Tennessee News Archives - Best Buddies International

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 International Host Its 7th Annual Celebration Of Mothers In Nashville, TN

Drew Heinrich — Mon, 06 May 2024 21:59:16 +0000

Organization Officially Launched Its Eunie’s Buddies Program To Empower Families On Their Journey Of Raising A Child With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities

Nashville, TN, May 6, 2024 – Best Buddies International, a nonprofit founded in 1989 to establish 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), hosted its 7th Annual Best Buddies’ Celebration of Mothers this past Saturday, May 4, in Nashville, TN. The event celebrated mothers all around the world, with a special focus on the remarkable mothers of Best Buddies participants, paying homage to the gifts of love and friendship they give to their children.

This year held special significance as Best Buddies officially launched its newest mission pillar, Family Support. This initiative offered families the support and resources needed to navigate the journey of raising a child with IDD through the Eunie’s Buddies program, named affectionately in honor of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics and a true hero who advocated tirelessly for positive change in the lives of individuals with IDD.

“Mothers serve as pillars of love, friendship, and strength within their families,” said Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Best Buddies International. “My mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, will always be my hero, and I am thankful for her enduring spirit which guides me in the work I do today on behalf of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her unending love and guidance inspired our Eunie’s Buddies program. With this initiative, we’re committed to ensuring that families and individuals with IDD receive the support and resources needed to thrive and pursue their dreams just like everyone else.”

The 7th Annual Best Buddies Celebrating Mothers honored Best Buddies’ Mother of the Year — Ellen Boyer. Ellen, founder and president of the Nashville-based Brett Boyer Foundation, showed incredible resilience and compassion. Following the loss of her firstborn, Sadie Brett Boyer, to congenital heart disease, Ellen and her husband Bo turned their grief into action, focusing on funding CHD research, supporting affected families, and promoting inclusion within the Down syndrome community. Their partnership with Best Buddies since 2018 had enriched lives and spread hope through their generous contributions and unwavering support.

Guests enjoyed delectable cocktails, a gourmet lunch, and special live musical performances by country singer-songwriter Sarahbeth Taite, and Grammy-winning and Emmy-nominated songwriter Desmond Child, who performed with Best Buddies Ambassador Marlana VanHoose, an acclaimed singer who captivates audiences with her powerful and soulful voice, while Buddy Ambassadors Fran Sheinberg and Olivia DeCaria moved the crowd with inspirational speeches. Guests also enjoyed beautiful floral arrangements from bouquet box, an ice cream mixing station provided by Cold Stone Creamery, and other fun family fun and activities such as axe throwing, and a build-a- bear station. Philanthropists and Best Buddies celebrity supporters alike joined Best Buddies’ Founder,

Anthony Kennedy Shriver, to generate even greater awareness of the organization’s mission of inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

For more information, please contact Mark Wylie, Vice President, Talent Relations, at Best Buddies International: MarkWylie@BestBuddies.org.

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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Best Buddies International to Host Its 7th Annual Celebration of Mothers in Nashville, TN

Drew Heinrich — Wed, 01 May 2024 15:50:10 +0000

Organization Will Officially Launch Its Eunie’s Buddies Program to Empower Families on Their Journey of Raising a Child With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Nashville, TN, May 1, 2024 – Best Buddies International, a nonprofit founded in 1989 to establish 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), is excited to announce its 7th Annual Best Buddies’ Celebration of Mothers this Saturday, May 4, in Nashville, TN. The event will celebrate mothers all around the world, with a special focus on the remarkable mothers of Best Buddies participants, paying homage to the gifts of love and friendship they give to their children.

This year holds special significance as Best Buddies will officially launch its newest mission pillar, Family Support. This initiative offers families the support and resources needed to navigate the journey of raising a child with IDD through the Eunie’s Buddies program, named affectionately in honor of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics and a true hero who advocated tirelessly for positive change in the lives of individuals with IDD.

From left to right: Bo and his wife Ellen Boyer, who proudly holds a picture of their daughter Sadie Brett Boyer, standing alongside Caroline and Country music artist Luke Bryan.

The 7th Annual Best Buddies Celebrating Mothers will honor Best Buddies’ Mother of the Year — Ellen Boyer. Ellen, founder and president of the Nashville-based Brett Boyer Foundation, has shown incredible resilience and compassion. Following the loss of her firstborn, Sadie Brett Boyer, to congenital heart disease, Ellen and her husband Bo turned their grief into action, focusing on funding CHD research, supporting affected families, and promoting inclusion within the Down syndrome community. Their partnership with Best Buddies since 2018 has enriched lives and spread hope through their generous contributions and unwavering support.

Guest will enjoy delectable cocktails, a gourmet lunch, and special live musical performances by country singer-songwriter Sarahbeth Taite, and Grammy-winning and Emmy-nominated songwriter Desmond Child, who will perform with Best Buddies Ambassador Marlana VanHoose, an acclaimed singer who captivates audiences with her powerful and soulful voice. Philanthropists and Best Buddies celebrity supporters alike will join Best Buddies’ Founder, Anthony Kennedy Shriver, to generate an even greater awareness of the organization’s mission of inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Event Sponsors

Title Sponsor:
Richard Carolan

Presenting Sponsor:
Anthony Pratt

Mission Sponsor:
Don List
DNI Corp
Effy

For event tickets please visit Celebrating Mothers.

For more information, please contact Mark Wylie, Vice President, Talent Relations, at Best Buddies International: MarkWylie@BestBuddies.org.

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

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She Unexpectedly Asked a Lady From Church for a Ride. Now, the Two Are National Best Buddies

Jacob Pasternack — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 14:45:52 +0000

“From the start of their friendship, Meyer told Heiche about Best Buddies, the fun she had at their programs, the special relationships she formed through the organization.

Meyer, 34, and Heiche, 29, started going to Best Buddies events together, and, at a 2017 Randy Travis tribute concert, Heiche asked Meyer if they could be paired through the program.

That official designation came down on Valentine’s Day, and the two mark it every year with a Galentine’s get together.”

Read the full article.

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 and inclusive living 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’ 11 formal programs — Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies®, Jobs, Ambassadors, Promoters, Transitions and Inclusive Living— engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 49 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 www.bestbuddies.org or connect with us via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Media Inquiries
Jacob Pasternack
Manager of Marketing and Communications
JacobPasternack@BestBuddies.org

The post She Unexpectedly Asked a Lady From Church for a Ride. Now, the Two Are National Best Buddies appeared first on Best Buddies International.

Meet Angelica Allsup – Best Buddies Ambassador

dheinrich — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 03:48:34 +0000

Leadership Development

Angelica has defied the odds and was chosen to speak during the closing ceremonies at Best Buddies Leadership Conference. She was also chosen for the new Ambassadors Leadership Academy and took “Partners in Policy Making” courses in Nashville this year.

Before graduation, her final project was on Best Buddies and her desire to work with the Jobs program to help people with disabilities find employment. Her story is truly remarkable and she has touched many lives with her testimony.

“Being positive is the key to my existence and everyone has a struggle that they want to overcome. I do not want my cerebral palsy to define me. By the time I was twelve years old, I had lost everyone in my family.

My mom passed away when I was twelve and my father passed away when I was a baby. I had an older sister, but she passed before I was born and my grandparents all passed away. I was born in San Francisco, California, but grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. I went into foster care and then I had to go back to San Francisco to become emancipated.

I left San Francisco on a Grey Hound bus after saving up all my money and headed back to Memphis. I had made up my mind that I was going to live independently.

Something was still missing and that was friendship.

I had heard about the Best Buddies college program at the University of Memphis and I decided to join. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. There, I met Madison, my buddy. She went from being my buddy to being my family. Madison does not see my disability, she sees me.

She supports me in my dreams and we both compete together in beauty pageants and we have both won many. My biggest achievement was winning the National Miss Amazing.

I want to show people who don’t have disabilities that people with disabilities are capable of doing anything. I want to help people with disabilities get employed. I want to show people with disabilities that they are capable.

Best Buddies has put so many people in my life that love me and care about me. It makes me feel so good. Best Buddies is a wonderful program.”

Angelica Allsup
Best Buddies Ambassador

“Angelica and Best Buddies have changed my life for the better. I know that she is going to be an imprint on so many people’s lives and it’s incredible.” – , Best Buddy

Madison Snipes
Angelican’s Buddy

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Meet Daniel Mirtes – Best Buddies Jobs

dheinrich — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 03:20:45 +0000

Integrated Employment

Daniel is 25 years old and has autism, but he is very quick to tell you that he is not defined by his disability. Before working with Best Buddies Jobs, Daniel found the job seeking process to be very difficult and unsupported.

He did his own resumes and went on interviews with the support of his family and friends. He secured a position as a store clerk at Publix and worked there for two years. He realized that his talents and skills were not being utilized and decided to seek employment that matched both his skills and passion.

For Daniel, full-time work was a goal that would hopefully lead to independent living. In 2015, Daniel decided to apply for assistance from the Best Buddies Jobs program, which was just getting started. Daniel was one of the first participants in the Best Buddies Tennessee Jobs program in 2015, and listed his dream job in an office setting, with a focus on tech work.

After several interviews, he found a full-time position at Verus Healthcare as a medical equipment technician. His responsibilities included cleaning the CPAP machines. After mastering this position, Verus quickly learned that Daniel had more to offer and he was promoted to Service Technician.

David Quilleon, Daniel Mirtes, and Anthony Kennedy Shriver

“I get to work every day with awesome people and help people all day with computer issues and problem-solving in the IT department,” stated Daniel when asked what he loves most about his job. His team loves his effort and drive him to be the best he can be!

This promotion allowed Daniel to achieve another life goal – owning his own home. Daniel recently put a down payment on a condo in Franklin. Construction should be completed this fall and he is excited to move in and start a new chapter of independent living.

He is excited about living on his own and learning to budget, cook for himself, and all of the other homeowner responsibilities. As he states, this is a dream come true and could not have been possible without Best Buddies and the team at Verus who saw his talent and gave him a chance.

Daniel is a shining star in the Jobs program and was awarded Best Buddies Jobs Employee of the Year at the Best Buddies Leadership Conference in July of 2017. He wears this award proudly and we all share his excitement. Not only has Daniel accomplished so many goals over the last two years, but he also believes in giving back.

He is quick to say yes for any opportunity to speak at events about his life and Best Buddies. The message he wants to get across to every person with IDD is to set goals, dream big, and to never forget that anything is possible!

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Meet Carolyn & Haley – Best Buddies Citizens Program

dheinrich — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 03:02:45 +0000

One-to-One Friendship

It has been two years since Haley noticed Carolyn working the check-in desk at her job at the YMCA. Haley hadn’t seen Carolyn at church in quite some time and went over to say hello. Carolyn shared that the reason she hadn’t been to church in a while was because she didn’t have a ride to get there.

“Do you think you could take me?” Carolyn quickly asked.

“Yeah I think I can do that!” Haley replied.

Little did either of them know that such a simple exchange would lead to such an incredible friendship.

Haley began spending time with Carolyn and learned about Best Buddies and the impact it had made on her life. After attending several events together, Haley applied to the Citizens program, eager to become Carolyn’s official buddy. On Valentine’s Day, they were matched!

Carolyn and Haley’s friendship is unique in more ways than just its beginnings as a natural friendship. The two have a bond that is absolutely beautiful to watch, attending concerts and sporting events together, and having girl’s nights and sleepovers regularly. Carolyn even credits her “style” to Haley’s influence, and both ladies love getting dressed up and going out on the town together.

Becoming an official buddy pair has opened some amazing doors for them. The pair are extremely passionate about promoting the mission of Best Buddies and talk about our organization with anyone who will listen.

They have shared their touching story at numerous speaking engagements, including the 2017 Hyannis Port Challenge, leaving listeners in tears.

Haley competed in last year’s Nashville Champion of the Year campaign with Carolyn right by her side as her official campaign manager. The two took full advantage of Haley’s Champion of the Year platform and put on several events, determined to raise as much money and awareness for Best Buddies as they possibly could.

Their hard work paid off and Haley was the runner-up, raising $12,000! The campaign ended at Party with a Purpose where Haley and Carolyn danced the night away in their coordinated 1920’s attire.

Haley has experienced such inspiration from her friendship with Carolyn, growing increasingly passionate about serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Haley felt led to make a career jump and pursued a new path with Best Buddies.

She was recently hired as the Citizens Program Manager at Best Buddies Tennessee. When asked what made her decide to pursue a different career path, her answer is simple: Carolyn.

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