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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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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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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Miami, FL, Dec. 1, 2023 — This Saturday, Dec. 2, Best Buddies Founder, Board Member and CEO Anthony K. Shriver will be featured alongside Best Buddies participants from the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port at 10/9c on the A&E show “Cake Dynasty.”

“Cake Dynasty” is a reality TV show that follows the life of Buddy Valastro, the owner of Carlo’s Bake Shop, and his family as they navigate the challenges of running a rapidly expanding business empire while balancing their personal lives. The show also provides a behind-the-scenes look at the bakery’s operations and the family’s interactions.

Click here to watch a preview of the episode.

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

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BOSTON, MA, Sept. 29, 2023 — Al Horford, the Boston Celtics’ five-time NBA All-Star center, hosted a meet-and-greet event with 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), on September 28 at Guy Fieri’s Tequila Cocina in Boston, Massachusetts.

Members of Horford’s Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port team, Team Horford, were invited to participate in an exciting evening with a cocktail reception and opportunities to take photos with and receive signed memorabilia from the Celtics star. The Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port is an annual charity bike ride event that raises funds for Best Buddies programs nationwide.

Horford was joined at the event by Anthony K. Shriver, the founder, board member and CEO of Best Buddies International, Best Buddies Ambassadors and top donors including Teddie Peanut Butter, Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

“Al’s support for Best Buddies was instrumental in helping us break our fundraising record at Hyannis Port,” said Patrick Shaughnessy, director of the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port. “The meet-and-greet was a fantastic way to celebrate Al’s and Team Horford’s dedication to inclusion.”

Visit https://www.bestbuddieschallenge.org/hp/ to learn more about and sign up for the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port, which will return on June 1, 2024.

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 (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 47 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
305-374-2233, ext. 209

JacobPasternack@bestbuddies.org

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Marlowe loves – her dolls, make-up and manicures but can keep up with her brothers. She loves a stylish wardrobe just like her mom, as well as movies with a great singing and dancing soundtrack and meticulously follows along with the dance routines.  Her truest love in the world is animals. Marlowe is so eager to constantly learn more about all animals, especially dogs. Her nickname is the dog whisperer because dogs always gravitate towards her and they always lay patiently with her as she tells them a story and rubs their belly.

“Having Marlowe as my daughter has fundamentally changed me as a human being.”

Steve’s family started Team Marlowe for the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port in 2012 with 4 riders, raising approximately $10,000 for Best Buddies. To date, Team Marlowe has raised over $750,000 since 2012 and Steve, alone, has raised just shy of $200,000. Steve is a part of the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port Executive Committee, involved in the Winchester chapter of BB Massachusetts/Rhode Island, and a big supporter of Best Buddies. They had no idea how far the experience would take them or how much of an impact they would make on their community and friends. Steve hopes that his family’s involvement can inspire younger generations to get involved and generate endless impact.

Steve explains that Best Buddies is a movement and so much more needs to be done.

Best Buddies has made us feel part of something much bigger than ourselves and gave us a stronger voice to be an advocate.  It has also given us a tremendous sense of community, knowing there are so many people out there to support us and relate to the challenges raising a child with a disability can face. It has also given us so much appreciation for our friends and family and our amazing Team Marlowe.  People have rallied around us in such an amazing way and are helping to create awareness.  We are now witnessing our friends’ kids asking how they can get involved to do more for Best Buddies.  If our contribution can then influence a younger generation to get more involved than that impact can be endless.   We really do feel like we can change the world.

When asked about the biggest lesson he has learned from daughter Marlowe, Steve says:

“I’ve learned that life is so much more beautiful when you look through her lens. Slow down a bit and appreciate life for the true beauty of it and don’t get bogged down in all the things out of your control. Marlowe doesn’t judge anyone or anything and she wakes up every day happy and ready to tackle whatever gets thrown her way.”

Marlowe is one of the most remarkable people Steve has ever met and it isn’t just because she is his daughter:

“Marlowe, I love you because you are so true to yourself and you love me unconditionally and see the best in everyone. I love and admire you for your strength and perseverance and the fact that you never complain about how life can sometimes be unfair. I read this once and it really stuck with me – Sometimes the real-life superheroes live in the hearts of small children fighting big battles.  And that, on top of so many other reasons, is why I love you so much.

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(WHDH) – Tom Brady is not just saying goodbye to the Patriots — he is also saying goodbye to some of his best buddies.

The Best Buddies Tom Brady Football challenge has kicked off summer every year, and Brady would bring along some of his pals from the Patriots to play alongside groups of participants with intellectual and developed disabilities.

Brady has been heavily involved in Best Buddies for more than 15 years.

“If you had to isolate it on one person, he’s done more for us in New England than any individual- other than the buddies themselves,” Shriver said of the former Patriots quarterback. “I think it’s been great to see him develop and grow and understand our program so I think he has a lot of passion.”

In December, Brady decided to take a step back from his duties as honorary co-chair of the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port.

“Since 2003, Tom has proven himself to be a relentless and committed advocate for individuals with disabilities, always going above and beyond the call of duty to help promote a world of inclusion and opportunity for this population,” said Anthony K. Shriver, founder, chairman & CEO of Best Buddies International. “We look forward to seeing all of the phenomenal things he will help us accomplish as a Global Ambassador.”

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Dear Best Buddies Family,

Over the past few weeks, there have been significant developments in the global, national, and local responses to the ongoing spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Here at Best Buddies, everything we do is in an effort to bring people together and create a more inclusive world through the power of one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living opportunities. And that will never change. During times such as these, our friends with disabilities may feel more isolated than ever. That is why we must remain focused on the needs of our community and reaffirm the importance of creating a more accepting world for people of all abilities. Together, we will continue this work.

These are indeed challenging times that are forcing us to consider new ways to connect with our participants and continue hosting Best Buddies events that showcase the heart and soul of our mission — inclusion for all.

The following is an update on Best Buddies events and initiatives given the current COVID-19 situation:

• Best Buddies Friendship Walks: To facilitate social distancing and prioritize the health and safety of our community, the Best Buddies Senior Leadership team has made the decision to convert all spring and summer 2020 Friendship Walks to Virtual Friendship Walks. We are excited to start developing this unique opportunity to join the Best Buddies team online. For more information about the Best Buddies Virtual Friendship Walks, please watch for updates on our Website, Facebook and Instagram pages. We’ll see you online soon!
• 2020 Best Buddies Challenges: We understand our role in ensuring a safe environment for all participants, volunteers, spectators, and supporters. After meeting with, and following the recommendations of the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port Executive Committee, the guidance of the CDC, local government officials and public health authorities, we are postponing the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port to the weekend of September 25-26, 2020. In addition, the spring Best Buddies Camp: Malibu will be rescheduled for the winter of 2020. Registered participants and volunteers will receive additional information in the coming weeks. The Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle scheduled for September 12, 2020, and the Best Buddies Challenge: Miami scheduled for November 20, 2020, will proceed as planned, subject to CDC, national and state guidelines. Further details on all Best Buddies Challenges will be forthcoming.
• Commit to our mission of inclusion in more creative ways! Despite the cancellations and postponements of in-person Best Buddies chapter and social events, there are so many ways we can still connect, be friends and promote inclusion. Do you have an e-Buddy? If not, now is a great time to join the program and share your love of making new friends from the comfort of your own home! Use all available opportunities to connect virtually with online resources such as Google Hangouts, ZOOM, or Skype – to have virtual chapter activities. Pick up the phone and call your buddy! Use your downtime to reconnect and talk about the fun things you plan to do when things settle. You can also start a text thread with your chapter or participate in Best Buddies’ TikTok While You Walk Challenge! Find new ways to virtually connect and enjoy your friend’s company!

Please know that we are closely monitoring this rapidly-evolving situation and will work diligently to ensure that we have the right plans and resources in place, in adherence to the expert guidance and recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local public health authorities.

Despite the unprecedented circumstances, we remain optimistic that our community will navigate these uncertain times with a spirit of empathy and understanding.

For information specific to the coronavirus and the most up-to-date information on the situation, please visit CDC.gov.

Wishing you all the best of health.

In friendship,

The Best Buddies International Leadership Team

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“It has been one of my greatest honors to serve as an Honorary Co-Chair of the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port,” said Tom Brady. “This organization has become a part of my life. I love meeting the inspiring buddies at events, seeing their smiles, and hearing them talk about how Best Buddies has changed their lives for the better by helping them make friends at school and find meaningful jobs in their local communities. I am incredibly proud of all the great things that we have accomplished with the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port over the years and I look forward to continuing to support the organization as a Global Ambassador.”

“I’m also excited that my good friend Julian Edelman is stepping up, alongside Jayson Tatum, to serve as new honorary co-chairs for the new Friday night event hosted by Guy Fieri, Congressman Kennedy, and Vice Chairs Randy Greenstein and Ed Kane of Big Night Entertainment Group,” said Brady.

The all-new 2020 Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port event will feature an extensive culinary experience with recipes from TB12 and Chef Allen Campbell and a private music concert in the new Big Night Live Hub on the Causeway, to support the organization’s mission of inclusion for individuals with special abilities. For more information about the event, please visit: Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port.

“We are forever thankful for Tom’s commitment to our cause and mission-driven initiatives that will continue to create friendships, jobs, leadership development training, and inclusive living opportunities for people with special abilities,” said Anthony K. Shriver, founder, chairman & CEO of Best Buddies International. “Since 2003, Tom has proven himself to be a relentless and committed advocate for individuals with disabilities, always going above and beyond the call of duty to help promote a world of inclusion and opportunity for this population. We look forward to seeing all of the phenomenal things he will help us accomplish as a Global Ambassador.” 

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 elementary schools, 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 56 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; www.facebook.com/bestbuddies; or www.twitter.com/bestbuddies.

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