best Buddies in Florida sent a total of 188 community leaders to join the more than 2,000 individuals from around the world.

Each year at closing ceremonies, Best Buddies selects 10 participants from our ambassador track – an educational track offering training opportunities for self-determination, self-advocacy, speech writing, and presentation skills for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities – to share their personal story. This year, Best Buddies in Florida was honored to have Becca from the North Florida Best Buddies office selected to share her story in front of 2,000 of her newest friends. Here is what she had to say:

“I joined Best Buddies in high school, and everything changed. I met my friend Mary Grace, and the rest is history. Or should I say I created history? My friendships through Best Buddies helped me to branch out in my school. I was the first individual with a disability to be invited to join the varsity cheerleading team – go, Sharks! I was also the first person with a disability to become a Best Buddies Chapter President in Florida. I made many great friends that I still have today, and these people are my best friends and will always be. For me, Best Buddies was the door to my truest self. I started with the hope of feeling a part of a group, but I found a family. My participation in Best Buddies has taught me how to advocate for myself and people like me throughout my community. Now I get to be a part of the revolution of inclusion. Best Buddies has not only cultivated my voice but amplified it. I am now the best version of myself because of Best Buddies. I am an advocate and a proud leader, proud to be a part of this group that is creating the space for us to become the best version of ourselves.” – Best Buddies in Florida Ambassador, Becca.

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The Mosaic Company Partners With Best Buddies In Florida To Decrease Barriers and Improve Access For People with IDD

Drew Heinrich — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 16:56:40 +0000

MIAMI, FL. October 4, 2022 – Best Buddies International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is excited to announce that it is partnering with The Mosaic Company to decrease barriers and improve access for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Best Buddies is grateful for partners like The Mosaic Company who have shown incredible fortitude and commitment throughout the challenges stemming from the pandemic,” said Anthony K. Shriver, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Best Buddies International. “With their support, Best Buddies will continue to reach thousands of participants with IDD and provide them with the resources needed to feel included, confident and optimistic about the road ahead. I am confident that together we will continue to empower this community— connecting advocates and mobilizing our supporters to create a more inclusive world.”

“At Mosaic, we believe in decreasing barriers and increasing access for Hillsborough and Polk County students in Best Buddies’ School Friendship Program. These students seek to impact their schools and communities through opportunities that provide them with leadership-, allyship-, future employment- and general life skills,” said Sarah Fedorchuk, Vice President of North America Government and Public Affairs, “I am personally familiar with the impact that Best Buddies’ School Friendship Program has on its participants and the ripple effect it has on the school, families, and community and I am thrilled to see Mosaic partner on this powerful investment.”

Best Buddies Friendship programs represent one of Best Buddies’ four key mission pillars. These programs build one-to-one friendships between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), offering social interactions while improving the quality of life and level of inclusion for a population that is often isolated and excluded. Through their participation, people with IDD form meaningful connections with their peers, gain self-confidence and self-esteem, and share interests, experiences, and activities that many other individuals enjoy.

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ABOUT BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL:
Best Buddies^® 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 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 3,000 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ nine formal programs — Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies^®, Jobs, Ambassadors, Promoters and Inclusive Living — engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 47 countries, positively impacting the lives of more than 1 million people with and without disabilities around the world. In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit www.bestbuddies.org, Facebook, or Twitter.

ABOUT THE MOSAIC COMPANY:
The Mosaic Company is one of the world’s leading producers and marketers of concentrated phosphate and potash crop nutrients. Mosaic is a single source provider of phosphates and potash fertilizers and feed ingredients for the global agriculture industry. More information on the company is available at www.mosaicco.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Nicole Maddox, Best Buddies International
(Office): 305-374-2233 ext. 343
NicoleMaddox@bestbuddies.org

Jackie Barron, The Mosaic Company
941-356-0045
Jackie.Barron@mosaicco.com

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