Massachusetts News Archives - Best Buddies International

7NEWS team members join hundreds of bikers for annual Best Buddies Challenge

Drew Heinrich — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 16:02:31 +0000

HYANNIS, MASS. (WHDH) – Members of the 7NEWS team and hundreds of other riders hit the road Saturday for the Best Buddies Challenge, a bike ride to raise money for the organization.

Watch the full video here

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Patriots QB Drake Maye says it’s an ‘honor’ to work with Best Buddies ahead of bike challenge

Drew Heinrich — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 15:50:23 +0000

BOSTON (WHDH) – Saturday kicks off the annual Best Buddies bike ride to Hyannis Port. The non-profit group raises money to help people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and 7News is a proud partner.

New Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is the honorary chair of this year’s Best Buddies Challenge.

Watch the full video here

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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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A Successful Spring Friendship Walk Season

leemosler — Thu, 23 May 2024 14:51:40 +0000

Thank you to everyone who participated, sponsored, donated, and walked in our Spring Friendship Walk Season!!

Our Rhode Island Friendship Walk was a huge hit! We raised over $54,000 that will go straight to helping fund our amazing school chapters statewide. The day was full of dancing, singing, laughing, and sun! We would not have been able to do it without Rhode Island showing up in full force!

Thank you to all our sponsors for the Rhode Island Friendship Walk! A big shout out to our presenting sponsor, PLAN of MA and RI, and our additional sponsors, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Make Someone Happy, Touro Fraternal Association, Navigant Credit Union, Ballet RI, Hope Global, True Training Studio, RI Realtors, and Studio 47 Pilates!

Our second walk of the season was our Central MA Friendship Walk! They absolutely crushed it by raising over $60,000! This money will have a huge impact on the schools and communities in the surrounding areas! It was a fun day at Polar Park full of friendship and inclusion!

Thank you to all our sponsors for the Central MA Friendship Walk! A big shout out to our presenting sponsor, PLAN of MA and RI, and our additional sponsors, Sounds2Syntax, Country Bank, Avidia Bank, Turkish Airlines, Aria Covey Foundation, Fontaine Community Foundation, Cornerstone Bank, Reliant Medical Group, Main Street Bank, Hanover Insurance Group Foundation, Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation, St. Mary’s Credit Union, the WooSox Foundation, Eink, and Federation for Children with Special Needs! Another big thank you to Spike Photo Booth for adding more fun to the day!

A huge shout out to all our top fundraisers and teams:

Rhode Island top individuals:

Ben Orent
Abby Orent
John MacDonald

Rhode Island top teams:

Ben Orent
Providence College
Saylesville BELIEVErs

Central MA top individuals:

Kevin Hausmann
Chamberlain Macdonald
Nathaniel Lewin

Central MA top teams:

Algonquin Best Buddies
MA Jobs Team
Groton-Dunstable High School

Our 2024 walk season is not over yet! Don’t forget to register and join us at the Boston Friendship Walk on October 19th!

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Josiah Quincy Elementary School provides critical disability education for students

leemosler — Mon, 20 May 2024 14:19:37 +0000

Josiah Quincy Elementary School is a shining example of our elementary Best Buddies programming and proves that you are never too young to learn about inclusion and disability justice.

JQES is a public elementary school in the Chinatown neighborhood of Boston. They joined Best Buddies in 2022 and have seen incredible success across all of the participating students and throughout their school community.
Students with and without disabilities meet bi-weekly to play games, do art projects, and read books all about how to be a good friend and how to be the best includers they can be.

Best Buddies sessions at JQES have included ways to be a good friend, an introduction to AAC devices, how to respect people’s “body bubbles” including their mobility aids, an introduction to autism and ways to befriend autistic peers, how to respectfully ask questions about people different than ourselves, some history of the disability rights movement, and the importance of inclusion: where everyone is together, and no one is left out.

Students as young as first grade in JQES Best Buddies can express their thoughts and feelings about disability justice and emphasize their passion for supporting their friends, however they want to be supported.

Carrie Decarlo, Teacher of Multiple Disabilities at JQES writes:

“At JQES we joined Best Buddies in 2022 and it has been amazing. My students enjoy spending time with other classes in such an inclusive environment. One student, Maliyah, has been greatly affected by these sessions. When she began, she was a fourth grader who enjoyed the company of adults and mostly shied away from students her own age. Because she has difficulty speaking, most students avoided having any interaction with her. That changed because of her time with Best Buddies. Many of the other students began talking and interacting with her, to the point where they would spend their lunch time together. She began asking for the students to come to her classroom and asked to visit theirs. This year, Maliyah has become much more social with children her own age, so much so that she has joined the JQES Student Council and engages with the students at the meetings. This dramatic change is directly correlated to the Best Buddies program.”
Maliyah and her buddy, Leia, enjoy doing arts and crafts together and talking about their favorite TV characters. When it’s time for Best Buddies, Leia always hurries to clean off her desk and pull up another chair so the two of them can sit next to one another.

JQES Best Buddies reminds us that you are never to young to learn about inclusion and disability justice, but most importantly, never too young to make a new friend.

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New England Patriots Quarterback Drake Maye Named Honorary Chair Of 25th Anniversary Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port Presented By Jersey Mike’s Subs, Shaw’s And Star Market Foundation And The TJX Companies, Inc.

Drew Heinrich — Mon, 06 May 2024 16:47:32 +0000

Boston, May 6, 2024 – Best Buddies International, a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is pleased to announce that the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and New England Patriots Quarterback Drake Maye will serve as Honorary Chair of the 25th Anniversary Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port, presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs, Shaw’s and Star Market Foundation and The TJX Companies, Inc. More than 1,500 people are expected to participate in the Challenge – a charity ride, run, and walk to benefit Best Buddies International.

“Best Buddies is thrilled to commemorate the 25th anniversary of our Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port, an event that was chaired by Tom Brady for 20 years and alone raised over $100 million for Best Buddies programs,” said Anthony K. Shriver, Founder, Chairman & CEO, Best Buddies International. “Additionally, we are incredibly grateful to celebrate this year’s event with New England Patriots Quarterback Drake Maye serving as our Honorary Chair. Drake will bring a new level of energy and excitement to our event, and we look forward to building a long-lasting friendship with him to keep pushing our mission forward in the years to come.”

The Challenge kicks off on Friday, May 31 with a reception at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. On Saturday, June 1, hundreds of cyclists, including cycling legend Alberto Contador – winner of all three Grand Tours – the Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, and the Tour de France – and professional cyclist Cam Wurf will take the starting line at the JFK Library for the picturesque 100-mile ride portion of the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port, from Boston to Hyannis Port. The Challenge is open to participants of all ages and abilities and is designed to showcase the Best Buddies mission in action. It also features alternative 55 and 20-mile cycling routes, and a 5K run or walk option.

During the Challenge, Drake will interact with fans and supporters of Best Buddies at each of the weekend’s festivities, including a New England-style clambake and a private concert by guitar legend Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles, at Craigville Beach. Best Buddies and Drake Maye will bring back the legendary football toss, a tradition initiated by former Honorary Chair and Best Buddies Global Ambassador Tom Brady. Drake will also play golf with some of Best Buddies’ top supporters at the Hyannis Port Golf Club, capping off a weekend filled with fun, friendship and inclusion in support of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To join Team Drake Maye, please register HERE.

This year’s Challenge sponsors include: Presenting Sponsors Jersey Mike’s Subs, Shaw’s and Star Market Foundation and The TJX Companies, Inc.; Hyannis Port Club Sponsors BODYARMOR – The Official Water & Sports Beverage Partner of the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port, Wells Fargo, WHDH/Channel 7; Cape Club Sponsors Coca-Cola – The Official Beverage Partner of Best Buddies, Planned Lifetime Assistance Network (PLAN) of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Inc., and Volvo Car USA; Craigville Beach Club Sponsors Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Crescent Capital Partners, Greenberg Traurig, Morgan Stanley, Mark Edward Partners, Santana Team, ServiceNow, Sevita, Silicon Valley Bank, A Division of First Citizens Bank, Teddie Peanut Butter, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Media Sponsor WHDH/Channel 7 – The Official Media Sponsor of the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port; Official Bike Sponsor Pinarello; In-Kind Sponsors Cape Air, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, and Harpoon Brewery – The Official Beer Sponsor of the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port.

About Best Buddies
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, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). 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’ 12 formal programs — Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies®, Jobs, Ambassadors, Promoters, Transitions, Inclusive Living and Eunie’s Buddies— engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 45 countries, positively impacting the lives of nearly one 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 bestbuddies.org or connect with us via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Media Inquiries
Best Buddies International
Nicole Maddox
Vice President, Communications
NicoleMaddox@Bestbuddies.org

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A Look Into the Boston Public Schools Friendship Ball

leemosler — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 12:41:08 +0000

This March, we had our annual Boston Public Schools Best Buddies Ball! Students came from all over Boston for an inclusive morning of dancing and fun. Held at the TRACK at New Balance, hundreds and students danced their hearts out, created memories in our photobooth, made and swapped friendship bracelets, and enjoyed an incredible lunch. We love seeing students celebrate inclusion and friendship!

Program Manager, Maya Wernick, says “our BPS students had an amazing time at the Ball. Many describe it as the ‘best day of the year’–bringing the BPS Best Buddies community together helps to build friendships, but also helps to uplift the students’ sense of belonging.”

We would love to thank Whitney’s, the TRACK at New Balance, Flour Bakery, Tatte Bakery, Rail Stop Restaurant, and Roche Bros Market for their generous contributions to the event.

We are so proud of all of our BPS chapters!

Thank you to Illiana Ochoa and Jamie Perkins for these amazing pictures of the students enjoying the day!

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Marblehead’s Night of Basketball

leemosler — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 19:56:56 +0000

Chapter advisor, Michael Lavender, and senior Caitlyn Cuzner believe Best Buddies has made an incredible on their school and community.

“It’s fun for kids and … friendship,” Cuzner said.

The article also discusses how “the game marked one of many Best Buddies events held throughout the year to forge such friendships. Others have included a Halloween party, movie outings, Valentine’s Day card-making and more. Chapter adviser and MHS physical education teacher Michael Lavender, who has guided the school’s Best Buddies chapter for about 15 years, said he most enjoys “seeing the smiles on their faces” referring to students at Best Buddies events. Overall, Lavender believes the chapter positively impacts campus climate beyond those directly involved by promoting broader acceptance.”

“It just shows inclusiveness, kindness,” Lavender said as students sat in the bleachers. “Our students are accepted everywhere. That’s really what Best Buddies is about.”

Check out the article

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Boston Celtics Host Fourth Annual Best Buddies Night

jeremiah — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 19:20:47 +0000

Boston, MA, Feb. 6, 2024 — The Boston Celtics held their fourth annual Best Buddies Night at the Celtics presented by Teddie Peanut Butter for participants of Best Buddies in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the state subsidiaries of Best Buddies International, a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for friendship, employment, leadership development and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), on Jan. 30 when they took on the Indiana Pacers. Hundreds of Best Buddies participants, including Best Buddies Founder, Chairman and CEO Anthony K. Shriver, attended the game.

The Celtics gave these participants the basketball experience of a lifetime. Before the game, the student participants were invited to shoot hoops on the court and participate in the Celtics’ high-five tunnel, where they could interact with Celtics’ players. To start the game, Best Buddies Global Ambassador Tori Ackley sung the national anthem, and Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port participants from Team Mali were recognized by the Celtics with the Heroes Among Us award, which is “presented to an individual or individuals who, through their unique commitment and humanitarian spirit, have made exceptional and lasting contributions to our community.”

“It is an honor to team up with the Boston Celtics and Teddie Peanut Butter for this wonderful event,” Katelyn Labarre, the director of development for Best Buddies in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, said. “They are all so supportive of our mission of inclusion and work hard to put on a wonderful evening for our participants, supporters and volunteers. It was truly an unforgettable night!”

During the game, the participants were highlighted on the jumbotron and sold 50:50 raffle tickets with the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation to benefit Best Buddies.

“I had a great time at Best Buddies Night, it was great to engage with the fans and see so much support for a great organization,” Dudley Williams, a Best Buddies Massachusetts and Rhode Island Ambassador, said. “I enjoyed selling the 50:50 tickets and chatting with new people about Best Buddies.”

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Meet Melinda!

leemosler — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 14:21:34 +0000

Melinda is one of our superstar job participants! She has been working at Sodexo at Umass Memorial in Worcester as a food service worker! She has been there since 2017 and graduated from our jobs program!

She is very excited to participate in the 2024 Friendship walks and represent the jobs program!

“I am always so excited about the Friendship Walk because I get to meet new people, new friends, and help spread inclusion without limits. I love my job because I have the best coworkers and managers. Thank you all for accepting me for who I am and never giving up on me. Follow your heart and eventually your dreams will come true”

We can’t wait to see all that Melinda does in 2024!

The Best Buddies Jobs program represents one of our organization’s four key mission pillars, Integrated Employment. This program secures jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), allowing them to earn an income, pay taxes, and continuously and independently support themselves.
The Jobs program places focus beyond the typical jobs in which a person with IDD might be placed. Best Buddies focuses on finding work that matches the job seeker’s interests and talents.

If you or your company are interested because contact Shiloh Murray, Director of Jobs in Massachusetts at ShilohMurray@BestBuddies.org to learn more.

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