More than 1,000 Best Buddies supporters from across the state will gather for the 7thAnnual Best Buddies Connecticut Friendship Walk on Sunday, Nov. 8. The event supports the international social inclusion movement of Best Buddies, whose mission is to create one-to-one friendships, and leadership and integrated employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (“IDD”). The event will take place at Quinnipiac University’s North Haven campus, 370 Bassett Road, North Haven. Registration will start at 10 a.m.
The proceeds from the Friendship Walk form a major pillar of support to fund the Best Buddies Connecticut programs across the state. According to 2015 Walk Co-Chair Peg Anthony, “Right now, we have chapters in eight middle schools, thirty high schools, and eleven colleges, with forty more schools on the wait list to open chapters. I know first-hand the profound impact Best Buddies has on our communities, as well as on each individual involved.” Anthony is the former parent advisor of the Cheshire High School chapter and the mother of BBCT Ambassador Bobby Anthony. “Not only has Bobby made lifelong friends, his Best Buddies experiences have given him social skills, and even more, enough confidence to speak and advocate at community events and to corporate sponsors. It’s such a unique organization – truly transformational.” Proceeds from the Friendship Walk go toward funding Best Buddies programs, including the school chapters, as well as the Citizens program for older adults and the Ambassadors leadership program.
Connecticut State Senator Ted Kennedy is serving as this year’s Honorary Chair of the walk. Kennedy’s cousin, Anthony Kennedy Shriver, founded Best Buddies in 1989.
Opening Ceremonies will begin at 11 a.m. NBC Connecticut Meteorologist Ryan Hanrahan will emcee with music by Power Station and Events. The walk will commence at 11:30 a.m. Pre-registration is available online (at no cost) at www.bestbuddiesct.org/walk, where participants can sign up, form a team, or make a general donation to Best Buddies Connecticut.
The Walk will include a Mini-Food-Truck-Festival, a Fall Fun Fair with kids’ games, face painting, tattoos, pumpkin bowling, crafts, and health and wellness information booths, as well as a Touch-A-Truck show. Live music entertainment will be provided by the Kandoo Band (named among the Top 25 Stars of the Best Buddies Movement), along with special guest, recording artist and 2015 CT Music Awards Album of the Year winner, Sarah LeMieux (The Sarah LeMieux Quintet, The Girls From Ruby Falls.)
The Finish Line? Social inclusion for all people with IDD!
- Contact: MichelleConnolly@bestbuddies.org or LezlyeZupkus@bestbuddies.org
- Phone: 203.234.3996
- Website: www.bestbuddiesct.org/walk
About Best Buddies International: Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,900 middle school, high school, and college campuses across the country and internationally. Best Buddies operates programs in all 50 states and 50 countries outside the United States.
For additional information about local Best Buddies programs, contact Best Buddies Connecticut at (203) 234-3996 or visit the web at www.bestbuddiesct.org.